Exploring Some Facets of Rasa Theory

Abstract

The present paper is an exercise in humility to explore some of the facets of Rasa theory. Rasa as the name suggests means milk, wine or gist of a thing. The ancient theorists regard Rasa as the soul of poetry. Creation has evolved from the heterogeneity of Sattva, Raja and Tama. Pleasure is the most sought after thing starting from an insect to Brahma. This aesthetic pleasure or constant consciousness in Supreme Happiness is technically or poetically designated by the name of Rasa. The earliest treatise in which the Rasa theory finds an expression is the Natyashastra of Bharat who in turn claimed to have seen its first expression in Atharvveda. Rasa according to Bharat is a thought feeling synthesis. Rasa like the recipe of a drink is made up of many bhavas (feelings). As we delve deeper into the paper the explanation of Bharat about the origin of Rasa is given. Finally deities of this Rasas are shown in a tabular form.