The aesthetic and the mystic experience in Indian theory
August 1, 1970 DOI: 10.30674/scripta.67061 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that the Sānkhyakārikās describes existence as a theatrical show in which Purusa, the conscious spiritual principle, watches and enjoys the spectacle of prakrti, nature, and mistakenly identifies with it. Salvation is said to come when this false identification ceases, insight into the true dualism arises, and the spectator withdraws from the performance. |
Abstract
In the Sānkhyakārikās, the chief text of the dualistic Sānkhya philosophy, the world and salvation therefrom are described in compressed images as various stages of aesthetic situations. Purusa, the spiritual principle, whose only characteristic apart from being is consciousness, regards the spectacle which prakrti, primary substance, natura, gives. Existence is a theatrical show where that which takes place on the scene only acquires meaning through being regarded and enjoyed by a spectator. The spectator is totally absorbed by the show to the point of identifying himself with it, and he enjoys it. Salvation takes place when the false identification ceases, when insight into the true dualism arises, when the spectator leaves the theatre and the dancing-girl leaves the scene.