Early History of the Vaishnava Faith and Movement in Bengal, from Sanskrit and Bengali Sources c8.s2.26

c8.s2.26

The semblance (and not the reality) of this feeling of attachment (Ratyābhāsa) is then described as taking the form either of (i) Reflection or Pratibimba, attainable without much difficulty, where one or two characteristic signs (like tears etc.) appear, but where the thirst for worldly enjoyment (Bhoga) and liberation (Mokṣa) still remains, or (ii) Shadow or Chāyā, consisting of a little short-lived curiosity, and bearing some resemblance to the real Rati. But this Ābhāsa or apparent feeling, we are told (p. 208), may all of a sudden be converted into the real feeling. It is also interesting to note that the form of worship, which believes in an essential identity of the worshipper and the worshipped (Bhajanīyeśa-bhāvatā or Aham-grāha-upāsanā) and which is affected, for instance, by the Advaita-vādins, is considered to be an Ābhāsa only.