According to Bharata’s philosophy of art, Rasa refers to the aesthetic experience or the emotional response evoked in the audience through the medium of performing arts, such as drama, dance, or music.
Rasa is the essence or the “taste” of the artistic experience, the emotional flavor that the audience derives from the performance. It is the outcome of the successful communication of the artist’s expression and the receptive response of the audience.
Bharata categorizes the emotional states or Rasas into nine fundamental flavors, namely love, humor, anger, compassion, heroism, terror, disgust, wonder, and tranquility. These Rasas are considered to be universal and can be experienced by individuals across different cultures and time periods.
The concept of Sadharanikaran, also known as “universalization” or “generalization,” is an important aspect of Bharata’s philosophy of art. It suggests that the audience should be able to relate to the emotions portrayed in a performance, regardless of their personal experiences or background. Sadharanikaran emphasizes the idea that the artist should present the emotions in a way that is accessible and relatable to the audience, transcending individualistic experiences.
Through Sadharanikaran, the artist aims to evoke emotions that are universally human and create a sense of identification and empathy in the audience. The artist achieves this by employing various techniques, such as using archetypal characters, employing universal themes, employing stylized gestures and expressions, and adhering to the norms and conventions of the art form.
The concept of Sadharanikaran allows the artist to bridge the gap between their personal expression and the collective emotional experience of the audience. It emphasizes the idea that art is a means of communication that can transcend cultural and individual barriers, creating a shared emotional experience.
However, it is important to note that the concept of Sadharanikaran has been subject to various interpretations and debates within the field of aesthetics. Some argue that the attempt to generalize emotions may oversimplify and homogenize the human experience, ignoring the richness and diversity of individual emotions and cultural contexts. Others contend that Sadharanikaran is a necessary aspect of art, enabling a collective understanding and appreciation of the artistic expression.
Overall, the concept of Sadharanikaran in Bharata’s philosophy of art highlights the importance of creating a shared emotional experience through the presentation of universally relatable emotions, allowing for a deep and meaningful engagement between the artist and the audience.