Parikalpitasvabhava

Parikalpitasvabhava is a philosophical concept originating in Indian Buddhist thought, particularly within the Yogacara school. It translates roughly to "imagined existence" or "conceptually imputed reality." This concept describes phenomena as they are conventionally perceived and understood through conceptualization and linguistic designation. In this view, the objects we experience and the meanings we assign to them are not inherent or independently real but are instead constructions of the mind. They arise due to the mind's tendency to create dualistic distinctions between subject and object, and to impose labels and categories onto the flow of experience.

The parikalpitasvabhava is considered to be the least real of the three natures (svabhavas) posited in Yogacara philosophy, the other two being paratantrasvabhava (dependent origination) and pariniṣpanna-svabhava (perfected or absolute reality). While parikalpitasvabhava represents the deluded understanding of things as solid, independent entities, it is not entirely non-existent. It is a product of ignorance and the habitual functioning of the mind. The realization of the parikalpitasvabhava is a crucial step in the Buddhist path, as it involves understanding the illusory nature of conventionally perceived reality, which in turn helps to dismantle attachment and aversion to these imagined phenomena. By seeing through these conceptual superimpositions, one can begin to apprehend the subtler and more profound nature of reality.