Significance of Sattvikabhava
Sattvikabhava refers to a category of pure and elevated emotional states associated with spirituality and devotion. These emotional expressions are characterized by qualities such as purity, serenity, and wholesomeness, often manifesting involuntarily through physical reactions like perspiration or trembling. They reflect genuine spiritual feelings in the context of Indian aesthetics, enhancing the worship experience. Emphasizing the connection to divine love and devotion, Sattvikabhava is essential in the understanding of emotional responses within various artistic and spiritual practices.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Sattvikabhava'
Sattvikabhava in Hinduism represents a state of pure, elevated emotions characterized by goodness and spiritual integrity. It encompasses ecstatic feelings, involuntary physical manifestations, and deep devotion linked to divine love and moral values.
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A state or quality associated with goodness and purity in the context of emotions or feelings.[1] (2) Sattvika-bhavas are states of emotion that reflect purity and spiritual feelings, as illustrated in the context of the text.[2] (3) Emotional states that are typically characterized by purity and spiritual elevation, similar to the emotions experienced by devotees with rati.[3] (4) Sattvika-bhava refers to the pure and elevated emotional states that are inherent to the experience of spiritual sentiment.[4] (5) The eight pure emotional states that are considered to reflect higher or nobler feelings.[5]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Special manifestations of spiritual emotions, such as horripilation, tears, and shivering, that slightly manifest during the bhava stage.[6] (2) Transcendental symptoms arising from deep spiritual emotions, which manifest in the body during intense love.[7] (3) one of the five essential ingredients of rasa; eight symptoms of spiritual ecstasy.[8] (4) Transcendental emotions or transformations experienced in relation to devotion towards the divine.[9] (5) Pure emotional states or transformations that arise from sincere devotional practice, marking the genuine experience of divine love.[10]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The pure emotional states that arise from devotional practice, free from the influences of passion and ignorance.[11] (2) Pure, elevated emotional states that may include ecstatic or bewildered feelings experienced during separation.[12] (3) A state of intense emotional experience or ecstatic feelings that influence the residents of Vraja.[13]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Eight types of transcendental symptoms that express devotion and spiritual emotions.[14] (2) Transcendental emotions that arise in a spiritual context, often comprising involuntary physical reactions stemming from deep devotion.[15]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Ecstatic symptoms exhibited by the devotees indicating their deep spiritual emotions in the presence of the Lord.[16]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) The sattvika-bhavas are a set of emotional states that are characteristic expressions of genuine feelings in response to stimuli.[17] (2) The sattvika-bhavas are among the anubhavas, illustrating certain emotional states experienced by an individual, particularly significant in the context of emotional expressions.[18] (3) The emotional states or expressions of love that can manifest physically, represented in literature as feelings that evoke physical responses.[19] (4) Emotional expressions that manifest as physical responses, as illustrated through love and affection.[20] (5) Involuntary bodily reactions associated with emotions, including stambha (stunning) and sveda (perspiration).[21]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A state of pure, virtuous emotion often sought in spiritual practices that leads to liberation.[22] (2) The spiritual emotions and physical manifestations such as horripilation and perspiration experienced by Vishnudasa upon seeing Lord Narayana.[23] (3) External manifestations of inner feelings, reflecting intense emotions that Prakarakarna experiences upon seeing the beautiful maiden.[24]
From: Mudrarakshasa (literary study)
(1) Involuntary physical reflexes that arise from concentrated emotional states, characterized by eight specific manifestations such as perspiration and tears.[25]
The concept of Sattvikabhava in local and regional sources
Sattvikabhava, in Bharata Natya, signifies emotional states that enhance character portrayal, allowing for a profound understanding of their feelings and experiences, enriching the overall narrative and performance.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Emotional states depicted in Bharata Natya, representing a deeper understanding of the characters and their feelings.[26]