Ramanuja's Theory of Illusion: Critical Exposition

Robin Ghosh

Abstract: The above criticisms, nevertheless, provide good materials for thought to all serious thinkers. The doctrine of 'trivritkarana' holds that the elements of three types form the stuff of every object. So, when we perceive silver, we actually see the fiery part of the object and not actual silver. If this fiery part is called silver, then there will be different silvers corresponding to the different elements of which the total silver is composed. One type of silver will be composed of the fiery part, one of the earths and a third of water and so on. This is an unhappy position. If we say that the whole alone is called silver, (and not a mere part), then in the conch-shell only the fiery part is present and that also in a small quantity. How can we, then, say that 'silver' is present in the conch-shell? The confusion, here, is perhaps due to the fact that the so-called 'bhutas' (elements) exist in the subtle forms as well as in the forms of the gross objects. Fire is subtle as well as gross: so also, are earth and water. The word 'fire,' therefore, can be used to mean the subtle element called fire as well as the gross object of the same name. We are justified in saying that in 'fire' (in the sense of gross fire), 'earth' is present as the subtle form of the later also bears the same name: but we cannot on that account say that in the conch-shell silver is present, as 'silver' is not the name of the taijasa-element, present in the object.

Keywords: Illusion Experience Knowledge and Error, Inner explanation, Ramanuja

How to Cite?: Robin Ghosh, "Ramanuja's Theory of Illusion: Critical Exposition", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1463-1466, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251217101756, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251217101756