Utsāha
| Part of a series on |
| Hinduism |
|---|
 |
| Part of a series on | |
| Hindu philosophy | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Orthodox | |
|
|
|
| Heterodox | |
|
|
|
Utsāha is an essential factor in matters governing human thoughts and actions, and directs all human achievements because primarily it is the strength of will, firmness of resolve, energy and power, endurance and perseverance, and the joy and elation resulting from achievement of pre-determined objectives.
Meaning
Utsāha (Sanskrit: उत्साह) means – 'enthusiasm', 'zeal', 'energy', 'strength', 'power', 'fortitude', 'strength of will', 'resolution', 'firmness', 'effort', 'endurance', 'perseverance', cheerfulness', 'joy', 'happiness';[1] it also means 'initiative' or 'drive'.[2]
As psychical essential
Sridharswami regards joy as the energy (utsāha) of the mind due to the attainment of cherished objects or the union with a beloved person; in other words, utsāha is a mode of essence of the mind; it is an essential psychical element in a violation, which precedes a voluntary action. Therefore, Madhusūdana describes it as a resolution of the mind.[3] Utsāha or enthusiasm is roused in superior persons by the absence of sadness; this dominant state rouses the vira rasa or the emotion of heroism, and by rousing utsāha, jadata or stupor and nidra or sleep caused by physiological action, is inhibited.[4]
As emotional essential
Bharata, the legendary author of Natyashastra, speaks about the nine primary emotions by which Rasa, the primary sentiment that appeals to poetic sensibility, is nourished; they are – rati ('enjoyment'), hāsya ('mirth'), śoka ('grief'), krodha ('anger'), utsāha ('enthusiasm'), bhaya ('fear'), jugupsa ('disgust'), vismaya ('surprise') and sama or śanta ('peace'), based respectively on nine navarasas ('primary sentiments').[5] Utsāha or energy relates to 'virya rasa' and to persons of the superior types. Utsaha is a 'bhava' (emotional state) caused by Determinants such as absence of sadness, power, patience, heroism and the like, and is represented on the stage by Consequents such as steadiness, munificence, boldness of an undertaking and the like.[6]
As divine essential
According to
As rational essential
A ruler is supposed to possess and the means of gaining three kinds of shakti (powers) viz., the powers of mantra (counsel), prabhutva (command over material resources) and utsāha (energy).
As realistic essential
Bhagavad Gita (XVIII.26) refers to utsāha as the untiring self-application and dynamic enthusiasm for achieving a chosen goal.[11] Krishna tells Arjuna that one who performs his duty without association with the modes of material nature, without false ego, with great determination and enthusiasm ( धृत्युत्साहसमन्वितः), without wavering in success or failure is said to be a worker in the mode of goodness; this means that such a person is always enthusiastic till the completion of such work.[12] Ramana uses the word, uran to refer to the strength of will, self-control or knowledge or to mean specifically strength of conviction to know oneself.[13]
As working instrument in Yoga
References
- ^ "Sanskrit Dictionary". Spokensanskrit. De.
- ISBN 9780791449813.
- ^ Jadunath Sinha (1958). Indian Psychology vol.2. Sinha Publishing House. pp. 110, 303, 554.
- ISBN 9788120705654.
- ISBN 9788176251082.
- ISBN 9788187746133.
- ISBN 9788125020226.
- ISBN 9788171566945.
- ISBN 9780791456149.
- ISBN 9004090606.
- ISBN 9788190372800.
- Wikidata Q854700
- ^ Michael James. Happiness and The Art of Being 2007 Ed. Arul Books. p. 551.
- ISBN 9780970109729.
- ^ Syampada Bhattacharya (2005). An Evolution of the Topics of Sanskrit Dramaturgy. Sanskrit Book Depot. p. 316.
- ^ Īśvarakr̥Ṣṇa; Kṛṣṇa, Īśvara; Fund, Oriental Translation (1837). The Sankhya Karika. p. 85.
- ISBN 9780791412619.