163. ABHINAVAGUPTA'S THEORY OF ÆSTHETICS 183

ABHINAVAGUPTA'S THEORY OF ÆSTHETICS 183

of Bharata's authority. One thing, however, is clear, namely, that it had the support of Bharata in the admission of Sama as Sthayibhava, For, a reference to it is found even in the later recension, as has been stated above.

According to this view, 1. Sama1 is the basic mental state of Santa.

2. It is to be presented in the context of the situation, constituted by practice of austerity and contact with yogins etc. 3. Its action is confined to the presentation of not- being of all such passions as those of love and anger etc.

3. Its transient emotions are patience etc.

ITS CRITICISM BY ABHINAVA'S PREDECESSORS.

(a) The3 acceptance of Sama as a basic mental state is contrary to Bharata's view, according to whom the number of Bhavas is only forty-nine; while if Sama be accepted 'as Sthayibhava, the number would come up to fifty. (b) The situation of a basic mental state constitutes the fringe.experience in the case of the accepted Rasas such as the Srngära. But such is not the case with austerity etc. in relation to Sānta.

If it be said by the exponents, "we speak of austerity etc. as the cause (Vibhava) of Sama, not because of their immediate causality to Sama, but because of their causality to the realisation of the Ultimate, which consti- tutes an element in the experience of Santa :" the reply

1. A. Bh., Vol. I. 333. 2. A. Bh., Vol. I. 333-4.