Patañjali's Yogasūtra I.9

Yogasūtra of Patañjali | Viniyoga with Dr Kausthub Desikachar

Dr. Kausthub Desikachar is the current lineage holder of the Viniyoga® tradition worldwide. He succeeds his father TKV Desikachar, and his grandfather T Krishnamacharya. His objectives include the sharing of the authentic teachings of Yoga to the modern era, as well as building bridges between different healing modalities to promote physical, emotional social and spiritual health.

I.9 - śabda-jñāna-anupātī vastu-śūnyaḥ vikalpaḥ

Imagination arises out of words and expressions, [while] the object [itself] is absent.

Imagination happens in the absence of any direct perception. References to the meaning, connotations or implications of descriptive words guides imagination. It may be further helped if the words are used poetically or metaphorically. It can also be assisted by dreams, feelings and emotions. Past experiences, memory and associations often contribute to imagination.