RASA THEORY
Explanation of Rasa Theory
Introduction
Indian literature, drama, and art are based on emotions. The ancient thinker Bharata explained the science of emotions in his famous work Nāṭyaśāstra. The central idea in this book is the Rasa Theory, which tells us how art creates emotional experiences in the audience. Without Rasa, no poem, drama, or performance can be successful.
Definition
The word Rasa means “essence,” “flavor,” or “taste.” Just as food becomes enjoyable because of flavor, art becomes meaningful because of Rasa. In simple words, Rasa Theory says that the purpose of art is to produce emotions in the hearts of the audience.
Rasa Sūtra
Bharata gives a famous formula called the Rasa Sūtra:
> "विभावः अनुभाव व्यभिचारीभाव समयोगद् रसनिष्पतिः।"
> "Vibhava, Anubhava, Vyabhicaribhava, samyogad , Rasanishpathi."
This means: Rasa is created by the combination of Vibhāva (determinants), Anubhāva (consequents), and Vyabhichāribhāva (transitory emotions).
Vibhāva (Determinants)
Vibhāva refers to the causes or reasons that produce emotions.
Ālambana Vibhāva – the main cause (like hero or heroine in a love story).
Uddīpana Vibhāva – supporting causes (like the moon, spring season, battlefield, etc.).
Anubhāva (Consequents)
Anubhāva are the outward expressions of emotions seen by the audience. Example: tears show sorrow, laughter shows joy, trembling shows fear, and raising weapons shows anger.
Rasa Niṣpatti (Realization of Rasa)
When Vibhāva, Anubhāva, and Vyabhichāribhāva combine with Sthāyibhāva (permanent emotion), the audience feels a refined emotion called Rasa. For example, watching a tragic play does not give personal grief, but creates Karuna Rasa.
Three Types of Bhāva
According to Bharata, emotions (Bhāvas) are of three types:
1. Sthāyibhāva (Permanent emotions): Stable emotions like love, anger, sorrow, courage.
| Sthayibhava (Permanent Emotion) | Rasa (Aesthetic Experience) |
|---|---|
| Rati (Love) | Shringara (Romantic, Beauty) |
| Hasa (Mirth) | Hasya (Laughter, Joy) |
| Krodha (Anger) | Raudra (Fury) |
| Shoka (Sorrow) | Karuna (Compassion, Pathos) |
| Jugupsa (Disgust) | Bibhatsa (Disgust, Aversion) |
| Bhaya (Fear) | Bhayanaka (Terror, Anxiety) |
| Utsaha (Enthusiasm, Courage) | Vira (Heroism, Bravery) |
| Vismaya (Astonishment) | Adbhuta (Wonder, Marvel) |
| Sama (Tranquility) | Shanta (Peace, Calmness) |
Note: The ninth rasa, Shanta Rasa, was added by Abhinavagupta in his book Abhinavabharti.
2. Vyabhichāribhāva (Transitory emotions): Temporary feelings like doubt, shame, jealousy.
| Vyabhicaribhava | Meaning / Emotion |
|---|---|
| Nirveda | Despondency / Apathy |
| Glani | Weakness / Fatigue |
| Sanka | Doubt / Suspicion |
| Asuya | Envy / Jealousy |
| Mada | Pride / Arrogance |
| Shrama | Tiredness / Exhaustion |
| Alasya | Laziness / Idleness |
| Dainya | Helplessness / Misery |
| Cinta | Anxiety / Worry |
| Moha | Delusion / Confusion |
| Smriti | Recollection / Memory |
| Dhriti | Patience / Steadfastness |
| Vrida | Shyness / Modesty |
| Capalta | Restlessness / Inconstancy |
| Harsha | Joy / Delight |
| Avega | Agitation / Excitement. |
3. Sāttvikabhāva (Involuntary emotions): Natural reactions like sweating, trembling, tears.
| Sattvikabhava | Meaning / Expression |
|---|---|
| Stambha | Immobility / Frozen in emotion |
| Sveda | Sweating |
| Romancha | Goosebumps / Horripilation |
| Svarabhanga | Choked / Broken voice |
| Vepathu | Trembling / Shivering |
| Vaivarnya | Change of color (pale, blush) |
| Ashru | Tears / Weeping |
| Pralaya | Fainting / Loss of consciousness |
Conclusion
Rasa Theory is the foundation of Indian aesthetics. It shows that the aim of art is not only to narrate stories but to create emotional and spiritual delight in the audience. Through Vibhāva, Anubhāva, Bhāva, and Rasa Niṣpatti, art transforms ordinary emotions into a universal experience. Rasa Theory beautifully explains why literature, drama, dance, and music continue to touch human hearts across all ages.