Abhida
Abhida is a term that originates from Sanskrit and is used in various Indian philosophical and religious traditions, most notably in Vedanta. It refers to the direct, literal, or apparent meaning of a word or statement, as opposed to its implied or suggested meaning. In philosophical discourse, particularly when analyzing scriptures or teachings, understanding abhida is crucial for distinguishing between the surface-level interpretation and the deeper, often symbolic or transcendental, truth being conveyed.
The concept of abhida is often contrasted with other linguistic principles of interpretation, such as lakṣaṇā
In Advaita Vedanta, for example, the distinction between abhida and other interpretive layers is important for