define the concept of rasa with reference to bharatmuni’s natyashastra
Rasa (aesthetics) The rasa theory is mentioned in Chapter 6 of the ancient Sanskrit text Natya Shastra attributed to Bharata Muni,[3] but its most complete exposition in drama, songs and other performance arts is found in the works of the Kashmiri Shaivite philosopher Abhinavagupta (c. 1000 CE).[2][4][5] According to the Rasa theory of the Natya Shastra, entertainment is a desired effect of performance arts but not the primary goal, and that the primary goal is to transport the individual in the audience into another parallel reality, full of wonder and bliss, where he experiences the essence of his own consciousness, and reflects on spiritual and moral questions.[4][5][6]