Samā Metaphors in Ahmad-e Jām's Ons al-tālebīn

In cognitive approaches, many concepts such as time, quantity, states, changes, actions, causes, purposes and moods are examined and conceived in terms of metaphors. In delineating different aspects of Samā΄, Ahmad-e Jām in his Ons al-tālebīn draws on different conceptual metaphors such as SAMĀ΄ IS FOOD AND DRINKS, SAMĀ΄ IS A HUMAN BEING, and SAMĀ΄ IS HEALTH AND DISEASE. To elaborate on Ahmad-e Jām’s views, the present article focuses on such metaphorical representations using the theory of conceptual metaphors which considers metaphors not just as simple aesthetic ornaments but as sophisticated cognitive tools. The present study classifies Samā΄ metaphors into three thematic categories: pleasant, unpleasant and uncertain. The study then proceeds to analyze each category within a cognitive framework and shows how Ahmad-e Jām uses techniques such as “translation” and “change” to convey his ideas.