आलम्बनम् [ālambanam] 1 Depending on or from, hanging from.
Support, prop, stay; एतदालम्बनं श्रेष्ठमेतदालम्बनं परम् Kaṭh.
[Up.2.17.] [Ki.2.13;] जातस्य नदीतीरे तस्यापि तृणस्य जन्मसाफल्यम् । यत्सलिलमज्जनाकुलजनहस्तावलम्बनं भवति ॥
[Pt.1.28.;] sustaining, supporting;
[Me.4.] Receptacle, abode;
[U.6.1] (v. l.).
Reason, cause.
Base.
(In Rhet.) That on which a रस or sentiment, as it were, hangs, person or thing with reference to which a sentiment arises, the natural and necessary connection of sentiment with the cause which excites it. The causes (विभाव) giving rise to a Rasa are classified as two: आलम्बन and उद्दीपन; e. g. in the Bībhatsa sentiment stinking flesh &c. is the आलम्बन of the Rasa, and the attendant circumstances which enhance the feeling of loathing (the worms &c. in the flesh) are its उद्दीपनानि (exciters); for the other Rasas see
[S. D.21-238.] The mental exercise practised by the Yogin in endeavouring to bring before his thoughts the gross form of the Eternal.
Silent repetition of a prayer.
(With Buddhists) The five attributes of things corresponding to five senses, i. e. रूप, रस, गन्ध, स्पर्श and शब्द.
Dharma or law corresponding to manas.