Lecture: Introduction to the Theory of Rasa in Sanskrit Poetics

Overview

• Discussion on the fundamental concepts of Sanskrit literary theory, focusing on the Theory of Rasa.
• Importance of understanding different interpretations by various theoreticians over the centuries.

Key Points About Rasa Theory

• Non-monolithic Nature: Rasa theory is not singular; different theoreticians have different interpretations.
• Prominent Theoreticians: Includes Bharata, Bhamaha, Dandin, Uttapada, Sankuga, Phattalollada, Anandavarthana, Phattanayaga, and Abhinavagupta; also mentions Bhoja, Vishwanatha, and Jagannatha.
• Meaning of Rasa: Rasa has various meanings in Sanskrit, such as juice, sap, taste, water, aroma, and sentiment.
• Historical Context: First systematic reflection on Rasa seen in Bharata's Natyashastra.

Distinction Between Rasa and Sthai Bhava

• Aesthetic Emotion (Rasa): Experienced during art or performance, always pleasurable.
• Sthai Bhava (Real-life Emotion): Can be negative or unpleasant in real life.
• Example: Difference between experiencing tragedy on stage (pleasurable) vs. in real life (distressing).

Bharata's Natyashastra on Rasa

• Eight Sthai Bhavas: Rati (Desire), Hasa (Amusement), Shoka (Grief), Krodha (Anger), Utsaha (Determination), Bhaya (Fear), Jugupsa (Revulsion), Vismaya (Amazement).
• Eight Rasas: Shrungara (Erotic), Haasya (Comic), Karuna (Tragic), Raudra (Violent), Veera (Heroic), Bhayanaka (Fearful), Bhivatsa (Macabre), Atpada (Wonder).
• Ninth Rasa: Shanta added later.

Forms and Varieties of Rasa

• Shrungara Rasa: Has forms based on language, acting, costume; includes Vipralambha (Separation) & Sampoga (Union) Shrungara.
• Haasya Rasa: Derived from situations like inappropriate attire or language; six varieties of laughter.
• Karuna Rasa: Based on morality violation, loss, or grief.
• Veera Rasa: From acts of generosity, morality, heroism.
• Bhayanaka Rasa: Triggered by crime or fearful entities.
• Vivatsa Rasa: Disturbing scenes; pure vs. impure.
• Atpada Rasa: Heavenly or blissful experiences.

Colors and Deities Associated with Rasas

• Colors: Sringara (Green), Haasya (White), Karuna (Gray), Raudra (Red), Veera (Gold), Bhayanaka (Black), Vivatsa (Blue), Atpada (Yellow).
• Deities: Vishnu for Sringara, Shiva's goblins for Haasya, Yama for Karuna, Rudra for Raudra, Indra for Veera, Kala for Bhayanaka, Mahakala for Vivatsa, Brahma for Atpada.

Generation of Rasa

• Components: Vipava (Stimulant), Anubhava (Physical Reaction), Vyabhichari Bhavas (Transient Emotions).
• Rasa Sutra: Vibhava Anubhava Vyabhicharisamyogat Rasa Nishpatti.
• Focus: Bharata's focus was on actors, not spectators.
• Process: Conjunction of components generates Rasa on stage.

Components Explained

• Vipava: Stimulant of Rasa; Alambana (person/object) and Uddeepana (external environment).
• Anubhava: Physical/Verbal reactions to emotions.
• Vyabhichari Bhavas: Transient mental states during performance.

Major Takeaways

• Understanding Rasa: Sthai Bhavas lead to Rasas; emotions in drama are called Rasa because they can be relished.
• Rasa Relishment: Similar to enjoying well-prepared food, cultured spectators relish emotions portrayed on stage.
• Bharata's Contributions: Provided foundational insights into the nature of Rasa, paving the way for future theoreticians to expand the theory.