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Bhatta Tauta and Rasa Theory
Oct 25, 2024
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Lecture Notes: Patta Tauta and Rasa Theory
Introduction to Patta Tauta
Patta Tauta
: A Kashmiri scholar from the latter half of the 10th century.
Known through
Abhinava Gupta
, who regarded Tauta as a master.
Tauta's commentary on
Bharata's Natyashastra
is lost; known through citations in Abhinava Bharati.
Tradition suggests Hemachandra in the 12th century was the last to have direct access to Tauta's theories.
Theory of Rasa
Tauta critiques
Sri Sankuka's
view that rasa is the imitation of emotion.
Emotions
are internal, cannot be imitated or perceived by sensory organs.
Distinction between
emotion
and
physical reactions
.
Grief example
: Tears are a reaction to grief, not the imitation of grief.
Perspectives on Rasa Imitation
Critique from three perspectives: spectators, actor, and Bharata.
Spectator Perspective
Imitation requires perception by valid cognition.
Example of drinking water as wine to illustrate perception and interpretation.
Physical imitation is clear; emotional imitation is questioned.
Actor Perspective
Emotions are internal and not perceptible; physical actions cannot imitate emotions.
Actor's imitation of their own emotions raises further questions about authenticity.
Bharata's Perspective
Views on aesthetic experience: not bound to true appearance, falsehood, doubt, or similitude.
Tauta argues against contradictions in Sankuka's theory using spectators' awareness.
Criticisms of Sankuka's Theory
Bhattatauda
challenges the notion that emotions can be mimicked.
Argues that emotions are mental and cannot be physically reproduced.
Raises issue of
knowledge vs. imitation
: spectators see an actor, not the character's true emotions.
Tauta's Views on Rasa
Shanta Rasa
: Considered highest due to its link to liberation.
Rasa is found primarily in drama; poetry supports drama.
Poetry's success in Rasa depends on language, figures of speech, and plot.
Summary
Tauta offers a nuanced view contrasting with Sankuka on the concept of Rasa.
Poetic composition and drama are deeply connected to understanding Rasa.
Bhattatauda's views distinguish between secular and Vedic poetry, focusing on description over narrative.
Closing Remarks
The class covered major points on Tauta's theory and criticisms of Sankuka.
Emphasis on understanding emotional imitation and aesthetic experiences in literature.
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