Significance of Mirage
In various philosophical and cultural contexts, the term "Mirage" serves as a metaphor for illusion and deceptive perceptions. The Purana describes it as an optical phenomenon illustrating the mind's delusions and false realities, while Kavya links it to cultural interpretations of natural sights. Vedanta and Mahayana further elaborate on it as an illusion leading individuals to pursue transient pleasures, revealing the deceptive nature of life. Similarly, Theravada emphasizes the illusory aspects of perception, indicating that what seems real often lacks true substance.
Synonyms: Illusion, Delusion, Optical illusion, Fantasy, Vision, Trick, Phantom
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mirage'
In Buddhism, "Mirage" symbolizes the illusory nature of perception, representing deceptive appearances and the transient essence of life, emphasizing that worldly experiences often mislead our understanding of reality and substantial existence.
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Symbolizes the illusory nature of formations, suggesting they appear real but lack substantial existence.[1] (2) A metaphor for perception, indicating that it can lead to illusion and misinterpretation of reality.[2]
From: Catusacca Dipani
(1) A deceptive appearance used to describe the perception-group, indicating illusions rather than reality.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) An optical phenomenon caused by atmospheric conditions, serving as a metaphor for the illusion of substance and reality in worldly experiences.[4]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) An illusory phenomenon representing the deceptive nature of perception, used as a metaphor for the transient nature of life and phenomena.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Mirage'
In Hinduism, "Mirage" symbolizes deceptive reality, illustrating illusions, false perceptions, and unattainable goals. It serves as a metaphor for transient pleasures that mislead individuals, emphasizing the exhaustion of pursuing illusions rather than true fulfillment.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A deceptive optical phenomenon used metaphorically to illustrate delusions in understanding the mind's nature.[6] (2) An illusion of reality that is deceptive and does not hold true substance, much like the visible world.[7]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A representation of illusory pleasures that do not provide real satisfaction, akin to chasing unattainable goals.[8] (2) A metaphor used to illustrate the phenomenon of illusion, where something appears to exist (like water) in a context where it is not actually present (in blazing heat).[9]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) An illusion that leads individuals to chase transient pleasures, which only serves to exhaust them further.[10] (2) An optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, often used metaphorically to describe false perceptions of reality.[11]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) An optical illusion that exemplifies the concept of perception influenced by ignorance.[12]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A phenomenon sometimes blamed for sightings of gigantic birds, pointing to cultural interpretations of natural occurrences.[13]
The concept of Mirage in local and regional sources
Mirage symbolizes the deceptive nature of the worldly ocean, illustrating how true devotees (bhaktas) perceive it as illusory, emphasizing the contrast between spiritual reality and material illusions.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A figurative expression signifying that the worldly ocean appears deceptive and illusory to the true bhaktas of God.[14]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Optical illusions caused by atmospheric conditions, representing deceptive appearances in the desert.[15]