Thursday, September 6, 2012

Imagination: Sutra 1:9


“Imagining is where an idea is conveyed that has no basis in reality”. – When I think of the word imagination, I immediately associate it with the word dream. Mainly because dreaming to me is unconsciously or consciously in some cases voicing one's desires or aspirations. Thus, in my eyes one's imagination is oftentimes the pathway to realization. As children we are taught to imagine and dream- "Imagine one day that you will be president of the United States". That is why many children have imaginary friends. I know I did. However, as we grow up and become teenagers or young adults we are encouraged to not just imagine but to turn those images into reality. More importantly, we are encouraged to turn those imaginations into dreams or future aspirations, which eventually become goals that are either seen as obtainable or simply as a fantasy.  Although I believe that it is vitally important to have an imagination, I also feel as though it is equally as important to at least believe that some of those dreams or images can become reality. I understand that  imagining can be dangerous seeing as though people tend to confuse imagination with reality. However, I simply do not agree that imagination has no place in reality at all. If I have interpreted this sutra correctly, it is essentially saying that imagining does not necessarily mean that a particular idea will become reality. This is in direct conflict with my upbringing and beliefs. I have always been taught that without imagination, a person has no dreams (aspirations) and without dreams, a person lacks goals. I simply do not agree with the statement that imagination has no basis in reality because I myself have an imagination that allows me to dream and motivate myself to see them manifest.

2 comments:

  1. Patanjali doesn't think imagination is always bad, but that it can disturb stillness of mind.

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  2. When I first read this line I assumed it was referring to the immediate present. When you argue your case it does prove that imagination CAN lead to reality. I don't believe this text was referring to "future" circumstances (or the concept that you interpret). From what I understand we are trying to still the fluctuations of the mind and imagination can distract us from that. But it is interesting to think that Patanjali does not believe imagination can help us reach that "stillness". Don't we sometimes need imagination to uplift our minds? Isn't imagination a relief mechanism we use to pull away from the over-demanding world at times? Wouldn't this brief "break" from reality help us achieve some state of temporary peace?

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