________________
THE AESTHETIC EXPERIENCE
While Rasa has already been introduced as a principal poetic element in the first Chapter, the complete theory and practice of Rasa, in consorance with the unbroken aesthetic tradition which regarded Rasa as the most important aspect of Poetry is now taken up by Hemachandra for a fuller treatment in Chapter Two of the Kavyānuśāsana.
The Starting Point of the Rasa Theory
The starting point of the theoretical discussion on Rasa in Indian Poetics is the famous Rasa-Sutra of the Natyaśāstra of Bharatamuni :
3
"Vibhāvānubhāvavyabhicārisaṁyogādrasaniṣpattiḥ."
In general terms, this Sūtra states that Rasa or aesthetic emotion is enjoyed as a result of the proper blending together and operation of the Vibhāvas, the Anubhavas and the Sañcaribhavas or the Vyabhicaribhavas.
Analysis of the Keywords in the Rasasūtra
The key words in this Sūtra are Vibhāva, Anubhava, Vyabhicaribhava, Samyoga, Rasa and Nispattiḥ. In order to
Jain Education International
191
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
