Concept of Beauty in Vedant

Author(s): Hemant Shah
Publisher: Z_Philosophical_Writings_001802.pdf

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Philosopliical Writinys
a common principle underlying different branches of art like dance, drama, music and so on. This common aesthetic principle is "Rasa”. The corresponding term in Western aesthetics could be "empathy". Rasa is the soul of Indian Aesthetics, which is generally believed to be an aesthetic delight, and depends upon Bhava or Emotional Complex. The Rasa theory has opened up new avenues of discussion in the field of Indian Aesthetics. According to Indian poetics, the experience of beauty is a state of transcendental joy or a state of self - fulfillment. This experience can also be explained, though pleasant in essence but complex in nature. Thus Rasa in Indian aesthetics, is the source of beauty and essence of aesthetic. experience. Rasa in Advait philosophy aims at liberation from nescience. We get spiritual pleasure through aesthetic pleasure, Ananda. The Vedantins equate Ananda with Brahaman.
Apart from what Vedas and Vedantins say about Beauty, I have taken note of Upanishads, as the esoteric philosophy of Upanishads has invested the word "rasa with rich and profound significance. The concept of Anand is the Summum Bonum of Indian philosophy, Rasa leads to Anand. It is of three kind; Priya, Moda and Pramod, according to Taittriya Upanishad. The trinity or Saryam (Truth), Shivam(Goodness), and Suindraum(Beauty) is significant contribution of Indian philosophy. I have taken note of different etymological derivations of the word Sunder (Beautiful)as well as different opinion about Beauty in ancient India. Beauty is not just what we find in this physical world. It is the light of the soul. Every beautiful object in the world is the external manifestation of that internal beauty.“ Beauty in Advait Philosophy“ - the external details, is the manifestation of "Beauty of Advait" - the inner beauty of Advait. Is n't it?