28. HISTORY OF INDIAN ÆSTHETICS 31

HISTORY OF INDIAN ÆSTHETICS 31

changes are the effects of the latter. By mimetic changes here are meant only those of the human focus in the stimulative situation. Such mimetic changes as arise out of a fully developed basic mental state are not referred to in this context. The transient emotions are related as subsidiaries to the basic mental state.

The besic mental state, though ordinarily it arises only when there is a real cause, yet the actor with the help of his training and dramatic environment on the stage so identifies himself with the character of the poet's conception that he acts, moves and feels like the latter so as to have the same emotion also as that with which the poet associates the hero. The causal relation of the situation to the basic mental state is the same as that of a mystic symbol to mystic experience. Thus, æsthetic object, according to Bhațța Lollața, is the unity of Sthāyibhāva in the multiplicity of Vibhäva etc., when it is supported, strengthened, intensified or brought to predominance by these very constituents of multiplicity. This is the traditional view of Rasa (æsthetic object). There is nothing original of Bhatta Lollata in it.

ITS CRITICISM.

From the practical point of view the correctness of the above view is unchallengeable.

This view, however, has been criticised adversely upon theoretical considerations. For a clear understanding of the nature of the objection of the critic, it is necessary to keep in mind the following fundamental assumptions of the objector :-

1. Æsthetic experience is due to the objective percep- tion of what is presented.