Yoga sutra 1.9
Śabdajñānānupātī vastuśūnyo vikalpaḥ
Imagination arises from knowledge derived from words when the object itself is absent.
Another fluctuation of the mind is mental creation. The mind’s ability to visualise an object without having any contact with the same is often called ‘imagination’. There is a subtle difference between false understanding and imagination. The mind creates false understanding by throwing a cloud of confusion over correct understanding.
Fantasies and hallucinations also fall into this category of mental creation and can create difficulties. However, imagination can also make it possible to foresee problems and envisage solutions if used properly.
Damian Cadman-Jones is an authorised teacher of Prana Vashya Yoga™