Significance of Illusion
Synonyms: Delusion, Mirage, Hallucination, Fantasy, Deception, Trick, Figment, Chimera, Phantasm, Apparition
In German: Illusion; In Swedish: Illusion; In French: Illusion; In Dutch: Illusie; In Finnish: Illuusio; In Spanish: Espejismo; In Malay: Ilusi
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Illusion'
In Buddhism, "Illusion" refers to deceptive perceptions that obscure true reality, hindering enlightenment. It manifests as misinterpretations of existence, highlighting the need to overcome false beliefs and understand the true nature of all phenomena.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Perceptions or interpretations of reality that do not reflect the true nature of objects, as indicated in the text.[1] (2) A concept suggested by Buddhism, implying that the I-notion has no real basis and appears only due to inherent dispositions.[2] (3) A misleading perception that distorts reality, as exemplified by the notion of seeing 'two moons'.[3] (4) Misinterpretations of reality resulting from the distorted perception of objects, such as the sun appearing in water.[4] (5) A misleading perception or representation that does not accurately reflect the objective reality of an object.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Deceptive perceptions or beliefs that obscure reality, often contributing to suffering.[6] (2) Refers to the mental distractions and false perceptions hindering the path to enlightenment that must be overcome.[7] (3) False perceptions and misunderstandings that obscure the true nature of reality.[8]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The false perceptions and misconceptions that obscure understanding of reality.[9] (2) Concepts of reality that are ultimately deceptive, as per the teachings shared by Vimalakirti and Sariputra.[10]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Perceptions that mislead practitioners, compared to puppets that seem real but lack true essence, emphasizing the need for awakening.[11]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) The misperception of reality that obstructs individuals from recognizing their true nature and achieving enlightenment.[12]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) Referred to as a form of misunderstanding regarding the true nature of existence and experience.[13]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) The misconception of reality, where what is perceived as real is actually not; all beings and phenomena are ultimately seen as illusions.[14]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Misleading perceptions or desires that the verse warns against in the pursuit of true happiness and liberation.[15]
Hindu concept of 'Illusion'
In Hinduism, illusion signifies a mistaken perception of reality, obscuring the true nature of existence and the Atman. It leads to dualistic views and attachments, distracting individuals from spiritual truths and connection to the Supreme Self.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The misleading perceptions and misconceptions entertained by individuals regarding the nature of true divinity, which diverges from eternal spiritual truths.[16] (2) A state of misunderstanding where concepts not related to Krishna are considered non-factual; all conclusions drawn from such concepts are considered maya (illusion).[17] (3) A state of misunderstanding in which conditioned souls perceive the illusory energy of the Lord as an object of enjoyment, leading to misconceptions about the Absolute Truth.[18] (4) A deceptive appearance or false belief that obscures reality, often leading individuals away from truth.[19] (5) A deceptive perception of reality that leads living entities away from the truth of their existence.[20]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A false perception that leads to misunderstanding and confusion, as seen in Brahma's inability to see reality.[21] (2) Illusion refers to a false perception of reality, which can often lead to misunderstanding one's experiences.[22] (3) A mistaken perception of reality that distracts from the true nature of existence.[23] (4) Misleading perceptions or beliefs, referred to as 'moham' in Sanskrit.[24] (5) A deceptive aspect of reality that obscures the true nature of existence.[25]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) False beliefs and understandings that lead to suffering and prevent recognition of the true nature of existence.[26] (2) A false perception of reality that distracts individuals from spiritual truth and connection to the Supreme Lord.[27]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The possibility that Bhagavan considers regarding the reality of his experience.[28]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) A concept introduced by Lord Gaura to describe how material phenomena can mislead people regarding the truth of existence.[29]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) False beliefs or perceptions that can mislead individuals from understanding the truth.[30]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A misperception that clouds the understanding of true reality, crucial in discussing the relationship between Turiya and the three states.[31] (2) A false perception or misconception of reality; recognized as being deceptive in nature, primarily discussed in relation to waking experiences and dreams.[32] (3) The perception of duality and manifold existence that is ultimately unreal and constructs mental barriers to understanding the Highest Truth.[33] (4) Refers to the false perception of reality, likened to the idea of a snake imagined in a rope.[34]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Misleading perceptions regarding reality, such as seeing duality where none exists.[35] (2) The false perception of reality where one form appears to become another.[36] (3) The deceptive nature of reality experienced through association with limiting adjuncts, which is absent in the state of pure consciousness.[37]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The deceptive nature of worldly experiences that obscure the truth of the Atman's identity and freedom.[38]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The mistaken perception of reality where the true nature of existence is obscured.[39]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A combat tactic employed by Ghatotkacha, who creates deceptive appearances during battle to confuse his enemies.[40] (2) A state of being misled or deceived, affecting perception of reality.[41] (3) The deceptive tactics employed by the Nivata-Kavacas during the battle against Arjuna, showcasing their cunning and strategic prowess.[42]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Refers to the Maya-world, where worldly actions are sometimes seen as useless unless guided by knowledge.[43]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Refers to the deceptive powers wielded by characters like Nikumbha and Pradyumna during battle.[44]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The term 鈥榠llusion鈥� relates to the concept of concealment of reality, indicating how the Supreme Self and the true nature of existence might be hidden from perception.[45] (2) A source of predispositions and attachments to sensual objects, which needs to be overcome in the pursuit of spiritual advancement.[46] (3) The misperception that clouds one鈥檚 understanding of reality, leading to a dualistic view of existence, which is stripped away through the knowledge of the Supreme Self.[47]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A deceptive appearance or perception, often implying that what is seen may not reflect reality.[48] (2) In the context of Advaita philosophy, it refers to the idea that everything except the ultimate Reality is a deceptive appearance, lacking true substance.[49]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A deceptive perception or experience induced by the magic science, leading Candrasvamin to believe he was living an entirely different life.[50]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) Described as the will of the Lord, encompassing ignorance and bewilderment in the perception of the universe.[51]
Jain concept of 'Illusion'
In Jainism, Illusion signifies a misperception of reality, highlighting that worldly existence is fundamentally unreal and arises from a state of delusion central to human experience, influencing understanding of true nature.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A state of misunderstanding or misperception regarding the true nature of reality, emphasized by the minister as central to human experience.[52]
The concept of Illusion in local and regional sources
Illusion refers to a false perception of reality, misinterpreting the material for the spiritual. It highlights the deceptive nature of observation, urging individuals to overcome misinterpretations to discover deeper truths beyond the veil of Maya.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The term 'illusion' is used by religion to identify the process at the 'edge of things', representing the religious explanation for the changes and variations observed.[53] (2) The deceptive nature of perception that prevents individuals from recognizing deeper truths, symbolized by the metaphor of a veil.[54] (3) Cheynulu's reflections on his life choices and relationships, especially about the role of love and family.[55] (4) The religious interpretation of existence, suggesting that what is seen may not be the ultimate reality.[56] (5) A poetic technique used to explain impossible scenarios, where perceptions may not reflect reality, aimed at creating vivid imagery.[57]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The false perception that one takes matter for spirit, and the body for the soul, which must be overcome to realize the truth and the true self.[58] (2) This is the perception of Maya for those who do not understand the Real, and it is not the ultimate truth, but a misinterpretation of what is observed.[59] (3) This destroys illusion; it is the nature of reality; it is what we see through the veil of Maya.[60] (4) This is when you see one thing, but it is perceived as another thing due to a false perception, as when one mistakes a rope for a snake.[61] (5) This never rests on Truth, but only on illusion, and everything struggles to go back to what was before these illusions, and it is important.[62]
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) Illusion is the English translation of Maya, and it means something that is not real, and this term is also known as unreality or fantasy.[63]