Figures of SpeechWith Examples From Vedic Literature
Part II
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Alliteration
Definition - occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.
Examples of alliteration are : Radha-Raman, Kala-Krishna, all glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga.
Examples of alliteration are : Radha-Raman, Kala-Krishna, all glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga.
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Synecdoche
Definition - A figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or visa versa.
An example is the lotus feet of Krishna which can sometimes indicate the form of Lord Krishna. In Srimad Bhagawatam Canto 7, Chapter 5 text 24 purport, it is said: Being intensely attracted to thinking of the Lord's lotus feet is called pada-sevana. This process gradually includes other processes such as serving the form of the Lord, etc.
An example is the lotus feet of Krishna which can sometimes indicate the form of Lord Krishna. In Srimad Bhagawatam Canto 7, Chapter 5 text 24 purport, it is said: Being intensely attracted to thinking of the Lord's lotus feet is called pada-sevana. This process gradually includes other processes such as serving the form of the Lord, etc.
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Pun
Pun
Definition - humorous use of a word to suggest different meanings. Includes a play or words, double entendre , word play.
An example of pun is found in Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 21, qualities of Sri Krishna, quality of genius, in connection with a conversation between Radha and Krishna. The Sanskrit word vasa has three different meanings : residence, fragrance and dress. Radha asks about Krishna’s dress but Krishna takes it to mean residence and says, “My dear captivated one, at the present moment My residence is in Your beautiful eyes.”
An example of pun is found in Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 21, qualities of Sri Krishna, quality of genius, in connection with a conversation between Radha and Krishna. The Sanskrit word vasa has three different meanings : residence, fragrance and dress. Radha asks about Krishna’s dress but Krishna takes it to mean residence and says, “My dear captivated one, at the present moment My residence is in Your beautiful eyes.”
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Nuance
Nuance
Definition - subtle shade of meaning, feeling color etc.
An example of nuance is found is Srihdar Maharaj’s purports to the four principal verses of the Bhagavad-Gita which are verses 8 - 11 of chapter 10. Sridhar Maharaj draws out the Vrindavan mood contained in these verses. In the purport to verse 9, he writes about ramanti ca: “Just as a wife enjoys a conjugal relationship with her husband the devotees similarly feel such ecstasy in my intimate company when speaking about Me.”
An example of nuance is found is Srihdar Maharaj’s purports to the four principal verses of the Bhagavad-Gita which are verses 8 - 11 of chapter 10. Sridhar Maharaj draws out the Vrindavan mood contained in these verses. In the purport to verse 9, he writes about ramanti ca: “Just as a wife enjoys a conjugal relationship with her husband the devotees similarly feel such ecstasy in my intimate company when speaking about Me.”
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Symbol
Symbol
Definition - a thing conventionally regarded as typifying, representing or recalling something else.
An example of symbol is found in Caitanya- Siksamrita, by Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur. The demon killed by Krishna in Vrindavan represent different anarthas or symbols. Putana represents the pseudo-guru Sakatagura (cart demon) represents carrying the burden of old and new bad habits. Trinivarta represents false pride from material scholarship.
An example of symbol is found in Caitanya- Siksamrita, by Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur. The demon killed by Krishna in Vrindavan represent different anarthas or symbols. Putana represents the pseudo-guru Sakatagura (cart demon) represents carrying the burden of old and new bad habits. Trinivarta represents false pride from material scholarship.
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Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis
Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis
Definition - Thesis is a proposition to be maintained, Antithesis is the direct opposite. Synthesis is combining of elements into a whole.
An example of thesis would be bhakti yoga. Antithesis would be material attachments Synthesis would be pure bhakti without material attachments.
An example of thesis would be bhakti yoga. Antithesis would be material attachments Synthesis would be pure bhakti without material attachments.
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Inference
Inference
Definition - to deduce or conclude.
An example of inference is found in Sri Vidhagha-Madhava, Act 5, text 18. Radha has stolen Krishna’s flute. She places it in the wind. Jatila enters and infers “The flute was played. Is it not true that Krishna must be here?
An example of inference is found in Sri Vidhagha-Madhava, Act 5, text 18. Radha has stolen Krishna’s flute. She places it in the wind. Jatila enters and infers “The flute was played. Is it not true that Krishna must be here?
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Implication
Implication
Definition - a strong suggestion of the truth or existence of a thing not expressly asserted.
An example of implication is found in Srimad Bhagawatam, Canto 1, Chapter 12, verses 44, where Yudishir enquires from his brother Arjuna, who feels morose. “ Is it not so that you are feeling yourself void for all the time being devoid of your most intimate friend Lord Krishna whom you might have lost oh my brother Arjuna? I do not find any other reason for your becoming so much dejected.
An example of implication is found in Srimad Bhagawatam, Canto 1, Chapter 12, verses 44, where Yudishir enquires from his brother Arjuna, who feels morose. “ Is it not so that you are feeling yourself void for all the time being devoid of your most intimate friend Lord Krishna whom you might have lost oh my brother Arjuna? I do not find any other reason for your becoming so much dejected.
