Characteristic Features of Natya

Namaskaram.

I have a request for my readers. Please read my blog posts in order from the first one to get the continuity in the details regarding Natya Shastra. Please post your comments, so that I will be able to correct myself in areas where I should.

Today I want to tell you about the characteristic features of the Dramatic Art as told by Brahma in Natya Shastra.

Everything, literally, everything that exists is depicted in the art form. Piety, wealth, peace, laughter, fighting, love are some to be mentioned. How does everyone get benefited through the art form? It admonishes the uncivilized and ill natured, encourages self control and discipline, makes the coward bold. The heroic ones are given more incentives, men of poor intellect are enlightened and the wisdom of the learned is enhanced.

Sorrowing people receive solace, agitated men derive composure and comfort from it. It even teaches ways to acquire wealth. In a nut shell, Natya gives encouragement, amusement and pleasure along with sound advice to every one. No wise utterance, arts or crafts is omitted or ignored in it. Vedic anecdotes, stories from mythology and history are so utilized as to give pleasure to those who witness. Brahma finally says, a close imitation of the Gods, kings and householders and their day-to-day activities represented through gestures is called Natya.

In today’s education, academics take the major role. Extra curricular activities like arts and sports are pursued as hobbies. Nothing wrong in this. One thing we should all understand is, they are not just hobbies, but also good entertainment and relaxation. So, one should make sure that they continue doing any one of these activities one way or the other for a long time in their life. You may not be a full time performer or a professional but still can be an appreciator. You can still enjoy listening, seeing or reading things related to the hobbies you like. You can continue doing it as a pass time too. This, not only gives you quality entertainment, but also makes sure the survival of the art or sport form for a very long time.

Remember. Don’t start learning an activity thinking that, it is not as important as your academics. Think it to be as essential as your school education. Believe me, it sure is. These activities are again knowledge, which will make you think straight during your tough times in life. You will become more intellectual and elite, which will help you, face life with more courage.

 

This week’s update.

Dance has reached a place where it is considered as a fashion to learn the art form. Also, money plays a major role which makes it difficult for most of the good dancers to continue performing. The sanctity of the art form has almost become extinct. I am planning to write a full blog post or more regarding this in future. Most of the dancers, even though will accept this to be true, are not ready to talk or argue regarding the issue, openly. Their indifference is purely based on individual gains. Never forget! Art form on the whole is more important than individual gains.

See you all next week.