rasa theory of aesthetics

E114668

The rasa theory of aesthetics is a classical Indian philosophical framework that explains how art and literature evoke distinct emotional flavors or sentiments in the spectator, culminating in a refined, universalized experience of aesthetic enjoyment.

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rasa theory of aesthetics canonical 1

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Statements (48)

Predicate Object
instanceOf Indian aesthetic theory
aesthetic theory
philosophical framework
theory of emotion in art
aimsAt refined contemplative enjoyment
appliesTo dance
drama
music
poetry
associatedWork Nāṭyaśāstra
surface form: Natyashastra
attributedTo Bharata Muni
centralClaim aesthetic experience is a universalized emotion
art transforms individual feelings into shared aesthetic rasas
concerns emotional response of the spectator
coreConcept rasa
defines rasa as aesthetic flavor or sentiment
developedInContextOf Hindu religious and cultural practices
Nāṭyaśāstra
surface form: Sanskrit drama
distinguishes aesthetic detachment from practical involvement
emphasizes distinction between ordinary emotion and aesthetic emotion
transformation of personal emotion into universal sentiment
explains how artistic elements combine to evoke rasa
field aesthetics
literary theory
performance studies
focusesOn spectator’s experience rather than artist’s intention
goal aesthetic enjoyment
universalized emotional experience
hasOrigin India
historicalPeriod classical Sanskrit period
influenced Indian classical dance theory
Indian musicology
Sanskrit poetics
influencedBy Indian dramaturgy
keyConcept anubhava
sthayi bhava
vibhava
vyabhichari bhava
laterElaboratedBy Abhinavagupta
Anandavardhana
philosophicalIssue nature of aesthetic pleasure
relation between emotion and representation in art
relatedConcept dhvani theory of suggestion
tradition classical Indian philosophy
usedIn analysis of Indian classical dance performance
analysis of Sanskrit and vernacular poetry
analysis of classical Indian drama
viewsArtAs means to evoke stable emotional dispositions

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Abhinavagupta doctrine rasa theory of aesthetics