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Report For The Subject Navarasas
Report For The Subject Navarasas
First introduced in the Natyashastra, these rasas are defined as the vibrations of essence of
human emotions. These emotions and their mindful expression are the ones separating
humans from all other beings. These formed the foundation from which the traditions of
dance, music, theatre, art and literature evolved. Performances and artwork were created
solely with the aim of evoking the Rasas in the audience. Rasa remains the invisible
substance that gives life its meaning.
The 9 Rasas as described in ancient Indian aesthetic philosophy can be seen as being
indicative of prime human emotions. Each Rasa is a repository of energy drawn from our
Prana (life force). By unlocking this powerful energy and then mastering it, we can
effectively achieve emotional balance, and also use this energy to realize our true potential.
Bharata muni has explained these nine emotions or navarasa in his treatise Natyashastra. Its
said that Bharta muni explained the first 8 rasas and Abinavgupta introduced the ninth rasa
Shanta. Navarasa are used worldwide in various artforms. Indian classical dances like
Bharatanatyam ,kathak,Kuchipudi,Odissi. Emotions can be called as the basic factors for all
dance forms in India. Navrasa is not only seen in humans but also nature. Like the waves
when they roar the express roudra rasa, when they are calm Shanta rasa. Similarly the other
parts of nature also express these emotions but their accurate and mindful expression separate
humans from other living beings.
Sringara (Love) – This is the ultimate Rasa; the crown emotion that heals anything. This Rasa
frees the ego and connects us to devotional love.
Hasya (Joy) – This Rasa connects us to our sense of humour through laughter, happiness and
contentment. When we laugh, it is the easier to slip into a no-mind state, because the mind
has been freed from its usual workload of thoughts,
Adhuta (Wonder) – The curiosity, mystery and awe which occur when we become fascinated
with the very idea of life.
Vira (Courage) – Also bravery, confidence, determination, self-assurance and valor. Vira
asserts itself when you call upon the warrior that lives inside you.
Shanta (Peace) – This Rasa is reflected in deep calmness and relaxation.
Karuna (Compassion) – When we can experience another’s sadness and reflect it back to the
cosmos, we then experience compassion.
Raudra (Anger) – When angry we go into the fire. One moment of anger can destroy a
lifetime of good merit, so have respect for anger.
Bhayanaka (Fear) – Also doubt, worry, insecurity etc. When we live our lives in fear, we shut
down completely.
Vibhasta (Disgust) – Self pity, loathing, self hatred. This Rasa characterizes the judgmental
mind; only by cultivating loving-kindness can we heal and appease Vibhasta.
These rasa were majorly included and expressed in artforms to make their expression
common and known to humans. These were portrayed often at large extinct to common man
through stage performances and folklores to normalized the expression of such emotions.
Thus making navarasa and their expressions the ‘emotion education’ of the past.
Efforts by:
Nehal Vaid
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