ESSAYS

Pratibimba means “reflection.” In Vedānta it explains how consciousness appears as the ego: pure awareness reflected in the mind, like the sun in the moon. The reflection is experienced but is mithyā — dependent and not the real Self.

Pratibhasika is the illusory reality of dreams, hallucinations, and misperceptions. It appears real to the experiencer but is annulled by higher orders of reality.

Prarabdha is the portion of accumulated karma already set in motion, determining the present body and life circumstances. For the wise, it continues until exhaustion, but without bondage.

Pramana means a valid means of knowledge. Vedanta is a pramana for the Self, revealing awareness as ever-free. Unlike action or experience, only pramana removes ignorance and brings liberation.

Prajna is consciousness in the deep-sleep state. Blissful yet ignorant, it reveals that happiness is intrinsic to the Self — but only Self-knowledge, not sleep, gives lasting freedom.

The Upanishads are the culminating teachings of the Vedas, dialogues between teacher and student that destroy ignorance and reveal the Self as Brahman.