Significance of Optical illusion
Optical illusion in Tibetan Buddhism serves as a metaphor for the misperception of life and beings, illustrating how appearances can deceive and do not reflect ultimate reality. It highlights the nature of existence as ultimately empty and non-substantial, akin to shadows that vary in perception. This concept parallels various interpretations across other traditions, where optical illusions symbolize deceptive appearances that obscure true reality, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the illusory nature of existence.
Synonyms: Visual illusion, Mirage, Illusion, Hallucination.
In Dutch: Optische illusie; In Finnish: Optinen harha; In Spanish: Ilusi贸n 贸ptica; In German: Optische T盲uschung; In Malay: Ilusi optik; In Swedish: Optisk illusion
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Optical illusion'
In Buddhism, optical illusion symbolizes misrepresented reality, emphasizing the deceptive nature of appearances and perceptions, suggesting that both life and the self are ultimately illusory and empty, akin to shadows or mirages.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A deceptive appearance that creates a false perception of reality, illustrated by how the city of the gandharvas changes in clarity with the sunlight.[1]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) A reference to the perception of self, being compared to a mirage, which emphasizes the illusory nature of existence.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Optical illusion'
In Hinduism, optical illusion symbolizes the complexity of perception, where phenomena like a flame represent deeper truths, while visual misrepresentations, such as clouds resembling oceans, illustrate the deceptive nature of reality.
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Refers to the phenomenon by which the flame appears as a single entity, symbolizing the complexities of perception and the underlying truths of reality.[3]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) A visual perception that misrepresents physical reality, often described in metaphors like clouds appearing like oceans.[4]
The concept of Optical illusion in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Optical illusion" encompasses misinterpretations of reality, visual deceptions, and scientific explanations, illustrating its relevance in art, personal perception, and narrative elements, particularly within the context of a secret agent's mission.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A perception in which the turbaned figure appeared to capture the glow of sunlight amidst the dusk.[5] (2) The visual effect that tricks the viewer into perceiving depth where there is none.[6] (3) A visual perception that deceives the viewer's eye, often emphasized in Western art forms.[7] (4) A phenomenon explained scientifically, relevant to the plot of the secret agent's mission.[8] (5) Misinterpretations of reality countered by the pursuit of truth and understanding found in humility and faith.[9]