Sahrdayaloka Part 03

SR No.: 006910
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Tapasvi Nandi
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 2005
Total Pages: 676
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 15 MB

Page 72

ICC.
The concept of “Rasa”
1247 medicinal herbs and other articles; just as a confectionary taste (literally six kinds of tastes) is produced by the processing of molasses and other articles along with spices and herbs; the different sthāyibhāvas (the permanent moods) become rasas (sentiments) when they combine with the different Bhävas (determinants, consequents and transitories).
Here is a question - "What is meant by the word Rasa ? The answer is (given as)” Because it can be relished”, “How does one relish the sentiment ?” Just as the noble-minded people taste the Rasas when they eat the food prepared with different spices and become joyful, similarly the noble-minded spectators enjoy the sthāyibhāvas in combination with the representation of speech, limbs and internal faculty suggesting different emotional moods and find extreme happiness. Hence we call them as Nāryarasas - sentiments pertaining to dance and drama..
Here there are two conformable stanzas : Just as people who have a special liking for the food enjoy the meals prepared using different matierals and spices, the scholars appreciate by their mind the sthāyibhāvas (permanent moods) combined with the gestural representation of the moods. Hence these are called sentiments relating to dramatic performance.
Here is a question - Do the sentiments give rise to the emotions or the emotions produce the sentiments ? The answer is - some hold that both are the cause and effect due to their close relations. But it is not so. Why? We notice that the emotions culminate in the production of sentiments and not the other way, the sentiments generating the emotions.
Here are some stanzas in this regard. The authorities on Nārya call the emotional fervour as Bhāvas since they help to realise the Rasas connected with the various types of representation. As the spices in combination with the different articles help to produce the dish, the Bhāvas help the production of Rasa with proper gesticulations and representations. There is no Rasa without the accompaniment of Bhāva, nor there is any Bhāva devoid of Rasa. In the matter of representation both of them render mutual help to bring about the achievement. As the spices and herbs give rise to good taste for food, Bhāvas and Rasas contribute to their mutual development. As a tree grows out of the seed and as flower and fruits are produced by the tree, Rasas form the basis from which the Bhāvas are originated. Thus these stāyibhāvas are known by the names of Rasas and they should be realised as such."
Hence we shall explain the origin, colour, deities, and examples of the various sentiments. There are four sentiments which are considered as basic. They are :