Significance of Mirage
The concept of Mirage, as depicted in various philosophical and religious texts, refers to an illusionary state that represents deceptive perceptions of reality. It highlights the transient nature of worldly experiences, suggesting that what appears substantial or pleasurable is, in fact, empty and fleeting. This metaphor extends across different traditions, illustrating how ignorance shapes perception and leads individuals to chase unattainable goals, ultimately revealing that the true essence of existence lies beyond these illusions.
Synonyms: Illusion, Hallucination, Delusion, Phantasm, Optical illusion, Fantasy, Vision, Trick, Apparition, Phantom
In Malay: Mirage; In French: Mirage; In German: Fata Morgana; In Dutch: Luchtspiegeling; In Finnish: Kangastus; In Spanish: Espejismo; In Swedish: 贬盲驳谤颈苍驳
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 reality and perception, illustrating that worldly experiences are deceptive and transient, lacking substantial existence despite their seemingly real appearances.
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 the illusory nature of reality, representing false perceptions and transient pleasures that lead to exhaustion. It serves as a metaphor for ignorance and the pursuit of unattainable goals, highlighting deception in understanding true substance.
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) An illusion that leads individuals to chase transient pleasures, which only serves to exhaust them further.[6] (2) An optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, often used metaphorically to describe false perceptions of reality.[7]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) An example used to illustrate the concept of illusion, showing that its perception is transient and dependent on ignorance.[8] (2) An optical illusion that exemplifies the concept of perception influenced by ignorance.[9]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A deceptive optical phenomenon used metaphorically to illustrate delusions in understanding the mind's nature.[10] (2) An illusion of reality that is deceptive and does not hold true substance, much like the visible world.[11]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A phenomenon sometimes blamed for sightings of gigantic birds, pointing to cultural interpretations of natural occurrences.[12]
The concept of Mirage in local and regional sources
Mirage symbolizes the deceptive qualities of the world, illustrating how worldly experiences appear real yet are ultimately illusory. It emphasizes the importance of breaking this delusion to perceive true reality beyond Karma.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The world is compared to a mirage, something that appears real but is not, and it will come back to us as long as we are bound by Karma.[13] (2) When the delusion of this world is once broken, it will come back to us, but no longer will it hold any reality for us, and we shall know it as this.[14] (3) This serves as an analogy for the illusory nature of the world, something that appears real but is ultimately an illusion, and is used to illustrate the nature of reality.[15]
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.[16]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Optical illusions caused by atmospheric conditions, representing deceptive appearances in the desert.[17]