Karuna Rasa - Sentiment of Sorrow

 Karuna Rasa- (Compassion, sorrow, pathetic)

Karuna Rasa, or the sentiment of compassion and sorrow, is one of the nine rasas (emotional flavors) in classical Indian aesthetics as described in the Natyashastra, an ancient treatise on performing arts attributed to Bharata Muni. This rasa is associated with the emotion of sorrow or pity and aims to evoke a sense of empathy and compassion in the audience. Here's an exploration of Karuna Rasa with literary examples from Sanskrit literature:

1. Definition of Karuna Rasa:

Karuna Rasa is characterized by a deep emotional response to situations that evoke sorrow, compassion, or empathy. It arises from witnessing the suffering, misfortune, or tragedy of others. The dominant emotion in Karuna Rasa is 'soka' or sorrow.

2. Presiding Deity and Color:

The presiding deity of Karuna Rasa is Lord Yama, the god of death. The associated color is grey, symbolizing the melancholic and somber nature of this sentiment.

3. Determinants (Vibhavas) of Karuna Rasa:

The determinants that contribute to the generation of Karuna Rasa include elements such as curse, distress, downfall, calamity, separation from loved ones, loss of wealth, murder, imprisonment, flight, dangerous accidents, and misfortunes.

4. Expressions and Gestures (Anubhavas) of Karuna Rasa:

   • In a dramatic performance, Karuna Rasa is expressed through various physical and emotional manifestations known as Anubhavas. These include the shedding of tears, lamentation, parched throat and mouth, pallor of the face, drooping of the limbs, gasping for breath, loss of memory, and other gestures that convey the depth of sorrow and compassion.

5. Transitory States (Vyabhicari Bhavas) of Karuna Rasa:

   • The transitory emotional states associated with Karuna Rasa include dejectedness, indifference, languor, anxiety, yearning, sadness, ailments, lethargy, loss of sense, and various other feelings that arise from witnessing or experiencing sorrow.

6. Literary Examples:

   • An exemplary literary work that explores Karuna Rasa is Kalidasa's "Shakuntala," particularly in the famous "Abhijnanasakuntalam" (Recognition of Sakuntala). In this play, the character of Sakuntala goes through moments of intense sorrow and separation from her beloved King Dushyanta, invoking a strong sense of compassion in the audience.

   • Another example comes from the epic "The Ramayana," especially in the portrayal of Sita's suffering during her captivity in Lanka. Her lamentations and the emotional impact of her separation from Lord Rama evoke Karuna Rasa, eliciting empathy from the readers.

   • In the Sanskrit play "Mrichakatika" (The Little Clay Cart) by Sudraka, the character of Charudatta faces misfortunes, including theft and false accusations. The audience experiences Karuna Rasa as they witness his plight and empathize with his struggles.

   • Examples from World lieraure:

Karuna Rasa, the sentiment of compassion and sorrow, is a universal theme found in literature across various cultures. While the concept may not always be explicitly categorized as Karuna Rasa, the exploration of compassion, empathy, and sorrow is prevalent in many works. Here are some examples from world literature that evoke the essence of Karuna Rasa:

1. "Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo (France):

The novel "Les Misérables" is a classic example of Karuna Rasa. The story revolves around the struggles of Jean Valjean, a former convict seeking redemption, and other characters facing societal injustices. Themes of compassion, sacrifice, and empathy are woven throughout the narrative.

2. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee (United States):

In this American classic, the character of Atticus Finch represents Karuna Rasa. Atticus, a compassionate lawyer, defends a wrongly accused black man in a racially charged Southern town. The novel explores themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and the power of empathy.

3. "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini (Afghanistan):

Set in Afghanistan, "The Kite Runner" follows the life of Amir and his complex relationship with his servant's son, Hassan. The novel delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the impact of war, evoking a strong sense of compassion for the characters' struggles.

4. "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens (England):

Dickens' historical novel set during the French Revolution explores themes of sacrifice and compassion. Characters like Sydney Carton exemplify Karuna Rasa as they navigate personal trials and societal upheavals, showcasing the power of empathy in times of hardship.

5. "The Diary of Anne Frank" by Anne Frank (Netherlands):

Anne Frank's diary, documenting her life in hiding during the Holocaust, is a poignant example of Karuna Rasa. The narrative provides a firsthand account of the emotional toll of war, discrimination, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.

6. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez (Colombia):

This magical realist novel tells the multi-generational story of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo. Themes of love, loss, and the cyclical nature of history evoke a profound sense of compassion for the characters and their struggles.

Karuna Rasa, with its exploration of sorrow and compassion, adds depth and emotional richness to Sanskrit literature. These literary examples showcase how this sentiment is effectively employed to engage the audience on an emotional level and convey the poignant aspects of the human experience.