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VEDANTA
about," yields the noun, adhyāropa: "the act of attributing some state or quality to a thing falsely or through mistake; erroneous knowledge." The terin āropa is often used to describe the figurative, flattering language of eulogy addressed by court poets to their kings and by lovers to their mistresses. For example, the poet praising a king for having conquered his enemies describes how the subjugated neighbors bend their necks at his fect: “The kings," goes the flattering figure, "carry on their head the lotus flower that is thy fool. Its row of petals is composed of thy rosy toes; its filaments are the rays of thy polished nails.” 147
Here the poet employs the device of superimposition (āropa) as a technique of metaphor, comparing the kings prostrate at the throne-steps of the King of kings to devotees placing on their heads the sacred lotus-symbol of their god (Brahmā, Vișņu, Lakşmi, or the Buddha)-in token of absolute submission and service to the Lord. What the poet does intentionally to lend charm and life to a description, mankind in general does unintentionally. The mind in its ignorance (avidyā) superimposes a world of duality and plurality on the nondual, unique identity of jīva and Brahman-thus bringing into view, like a wonderful mirage, a multitude of beings, interests, and conflicting opposites. As a snake perceived in the twilight may prove to be a rope (merely a liarmless rope, yet it was taken for a snake and inspired fear), or as a glimpse of desirable silver may dissolve into a comparatively worthless piece of mother-of-pearl, even so the world, which inspires both fear and desire, may be caused to vanish into a neutral substratum. "Out of infinite compassion, the guru gives instruction to the pupil by the method of refutation (apavāda) of the superimposition (adhyāropa)." 148
147 This example is given in Dandin's Kävyädarśa ("Mirror of Poetry"), 2. 69-70. Dandin explains: "The poet 'superimposes,' or ascribes to the toes, etc., the nature of petals, etc., and to the foot the nature of a lotus flower." 148 Vedantasära 81.
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