parikalpa

Parikalpa is a Sanskrit term that translates to concept, idea, imagination, or thought. It refers to the mental construction or conceptualization of something. In philosophy and religious texts, parikalpa often denotes a notion or belief that is formed by the mind, and can sometimes carry a connotation of being a mental fabrication or illusion that may not correspond to reality.

The term appears in various Indian philosophical traditions, including Vedanta and Buddhism. In some contexts, parikalpa is used to describe the way the mind constructs a sense of self or a perceived world, which, from a higher philosophical standpoint, might be considered unreal or superimposed upon a deeper truth. For example, in Advaita Vedanta, the perceived world of multiplicity is sometimes described as parikalpita, meaning it is a conceptual overlay and not the ultimate reality.

In Buddhism, the concept of parikalpa is related to the notion of conceptual proliferation. It refers to the mental activity of creating distinctions, labels, and conceptual frameworks that lead to attachment and suffering. The goal in some Buddhist practices is to transcend these conceptual overlays and realize the true nature of reality, which is often described as empty of inherent existence. The understanding and dissolution of parikalpa are thus seen as crucial steps towards liberation.