Elements of Hindu Iconography v2.c15.69

v2.c15.69

Jīvātman of the Paramātman as identical with itself is illustrated by an example. A husband is separated from his wife. The wife learns everything about her husband and vice versa by means of news of each brought to the other. But when the husband returns after a very long time and stands before his wife, she is unable to recognise him and till she is able to realise in him her husband, she is not conscious of the presence of her husband near her. Since the Pratyabhijñā philosophy does not involve severe practices like prāṇāyāma it is held by Abhinavaguptācārya to be an easy religion. All castes are equally admitted into it. Its categories and their philosophy are also easy enough though unnecessary to be detailed here.