Sthayi Bhava and the Creation of Rasa – Practical Guide

Time needed: 5 minutes

Dancers can use this guide to build emotional depth and seamlessly transition through each element of the Natya Shastra framework. That is Sthayi Bhava, Vibhava, Anubhava, and Vyabhichari Bhava.

Here is a breakdown of how each combination can be expressed, with tips on structuring the dance sequence for impact.

1. Rati (Love) → Shringara (Erotic)

   – Situation: If you are portraying a character who has fallen in love. The set is during a spring festival surrounded by flowers.
   – Vibhava (Determinant): Elements of beauty like flowers, spring weather, and adornments.
   – Anubhava (Consequent): Start with a soft, shy smile, casting side glances, and gently moving the head.
   – Vyabhichari Bhava (Transitory Emotions): Introduce subtle suspicion or jealousy by glancing away briefly or sighing. It should be as if noticing potential rivals.
   
   Execution:
   
   – Beginning: Start with a gentle sway, as if lost in thought about the beloved. Hold each glance and gesture slightly longer to let the audience sense the tenderness.
   – Holding: Make an eye contact with an imaginary lover, showing warmth, admiration, and slight shyness.
   – Ending: Conclude with a coy glance downward or to the side, followed by a soft smile. It should suggest a mix of joy and longing.
   – Transition: To shift to a different Bhava, turn away from the audience and gradually let the smile fade. It signals the end of romantic sentiments.

2. Hasa (Mirth) → Hasya (Laughter)

   – Situation: A character reacting to someone’s amusing or eccentric behavior.
   – Vibhava (Determinant): A quirky or comical incident, unusual behavior, or attire.
   – Anubhava (Consequent): Show a broad smile, chuckling, or mimicking the funny gesture.
   – Vyabhichari Bhava (Transitory Emotions): Brief moments of ridicule or teasing to emphasize humor.
   
   Execution:
   
   – Beginning: Start with a restrained smile. Cover the mouth, and glancing at the “source” of humor as if trying to control laughter.
   – Holding: Allow laughter to grow, shaking the shoulders or letting out a chuckle, and briefly mimicking the funny gesture.
   – Ending: End with a small clap or a wave of dismissal as if acknowledging the joke has passed.
   – Transition: Wipe away “tears of laughter” and compose yourself, shifting into a neutral expression for the next Bhava.

3. Soka (Sorrow) → Karuna (Compassion)

   – Situation: Mourning the loss of a loved one or experiencing separation.
   – Vibhava (Determinant): News of death, loss, or despair.
   – Anubhava (Consequent): Start by covering the face or letting tears flow. Use body language like drooping shoulders and slow movements.
   – Vyabhichari Bhava (Transitory Emotions): Introduce trembling hands or a slight gasp, expressing deep grief.
   
   Execution:
   
   – Beginning: Slow, dragging steps with a look of desolation; hands might wring in pain or reach outward.
   – Holding: Pause often, as if the weight of sadness is overwhelming. Look downward with closed eyes to intensify the emotional gravity.
   – Ending: Allow a faint sigh, lifting the head slightly as if accepting the pain.
   – Transition: Stand upright slowly. Gradually open your eyes and soften the expression, as if to shift into a hopeful or calm Bhava.

4. Krodha (Anger) → Raudra (Fury)

   – Situation: Confrontation with a traitor or witnessing a great injustice.
   – Vibhava (Determinant): Betrayal, violence, or disrespect.
   – Anubhava (Consequent): Show clenched fists, a furrowed brow, gnashing teeth, and red-rimmed eyes.
   – Vyabhichari Bhava (Transitory Emotions): Add impatience and quickened breathing for a charged atmosphere.
   
   Execution:
   
   – Beginning: Start with a sudden movement, like a step forward with a strong posture, focusing intensely on the “enemy.”
   – Holding: Maintain clenched fists and a stern glare; move deliberately and with controlled aggression.
   – Ending: Conclude with a dismissive gesture, turning away with a final look of disdain.
   – Transition: Take a deep breath, unclench fists, and soften the face, preparing to transition to a calmer Bhava.

5. Utsaha (Heroism) → Vira (Heroic)

   – Situation: A warrior setting out for battle or a leader addressing their people.
   – Vibhava (Determinant): Strength, courage, determination.
   – Anubhava (Consequent): Show pride, standing tall, making expansive gestures.
   – Vyabhichari Bhava (Transitory Emotions): Include brief moments of decisiveness or assertiveness.
   
   Execution:
   
   – Beginning: Start with a confident stance, hands on hips or gesturing outward to convey bravery.
   – Holding: Maintain eye contact with the imaginary “audience” or “army,” moving with vigor.
   – Ending: Raise a hand in a victory sign or nod resolutely.
   – Transition: Lower your arm slowly, soften the face, and prepare for a less assertive Bhava.

6. Bhaya (Fear) → Bhayanaka (Fearful)

   – Situation: Alone at night, hearing ominous sounds or encountering a threat.
   – Vibhava (Determinant): Darkness, isolation, eerie sounds.
   – Anubhava (Consequent): Trembling, covering eyes, cowering.
   – Vyabhichari Bhava (Transitory Emotions): Briefly pause, showing dread and paralyzed shock.
   
   Execution:
   
   – Beginning: Look around cautiously, move slowly with wide, fearful eyes.
   – Holding: Tremble visibly, mouth open in a silent scream, arms held protectively.
   – Ending: Turn and run or huddle, ending in a defensive stance.
   – Transition: Gradually stand upright, take a calming breath, and exhale to move into a more composed Bhava.

7. Jugupsa (Disgust) → Bibhatsa (Revulsion)

   – Situation: Encountering a foul smell or unpleasant sight.
   – Vibhava (Determinant): Unpleasant news, sight of decay.
   – Anubhava (Consequent): Show disgust by wrinkling nose, spitting, or turning away.
   – Vyabhichari Bhava (Transitory Emotions): Momentarily look ill or gag slightly.
   
   Execution:
   
   – Beginning: Start by sniffing and looking puzzled, then gradually shift to revulsion.
   – Holding: Wrinkle nose, cover mouth, and pull back as if unable to bear the sight or smell.
   – Ending: Turn away forcefully and cover the mouth.
   – Transition: Compose by taking a deep breath, shake it off, and resume a neutral expression.

8. Vismaya (Astonishment) → Adbhuta (Wonder)

   – Situation: Witnessing magic, seeing an unexpected event.
   – Vibhava (Determinant): Unusual sights, magic, surprise.
   – Anubhava (Consequent): Show widened eyes, mouth slightly open, and thrilled expression.
   – Vyabhichari Bhava (Transitory Emotions): Brief surprise or shock as part of amazement.
   
   Execution:
   
   – Beginning: Begin with hands to chest or an intake of breath, as if caught off-guard.
   – Holding: Stare wide-eyed, moving slightly closer as if drawn to the spectacle.
   – Ending: Release breath with a smile or slight clap, showing joy at the discovery.
   – Transition: Let the smile fade softly, step back to create distance, and gradually relax the face.