bhavs

Bhavs, a Sanskrit word often translated as "emotion," "feeling," or "state of being," is a multifaceted concept central to various Indian philosophical and artistic traditions, particularly in Hinduism and performing arts. In a spiritual context, bhavs refer to the inner feelings and devotional attitudes that a practitioner cultivates towards a deity. These can range from feelings of love and surrender (madhurya bhava) to awe and reverence (aishvarya bhava). The ultimate goal is often to experience a direct connection with the divine through the cultivation of specific bhavs.

In Indian classical dance and drama, the term bhavam (the act of expressing a bhav) is crucial. Performers use a repertoire of facial expressions, gestures, and body movements to convey a wide spectrum of emotions and sentiments to the audience. These bhavs are not simply superficial displays but are intended to evoke a corresponding emotional response, or rasa, in the spectator. The dancer or actor aims to embody the character's internal state, allowing the audience to experience the narrative on an emotional level. There are typically nine primary bhavs (navarasas) that form the foundation of dramatic expression, each representing a distinct emotional category. Understanding and skillfully portraying these bhavs is considered essential for effective artistic performance.