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From this statement of the author, it is clear that a thorough discussion of the nature of poetry (i.e., poetics) is to form the subject matter of the present work called the Kāvyānušāsana. But, not being satisfied with the above statement of the author, the reader may want to know the purpose of poetry before knowing the nature of poetry. In order to satisfy such readers and also to comply with the tradition of the writers of yore, Hemachandra proceeds to state (1. 3) the aim or purpose of poetry. The Purpose of Poetry (1. 3)
Poetry leads to Delight and Fame, and results in advice like that of a beloved wife. Poetry, according to the gloss, is the extra-ordinary creation of a poet. In two well known quotations - one from Bhatta Tauta and another from Bhāmaha - furnished in the gloss, the terms Pratibhā, Kavi and Kavya are explained and their inter-connection described. Thus, when a poet is gifted with the facund powers of poetic creativity and imagination, he is able to describe things in the most graphic way and it is this creation of the poet, inspired and impelled by poetic genius, that is called 'poetry' or Kavya.5 (1) Poetic delight
Coming to the three distinct effects or consequences of reading or creating poetry. Hemachandra first explains the first concept of poetic delight in his gloss. The nature of this delight or supreme joy is (a) that it is born instantly on enjoying or relishing the sentiments in a poem and (b) that, under its influence, the enjoyer becomes oblivious of everything else; (c) hence this joy is of the nature of self-realisation, This delight or supreme joy is the highest of all the aims of poetry and it is enjoyed both by the poet and the reader. In the Vivek commentary. Hemachandra makes a further remark on this joy as being the highest purpose of poetry. He observes that, while it is true that fame and knowledge result from poetry, in the ultimate analysis, it is the poetic delight
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| SR No. | 001713 |
| Book Title | Kavyanushasana Critical Study |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | A N Upadhye |
| Publisher | A N Upadhye |
| Publication Year | 1987 |
| Total Pages | 558 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English, Literature, & Kavya |
| File Size | 10 MB |