The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism (2 Vol Set)

The defining characteristic of
Padmapada’s Vivarana school is that he
places the locus of ignorance in
Brahman, in contrast to the Bhamati
school, which placed it in the individual.
To explain how Brahman can be the
locus of ignorance the Vivarana
Advaitins invoke the theory of
Reflectionism: Just as an image appear-
ing in a mirror is based on the original,
but different from it, so human selves
are identical with Brahman, but appear
to be separate. The basis of Padmapada’s
position is an uncompromising affirma-
tion of Brahman as the sole “reality,” to
which anything that exists must belong.
For further information see Karl H.
Potter (ed.), Advaita Vedanta up to
Samkara and His Pupils, 1981; and
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Charles
A. Moore (eds.), A Sourcebook in Indian
Philosophy, 1957.

Padmasana

(“lotus posture”) Well-known sitting
position (asana) used in yogaand in
meditation; the lotus posture is also one
of the sitting positions in which deities

are portrayed in Hindu iconography. In

this position the person sits cross-

legged, with each foot placed on the

thigh of the opposite leg. One of its ben-

efits is that it is extremely stable and well

suited for meditation, since the angle of

the lower legs keeps the upper part of

the legs flat on the ground, making a

wide base to support the body. Done

properly, it also keeps the spine quite

straight, which is thought essential to

keep from constricting the channels in

the subtle body. In Indian iconography,

the lotus position is sometimes repre-

sented at the base of a statue by the

sculptureof a lotus, which forms the

base on which the image is placed.

Paduka

A wooden sandal used mainly by

ascetics. It consists of a wooden sole and

a mushroom-shaped front post, which

is gripped with first two toes for stability.

Padukas are used by asceticsnot only

because of their cheapness and durabil-

ity, but because they are completely free

of animal products such as leather,

which are considered impure. Aside

Paduka

Man sitting in the padmasana, or lotus posture. This sitting position is often used in yoga and meditation.