Epiphany

An epiphany is the "aha" moment. Usually it is portrayed as when the lightbulb turns on in your head. Or when you suddenley "get" something; and everything finally makes sense.

Definition of the Term
By definition, an epiphany is a moment of sudden revalation or insight.

Examples of the Term

 * Have you ever been in a class and the teacher said something that just struck your head like a Chinese gong? It suddenly made a lot of things make sense? Everything sort of gelled together? That's an epiphany.


 * Epihanies are also common in religion, a religious epiphany is used when a person realizes their faith or when they are convinced that an event or happening was really caused by a deity or being of their faith. In Hinduism, for example, epiphany might refer to the realization of Arjuna that Krishna (incarnation of God serving as his charioteer in the "Bhagavad Gita") is indeed representing the Universe.


 * Example of an epiphany in literature- "Miss Brill is delighted to be part of the Season in the Jardins Publique, especially on Sundays. For the occasion, a chilly day, she has taken her fur from its box, brushed it off, and walked purposefully toward the band playing in the park. Everywhere around her she sees life, and it please her to think that she is part of all that takes place, part of a living organism that manifests itself every Sunday to see and be seen. In a moment of epiphany, she knows that she and everyone else in the park are actors, playing out their roles, and she is sure that her absence would be noticed if she were to miss the gathering one weekend."