Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes the relationship between sthāyibhāvas and rasa in Bharata's theory?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between sthāyibhāvas and rasa in Bharata's theory?
- *Sthāyibhāvas* are aesthetic emotions that evoke real-life experiences
- *Sthāyibhāvas* and *rasa* are independent and do not influence each other
- *Sthāyibhāvas* are real-life emotions that, when aestheticized, become *rasa* (correct)
- *Sthāyibhāvas* are transient emotions that enhance *rasa*
In Bharata's Rasa theory, aesthetic emotions (rasa) are fundamentally painful experiences.
In Bharata's Rasa theory, aesthetic emotions (rasa) are fundamentally painful experiences.
False (B)
Identify the three components that combine to produce rasa according to the Rasa-Sūtra.
Identify the three components that combine to produce rasa according to the Rasa-Sūtra.
Vibhāva, Anubhāva, and Vyabhicāribhāva
In the analogy of kings and servants, the dominant and stable emotions are represented by _______, while the subordinate and transient emotions are represented by _______.
In the analogy of kings and servants, the dominant and stable emotions are represented by _______, while the subordinate and transient emotions are represented by _______.
Match each rasa (aesthetic emotion) with Its corresponding sthāyibhāva (stable emotion):
Match each rasa (aesthetic emotion) with Its corresponding sthāyibhāva (stable emotion):
Which of the following is NOT considered a limitation of Bharata's Rasa theory?
Which of the following is NOT considered a limitation of Bharata's Rasa theory?
According to Bharata's theory, Vyabhicāribhāvas are the primary emotions that sustain and define a particular rasa.
According to Bharata's theory, Vyabhicāribhāvas are the primary emotions that sustain and define a particular rasa.
Differentiate between Ālambana vibhāva and Uddīpana vibhāva, providing an example for each.
Differentiate between Ālambana vibhāva and Uddīpana vibhāva, providing an example for each.
The ninth rasa that was added later to the original eight is _______, which represents _______.
The ninth rasa that was added later to the original eight is _______, which represents _______.
Which analogy does Bharata use to explain how bhāvas combine to create rasa?
Which analogy does Bharata use to explain how bhāvas combine to create rasa?
Flashcards
Rasa
Rasa
An aesthetic emotion experienced in art such as drama or poetry.
Sthāyibhāva
Sthāyibhāva
Real-life emotions that can be painful.
Aesthetic emotions (Rasa)
Aesthetic emotions (Rasa)
Always pleasurable, even if tragic.
Ālambana vibhāva
Ālambana vibhāva
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Uddīpana vibhāva
Uddīpana vibhāva
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Anubhāva
Anubhāva
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Vyabhicāribhāva
Vyabhicāribhāva
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Sthāyibhāvas
Sthāyibhāvas
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Bharata's Theory Focus
Bharata's Theory Focus
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Rasa
Rasa
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Study Notes
- Rasa means aesthetic emotion and is experienced in art like drama and poetry
- It is not monolithic and has been interpreted differently by theorists such as Bharata and Abhinavagupta
- There is a key distinction between real-life emotions (sthāyibhāva) and aesthetic emotions (rasa)
- Real-life emotions (sthāyibhāva) can be painful, for example, grief
- Aesthetic emotions (rasa) are always pleasurable, despite how tragic they may be
- Śānta (peace) was added later as the 9th rasa
Rasas & Subtypes
- Śṛṅgāra has subtypes sambhoga, which is love in union, and vipralambha, which is love in separation
- Hāsya has 6 types of laughter from gentle smita to mocking apahasita
- Karuṇa arises from loss, grief, or moral violation
The Rasa-Sūtra
- Rasa arises from a combination of vibhāva, anubhāva, and vyabhicāri
- Vibhāva means "cause", consisting of ālambana vibhāva and uddīpana vibhāva
- Ālambana vibhāva is the person or object causing emotion, such as Juliet for Romeo
- Uddīpana vibhāva is the setting that enhances the emotion, such as a moonlit balcony
- Anubhāva refers to the effect, or the physical/verbal reactions, like sidelong glances and trembling
- Vyabhicāribhāva is transient emotions, such as fleeting mental states like embarrassment or joy that support he main emotion
Analogies and Dominance of Sthāyibhāvas
- Bhāvas combining to create rasa is analogous to food and spices
- Sthāyibhāvas are comparable to kings, whereas Vyabhicāribhāvas are comparable to servants
- Sthāyibhāvas become Rasa because they are stable and dominant
- An example is love (rati) which sustains śṛṅgāra rasa, compared to embarrassment (vṛīḍā) which is temporary and fades away
Limitations & Key Takeaways
- Bharata’s theory focuses on the actor’s portrayal and leaves questions unanswered regarding how the audience relish rasa and the ontology of rasa
- Rasa is aestheticized emotion and always pleasurable
- Vibhāva + Anubhāva + Vyabhicāribhāva = Rasa
- Bharata’s theory is performance-centric, focusing on the actor’s imitation
- Later theorists would expand on the spectator’s role and universalization
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