Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Hmm! The eight sentiments.
Imagine a world devoid of emotion—a canvas without color, a melody without rhythm. Emotions are the heartbeat of human experience, adding depth, richness, and texture to our lives.
In classical Indian aesthetics, these emotions are beautifully encapsulated in the concept of the “Rasa,” a term that translates to “flavor” or “essence.”
“Natyashastra” by Bharata Muni delineates eight primary Rasas, each representing a distinct emotional state that can be evoked through art, literature, and performance.
What are the 8 sentiments of human emotions?
- Erotic (Shringara)
- Comic (Hasya)
- Pathetic (Karuna)
- Furious (Raudra)
- Heroic (Veera)
- Terrible (Bhayanaka)
- Odious (Bibhatsa)
- and Marvelous (Adbhuta)
Each Rasa is a testament to the complexity and beauty of human emotions.
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शृङ्गारहास्यकरुणा रौद्रवीरभयानकाः ।
बीभत्साद्भुतसंज्ञौ चेत्यष्टौ नाट्ये रसाः स्मृताः ॥ १५॥
Śṛṅgārahāsyakaruṇā raudravīrabhayānakāḥ।
Bībhatsādbhutasaṁjñau cety aṣṭau nāṭye rasāḥ smṛtāḥ॥ 15॥
Meaning:
This verse outlines the eight core rasas, or emotions, fundamental to Indian drama (nāṭya). These encompass the spectrum of human experience, including love (Śṛṅgāra), humor (Hāsya), compassion (Karuṇa), anger (Raudra), heroism (Vīra), fear (Bhayānaka), disgust (Bībhatsa), and wonder (Adbhuta).
1. Erotic (Shringara): The Essence of Love and Beauty
Shringara is the Rasa of love, beauty, and attraction. It embodies the emotions of romantic love and the allure of beauty. This sentiment is often depicted through the delicate dance of courtship, the longing glances of lovers, and the tender moments of intimacy.
It celebrates both the physical and spiritual aspects of love, capturing the essence of passion and affection. Whether in a whisper or a poetic verse, Shringara is the heartbeat of romance that makes the world blossom.
तत्र शृङ्गारो नाम रतिस्थायिभावप्रभवः । उज्ज्वलवेषात्मकः ।
Tatra śṛṅgāro nāma ratisthāyibhāvaprabhavaḥ। Ujjvalaveṣātmakaḥ।
Meaning:
Śṛṅgāra Rasa originates from the permanent mood of love and is associated with attractiveness and brightness.
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2. Comic (Hasya): The Joy of Laughter
Hasya is the Rasa that brings joy and laughter into our lives. It represents the light-hearted and humorous side of human nature. This sentiment is characterized by wit, humor, and the ability to find amusement in life’s quirks.
From a clever joke to a funny gesture, Hasya lightens the mood and brings people together in shared moments of laughter. It’s a reminder that humor is a universal language that transcends barriers and fosters connections.
अथ हास्यो नाम हासस्थायिभावात्मकः ।
स च विकृतपरवेषालङ्कारधार्ष्ट्यलौल्यकुहकासत्प्रलापव्यङ्गदर्शन-दोषोदाहरणादिभिर्विभावैरुत्पद्यते ।
Athā hāsyo nāma hāsasthāyibhāvātmakaḥ।
sa ca vikṛtaparaveṣālaṅkāradhārṣṭyalaulyakuhakāsatpralāpavyaṅgadarśana-doṣodāharaṇādibhirvibhāvairutpadyate|
Meaning:
Humor (Hāsya) in Indian aesthetics is all about laughter. It's triggered by funny things like weird outfits, silly clothes, brazenness, people being greedy or deceitful, nonsensical talk, sarcasm, and even showing examples of flaws.
3. Pathetic (Karuna): The Depth of Compassion and Sorrow
Karuna is the Rasa that evokes compassion, empathy, and sorrow. It reflects the poignant beauty of human vulnerability and the ability to feel for others. This sentiment is often expressed through the portrayal of tragic events, loss, and the struggles of life.
Karuna touches the heart and soul, reminding us of our shared humanity and the importance of compassion in a world filled with suffering.
अथ करुणो नाम शोकस्थायिभावप्रभवः ।
Athā karuṇo nāma śokasthāyibhāvaprabhavaḥ।
Meaning:
Karuṇa Rasa originates from the Sthāyibhāva of Śoka (grief).
4. Furious (Raudra): The Fire of Anger
Raudra is the Rasa of fury and anger. It captures the intensity of rage and the powerful force of wrath. This sentiment is depicted through expressions of aggression, conflict, and the struggle for justice.
Raudra is a reminder of the destructive power of anger but also its role as a catalyst for change. It embodies the fierce passion that can drive individuals to stand up against injustice and fight for what is right.
अथ रौद्रो नाम क्रोधस्थायिभावात्मको रक्षोदानवोद्धतमनुष्यप्रकृतिः संग्रामहेतुकः ।
Athā raudro nāma krodhasthāyibhāvātmako rakṣodanavoddhatamanuṣyaprakṛtiḥ saṁgrāmahetukaḥ।
Meaning:
Raudra (Fury) is characterized by the permanent mood of anger (Krodha). It pertains to the nature of demons, Danavas (giants), and arrogant humans, and is caused by battles.
5. Heroic (Veera): The Spirit of Bravery and Valor
Veera Rasa celebrates courage, bravery, and heroism. It embodies the spirit of valor and the determination to overcome challenges. This sentiment is often depicted through acts of heroism, noble deeds, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Veera inspires us to face our fears and strive for greatness, reminding us that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
अथ वीरो नामोत्तमप्रकृतिरुत्साहात्मकः ।
Athā vīro nāmottamaprakṛtirutsāhātmakaḥ।
Meaning:
Vīra (Heroic) is an excellent nature and is of the essence of enthusiasm.
6. Terrible (Bhayanaka): The Chill of Fear
Bhayanaka Rasa is fear and terror. It evokes the spine-chilling dread and the unsettling feeling of impending danger. This sentiment is expressed through scenes of horror, suspense, and the unknown.
Bhayanaka taps into our primal instincts, reminding us of the fragility of life and the ever-present shadow of fear that lurks in the darkest corners of our minds.
अथ भयानको नाम भयस्थायिभावात्मकः ।
atha bhayānako nāma bhayasthāyibhāvātmakaḥ |
Meaning:
Bhayānaka (Fear) arises from the dominant emotion of fear.
7. Odious (Bibhatsa): The Reaction of Disgust
Bibhatsa Rasa elicits disgust and aversion. It represents the reaction to something unpleasant or repulsive. This sentiment is depicted through grotesque, vile, or revolting scenes.
Bibhatsa challenges our comfort zones, pushing us to confront the things that repel us and question our boundaries of tolerance.
अथ बीभत्सो नाम जुगुप्सास्थायिभावात्मकः ।
atha bībhatso nāma jugupsāsthāyibhāvātmakaḥ |
Meaning:
Bharata Muni introduces Bībhatsa Rasa, indicating that it arises from the dominant emotion of disgust.
8. Marvelous (Adbhuta): The Wonder of Amazement
Adbhuta. Oh! the Rasa of wonder and amazement. It captures the sense of awe and the feeling of being mesmerized by something extraordinary. This sentiment depicts magical, miraculous, and extraordinary events.
Adbhuta reminds us of the beauty and mystery of the world, encouraging us to embrace curiosity and marvel at the wonders that surround us.
अथाद्भुतो नाम विस्मयस्थायिभावात्मकः ।
athādbhuto nāma vismayasthāyibhāvātmakaḥ |
Meaning:
Adbhuta (Wonder) is characterized by the dominant emotion of amazement.
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Conclusion: Eight Sentiments (Rasa)
The eight Rasas paint a vivid picture of the human emotional landscape, each contributing a unique hue to the canvas of life. They remind us that our emotions, in all their complexity and variety, define our experiences and shape our interactions.
Understanding and appreciating these Rasas enrich our emotional lives and deepen our connections with those around us.
By embracing the full spectrum of our emotions—love, joy, sorrow, anger, bravery, fear, disgust, and wonder—we celebrate the dynamic and multifaceted nature of humanity.
Let us honor and explore these sentiments, finding beauty in every emotional experience and forging deeper bonds with the world and each other.
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