Significance of Metaphorical phrases
The concept of metaphorical phrases spans various philosophical and religious traditions, including Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and others. A metaphorical phrase typically involves the use of figurative language to represent one idea or concept through another, enhancing understanding through comparisons. These phrases invite deeper meanings beyond their literal interpretations, illustrating points and conveying complex ideas succinctly. Common across different teachings, these expressions serve as powerful tools for enriching language, evoking vivid imagery, and highlighting similarities between disparate concepts.
Synonyms: Figurative expression, Metaphorical expression
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Metaphorical phrases'
In Buddhism, the metaphorical phrase serves to enhance understanding by drawing comparisons between unrelated concepts, using figurative language to symbolize deeper spiritual insights and illuminate qualities through associative meanings beyond literal interpretation.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) phrases that use metaphors to represent ideas or concepts in a figurative and imaginative way.[1] (2) Comparative expressions that symbolize or represent something else, not meant to be taken literally.[2] (3) Phrases that use metaphor to suggest meanings beyond the literal context.[3] (4) Phrases that utilize metaphors to symbolize concepts or ideas, enhancing understanding through comparison.[4] (5) Phrases that imply a comparison to highlight certain qualities or attributes without using direct analogies.[5]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Statements that imply a meaning different from the literal interpretation, used to illustrate ideas or concepts.[6]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Expressions used to convey deeper meanings and insights, particularly in the context of discussing abstract spiritual concepts in Buddhism.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Metaphorical phrases'
In Hinduism, a 'Metaphorical phrase' encapsulates figurative language that creatively compares concepts, conveying deeper meanings, enriching text with imagery, and illustrating complex ideas through symbolic representations rather than literal interpretations.
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Phrases that represent one thing in terms of another, often used to create vivid imagery or deeper meaning.[8] (2) Phrases that utilize figurative language to represent ideas in an imaginative way.[9] (3) Figures of speech that imply comparisons between disparate things.[10] (4) Phrases that use metaphorical language to represent concepts or ideas symbolically.[11] (5) Figures of speech that represent something in a creative or non-literal way.[12]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Figures of speech that imply a comparison between different concepts without using 'like' or 'as', enriching the language.[13] (2) Expressions that imply a comparison by referring to one thing in terms of another, conveying meaning in a non-literal way.[14]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) expressions that imply a figurative meaning rather than a literal one, used to create more vivid imagery.[15]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Expressions used in the text that capture the complexities of Brahman's nature, such as being likened to a formless being while simultaneously embodying the essence of existence.[16]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) Expressions that convey meanings through indirect comparisons, enhancing understanding beyond literal interpretation.[17]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Phrases that imply a comparison between unrelated things to highlight similarities, often for rhetorical effect.[18] (2) Phrases that use metaphor to draw comparisons and suggest meanings that are not literally true.[19] (3) Phrases that signify something different from their literal interpretation, often used to draw comparisons.[20] (4) Phrases that imply a comparison between two unlike things, showcasing a symbolic or abstract interpretation.[21] (5) Phrases that employ metaphors to add depth or create imagery in language, indicating something beyond the literal.[22]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) Expressions that convey meanings through comparison rather than literal interpretation.[23] (2) Phrases that imply a meaning different from the literal interpretation, often used to convey complex ideas succinctly.[24] (3) Expressions that represent an idea through comparisons to something else, highlighting similarities.[25] (4) Phrases that represent one idea or concept through the use of symbols or analogies to convey a deeper meaning.[26] (5) Expressions that convey meaning through symbolic or abstract representations.[27]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Phrases that make a comparison between unrelated things, often to illustrate a point.[28] (2) phrases that use one concept to represent another, typically for stylistic effect.[29]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) Expressions that entail figurative meanings, used in the argument to convey philosophical points about the body and soul.[30]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Figures of speech that represent one thing in terms of another, enriching the text with symbolic meaning.[31] (2) Language that uses symbolic representations to convey deeper meaning beyond the direct definitions of the words.[32] (3) Phrases that illustrate an idea or concept by comparing it to something else, not meant to be taken literally.[33]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Figures of speech that use metaphors to suggest a resemblance or analogy between different concepts or ideas.[34]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Refers to expressions that draw comparisons, as seen in the description of the vraja-gopis' actions, enhancing the understanding of their love for Krishna.[35]
From: Matangalila and Hastyayurveda (study)
(1) A figurative expression used in the context of referring to the diggajas in the inscriptions, implying deeper meanings.[36]
From: Vasudevavijaya of Vasudeva (Study)
(1) Figures of speech that may be employed in Vasudevavijaya, enhancing its poetic and literary quality while conveying complex ideas.[37]
The concept of Metaphorical phrases in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Metaphorical phrase" signifies expressions that utilize metaphors, conveying deeper meanings beyond the literal sense. These phrases often rely on comparisons, enriching understanding and adding layers of interpretation.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) phrases that use metaphors to create meanings that go beyond the literal interpretation.[38] (2) Phrases that imply a meaning different from the literal interpretation, often using comparison.[39]