मविसयत्तकहा का भावबोध
By प्रो, छोटेलाल शर्मा
Summary
The text explores the concept of *rasa* (aesthetic essence) and *bhava* (emotion) within Indian aesthetics, particularly in relation to Jain philosophy. It discusses various classical theories, noting that *rasa* is a spiritual realization, a state of consciousness, and the ultimate expression of emotion. The text references thinkers like Bhoja, who sees *rasa* as an ornament of speech, and Abhinavagupta, who emphasizes its connection to bliss (*ananda*) and human purpose. It explains that *rasa* arises from the combination of determinants (*vibhava*), consequents (*anubhava*), and transitory emotions (*sanchari bhava*) with a permanent emotion (*sthayi bhava*), leading to a state of universalization (*sadharanikarana*). The text contrasts different philosophical schools: the Jain view accepts both substance and its modifications as real, while Advaita Vedanta focuses on non-dual consciousness. It highlights that *rasa* is a form of self-awareness, a manifestation of consciousness, and is experienced through a process of absorption (*tanmayibhava*). The text also discusses the concept of *vatsalya* (parental affection) as a *rasa*, citing examples from Jain poetry, such as the depiction of a child’s playful activities and a parent’s pride. It notes that *rasa* can be experienced in both dualistic and non-dualistic states, and that emotional aberrations (*bhavabhasa*, *rasabhasa*) arise from improper contexts. The summary concludes that *rasa* is a dynamic system of emotional states, with all emotions capable of reaching the level of *rasa*, and that the process involves a dialogue between the inner self and external objects.
Conclusion
The document's analysis of *bhava* and *rasa* culminates in a profound implication: aesthetic experience is not merely an emotional reaction but a spiritual realization, a manifestation of the soul's consciousness (*atma-chaitanya*). The synthesis of Jain and non-Jain philosophies reveals that *rasa* is a dynamic, relational state—a convergence of inner dispositions and external stimuli, where even base emotions can be elevated to a transcendent, blissful unity. This framework validates diverse aesthetic responses as legitimate "perspectives" (*naya*), each contributing to a holistic understanding. The specific example of *vatsalya* (parental affection) in the text demonstrates how everyday, embodied interactions—like a mother nursing her child—become vehicles for this spiritual-aesthetic awakening. Ultimately, the document establishes that *rasa* is not a fixed entity but a living, contextual process of consciousness, offering a pathway to experience the divine through the ordinary, thereby enriching both