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Transitory States or Vyabhicharibhavas!
Emotions drive everything we do. Whether we’re making a decision, handling stress, or finding joy, emotions shape our lives in ways we often don’t realize. But here’s something fascinating: ancient Indian philosophy already mapped out the complexity of our feelings centuries ago. In the Natyashastra, we find the 33 Vyabhicharibhavas. Transitory emotional states (Rasa theory) that explain those fleeting moments of frustration, joy, and even arrogance.
Think of these emotions as waves. Some crash in suddenly, like fear, while others, like contentment, arrive quietly but still leave an impact. The key is understanding these waves so they don’t control you. Instead, you master them.
In this article, we’ll unpack each of these 33 emotional states.
What is a Transitory State or Vyabhicharibhava?
A Transitory State, or Vyabhicharibhava, is a fleeting emotional or mental condition.
These emotions arise in response to specific situations or triggers. While they don’t last long, they can significantly impact how we feel, think, or act in the moment.
In Natyashastra, Vyabhicharibhavas are described as 33 distinct emotional states that come and go. They influence the more permanent emotions (known as Sthayibhavas).
Unlike these more enduring emotional states, transitory states are dynamic, subtle, and short-lived. But, they can shape the course of a conversation, interaction, or decision.
For example, emotions like fear, joy, or envy arise suddenly, only to dissipate after a brief period. But, during their presence, they can strongly influence a person’s mental state and actions.
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So, what are these 33 emotional states?
निर्वेदग्लानिशङ्काख्यास्तथासूया मदः श्रमः ।
आलस्यं चैव दैन्यं च चिन्तामोहः स्मृतिर्धृतिः ॥ १८॥
nirvedaglāniśaṅkākhyāstathāsūyā madaḥ śramaḥ |
ālasyaṃ caiva dainyaṃ ca cintāmohaḥ smṛtirdhṛtiḥ || 18||
व्रीडा चपलता हर्ष आवेगो जडता तथा ।
गर्वो विषाद औत्सुक्यं निद्रापस्मार एव च ॥ १९॥
vrīḍā capalatā harṣa āvego jaḍatā tathā |
garvo viṣāda autsukyaṃ nidrāpasmāra eva ca || 19||
सुप्तं विबोधोऽमर्षश्चाप्यवहित्थमथोग्रता ।
मतिर्व्याधिस्तथोन्मादस्तथा मरणमेव च ॥ २०॥
suptaṃ vibodho’marṣaścāpyavahitthamathogratā |
matirvyādhistathonmādastathā maraṇameva ca || 20||
त्रासश्चैव वितर्कश्च विज्ञेया व्यभिचारिणः ।
त्रयस्त्रिंशदमी भावाः समाख्यातास्तु नामतः ॥ २१॥
trāsaścaiva vitarkaśca vijñeyā vyabhicāriṇaḥ |
trayastriṃśadamī bhāvāḥ samākhyātāstu nāmataḥ || 21||
These verses enumerate the vyabhicāribhāvas (transitory emotions) key to classical Indian dramaturgy. While the sthayibhāvas form the core of the emotional experience, the vyabhicāribhāvas serve to modify and enhance these dominant emotions. They allow more nuanced and layered performances in drama or poetry.
33 Transitory States
- Discouragement – That sinking feeling when things don’t go as planned.
- Weakness – A temporary state of vulnerability, both physical and mental.
- Apprehension – The looming fear of something unpleasant happening.
- Envy – The bitterness of wanting what someone else has.
- Intoxication – Losing rational control, not just through substances but also emotional highs.
- Weariness – Exhaustion that sets in after prolonged effort.
- Indolence – A lack of will or desire to engage in activity.
- Depression – A momentary sense of sadness or hopelessness.
- Anxiety – Worrying about the unknown or uncertain.
- Distraction – The mind’s wandering state, often pulling us away from important matters.
- Recollection – Memories flooding back, sometimes affecting present emotions.
- Contentment – A brief feeling of satisfaction or peace.
- Shame – Embarrassment or guilt over one’s actions or situations.
- Inconstancy – Unreliable or fluctuating emotional commitments.
- Joy – Fleeting moments of pure happiness or excitement.
- Agitation – Restlessness or disturbance in the mind or body.
- Stupor – A state of mental dullness or sluggishness.
- Arrogance – A brief surge of superiority over others.
- Despair – A feeling that arises when hope seems lost.
- Impatience – Frustration over delays or unmet expectations.
- Sleep – A state of rest that temporarily disconnects from reality.
- Epilepsy – Sudden episodes of seizures or uncontrolled behavior.
- Dreaming – Mental imagery or sensations during sleep.
- Awakening – The transition from sleep to consciousness.
- Indignation – A surge of anger over perceived injustice.
- Dissimulation – Concealing or disguising emotions, often to mislead.
- Cruelty – Harsh behavior stemming from a lack of empathy.
- Assurance – A temporary state of confidence or certainty.
- Sickness – Physical or mental illness affecting one’s emotional state.
- Insanity – Losing touch with reality, even if momentarily.
- Death – The ultimate end of life, often feared but inevitable.
- Fright – A sudden surge of fear, often from an unexpected stimulus.
- Deliberation – Thoughtful consideration or decision-making.
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- Shanta Rasa: The Controversial Ninth Rasa
- Eight Temperamental States of Natyashastra: Sattvika Bhavas
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Frequently Asked Questions About the 33 Transitory States
The 33 transitory states help us recognize the fluidity of our emotions. Understanding these fleeting feelings can improve performance using emotional regulation, self-awareness, and even empathy on stage.
While Vyabhicharibhavas are transient emotions, Sthayibhavas represent more permanent emotional states. Think of the transitory states as momentary waves. They can either pass by or strengthen the permanent emotional undercurrents of love, anger, fear, or sorrow.
Yes, they can! For example, discouragement can lead to despair, or envy morphs into anger. These states are often interconnected, and one can amplify another.
Though the concept of Vyabhicharibhavas originates in Natyashastra, the emotions are universal. They resonate with human experiences across all cultures.
A transient emotion is a short-lived response to a specific situation or trigger. It arises quickly and fades just as fast, often without lingering impact. Emotions like frustration or surprise are common examples, briefly altering your mood but not staying for long.
A transient mood state is a temporary shift in your overall emotional tone or atmosphere. Unlike transient emotions, which are specific and brief, a transient mood state lasts a little longer. It subtly affects how you feel over a few hours or even a day. It’s like a temporary wave of sadness or contentment.
Transitory emotions are fleeting emotional states that come and go quickly. They can influence our behavior and thoughts momentarily, such as a burst of joy, envy, or anxiety. Although brief, these emotions can have a noticeable impact on how we respond to situations at the moment.
Conclusion
Transitory states are expressed, embodied, and shared. The Natyashastra teaches us that mastering the 33 transitory emotional states, is key to bringing any performance to life. These fleeting emotions are the subtle undercurrents that add depth, fluidity, and authenticity to a dancer’s portrayal of characters.
When you, as a dancer, tap into the power of Vyabhicharibhavas, you breathe life into the art. Each emotion, no matter how brief, becomes a brushstroke in the masterpiece you create.
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NatyaShastra Glossary: Head over to the Natyashastra Glossary page to know the meaning behind Sanskrit terms used in the articles.
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