Eight similes of illusion

The eight similes of illusion. (S. aṣṭamāyopamā; T. sgyu ma’i dpe brgyad; C. ruhuan yu 如幻喩) are similies or metaphors that are used to show how phenomena are empty of inherent existence and yet still appear.

The eight similies are:

1. A dream (S. svapna; T. rmi lam): like a dream, objects perceived with the five senses are not there, but they appear through delusion
   
2. A magical illusion (S. māyā; T. sgyu ma): like a magic illusion, things are made to appear due to the temporary coming together of causes and conditions
   
3. An optical illusion (S. pratibhāsa; T. mig yor): like an optical illusion, things appear, yet there is nothing there
   
4. A mirage (S. marīci; T. smig rgyu): like a mirage, things appear, but they are not real
   
5. An echo (S. pratiśabda; T. brag cha): like an echo, things can be perceived, but there is nothing there, either inside or outside
   
6. A city of gandharvas (S. gandharvanagara; T. dri za'i grong khyer): like a city of gandharvas, there is neither a dwelling nor anyone to dwell
   
7. A reflection of the moon in water (S. udakacandra; T. chu zla): like a reflection, things appear, but have no reality of their own
   
8. An apparition (S. nirmita; T. sprul pa): like an apparition, there are different types of appearances, but they are not really there

Sources

• Patrol Rinpoche (1998), The Words of My Perfect Teacher, translated by Padmakara Translation Group, Boston: Shambhala 

External links

• illusion_metaphor, Rangjung Yeshe Wiki
• sgyu_ma'i_dpe_brgyad, Rangjung Yeshe Wiki