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Indian Concepts of Bhava & Rasa Theory | BA Notes

Study material and explanations for Unit 5

Indian Concepts of Bhava & Rasa Theory

1. Introduction to Rasa & Bhava

In ancient India, the profound psychology of emotion was developed not in clinical laboratories, but through the sophisticated science of dramatic art and human consciousness by Bharata Muni in his seminal treatise, the Natyashastra (approx. 2nd Century BCE - 2nd Century CE).

  • Bhava (Psychological Emotion): An individual emotional state experienced in personal daily life, often fraught with personal attachment, ego, and agitation.
  • Rasa (Aesthetic Essence / Sentiment): The purified, universalized, and detached aesthetic tasting of emotion, experienced when one witnesses drama, music, or poetry, yielding a state of serene contemplation (Ananda).

2. Bharata Muni’s Famous Rasa Sutra

In Chapter 6 of the Natyashastra, Bharata Muni states the core psychological formula of emotional generation:

“Vibhavanubhava-vyabhichari-samyogad-rasa-nishpattih”
(Rasa is produced through the combination of Vibhava, Anubhava, and Vyabhichari Bhava).

The Four Structural Components of Rasa Generation
1. Sthayi Bhava (Permanent / Core Emotion) Latent, durable emotional dispositions stored in human memory (Chitta) that are awakened by appropriate triggers.
2. Vibhava (Causes & Triggers) The stimuli that evoke the emotion. Divided into Alambana (the primary object/person) and Uddipana (the background environment/atmosphere).
3. Anubhava (Physical Expressions / Responses) The outward physiological and bodily reactions (glances, gestures, smiles, trembling, tears, perspiration).
4. Vyabhichari / Sanchari Bhava (Transitory Moods) Fleeting, auxiliary emotions (33 recognized moods like anxiety, pride, shame, joy) that arise, nourish the core emotion, and dissolve like waves.

3. The Nine Classical Rasas (Navarasa)

Every Rasa corresponds to a specific underlying permanent psychological emotion (Sthayi Bhava):

The Navarasa: 9 Rasas and Corresponding Sthayi Bhavas
1. Shringara (Erotic / Romantic) Sthayi Bhava: Rati (Love, attraction, intimacy, affection).
2. Hasya (Comic / Mirthful) Sthayi Bhava: Hasa (Laughter, humor, playful mockery).
3. Karuna (Pathetic / Compassionate) Sthayi Bhava: Shoka (Sorrow, grief, empathetic mourning).
4. Raudra (Furious / Angry) Sthayi Bhava: Krodha (Anger, rage, indignation).
5. Vira (Heroic / Courageous) Sthayi Bhava: Utsaha (Energy, enthusiasm, bravery, chivalry).
6. Bhayanaka (Terrifying / Fearful) Sthayi Bhava: Bhaya (Fear, panic, dread).
7. Bibhatsa (Odious / Disgusting) Sthayi Bhava: Jugupsa (Disgust, revulsion, aversion).
8. Adbhuta (Wondrous / Marvelous) Sthayi Bhava: Vismaya (Wonder, astonishment, awe).
9. Shanta (Peaceful / Serene) Sthayi Bhava: Sama / Nirveda (Tranquility, spiritual equanimity, detachment added by Abhinavagupta).

4. Psychological Significance: Sadharanikarana (Universalization)

Philosopher Bhattanayaka and later Abhinavagupta explained that the greatest psychological power of Rasa is Sadharanikarana (Universalization):

  • When you read a tragic novel or watch a tearful play, you do not feel personally attacked or injured.
  • The personal ego (Ahamkara) drops away.
  • The emotion is experienced in a pure, depersonalized, universalized form.
  • This creates emotional catharsis (Chitta Shuddhi) and elevates human empathy.