Meaning of the word Bhāva can be understood through:
Nirukta
Vyākaraṇa
Vedānta
Sāṅkhya
Nyāya etc.
All Śāstras go into deeper observations about the term "Bhāva" and its meanings as well. Often these interpretations are interconnected. In this context, each meaning can be viewed as a distinct dimension. Dictionaries (Kośas) like Vācaspatya listed around twenty meanings from various sources, such as
Intention, Existence,"Atman""Action"Emotion, Universe,
Species, "Condition of being","Innate property","Disposition", "Nature", "Meaning", and "Mind", etc.
Dimensions of Bhāva
Intention
Existence
Ātman
Action
Emotions
Others
Jālam means "Web," "Group," and "Illusion."
Bhāvajālam
The word “Bhāvajālam” is a compound of the words “Bhāva” and “Jālam,” which means “The web of Bhāvas (Intentions, Existence, Atmans, States, Emotions, etc.),” or “The Group of Bhāvas,” or “The Illusions of Bhāvas.” If we explore this “Bhāvajālam,” we can say that everything in the universe will be explored and understood clearly.
Each Dimension of bhāva is manifested or expressed in various ways.
Method of Exploration
Therefore, in ancient Indian thought, this bhāva is discussed and described in many ways. Each Śāstra explores a particular dimension of ‘Bhāva.’ साहित्य deals in terms of “Emotions”; the ‘Vedānta’, Sānkhya, and Nyāya deal in terms of “Existence” and “Atman.” व्याकरण deals in terms of “Intention.” Without understanding the “intention dimension” and its manifestations, it is difficult to grasp other dimensions.
Thus, among so many meanings of Bhāva, taking the core meaning
"Intention", we will start the exploration. Bhāvas (intentions) can be manifested or expressed in the following ways:
Manifestations of Intentions
Intentions (भावs) can be manifested or expressed in four main interconnected ways:
1. Gesture
Gesture encompasses the physical movements and visual signals employed to convey 'भाव', including systematic dance movements and sight.
The environment and surrounding contexts significantly shape how intention is manifested and perceived. The environment itself often communicates intent.
Sounds are an incredibly powerful and versatile medium for expressing intentions, divided into Linguistic sounds (like language) and Non-Linguistic sounds (like music).
Although various methods for articulating Bhāva exist, we unfortunately face many difficulties in expressing it clearly. Despite its articulation, many are struggling to interpret it.
The reason for this is the inherent complexity and rigidity of Bhāva. Moreover, it is the "ultimate," "consciousness," "intelligence," and "existence." Bhāva encompasses all entities, both living and nonliving, as well as animate and inanimate forms.
The Mission & Vision
This website will explore the various dimensions of Bhāva. This understanding can help us understand other species, including trees, animals, and humans. We can make the world a better place for everyone if we understand each other.
We are currently focusing on "intention" and its manifestations. The Samskrita-vyakarana tradition discusses this manifestation in detail. Therefore, our focus is on that for now.
Why “Bhāvajālam”?
Bhāvajālam provides a unique exploration of Bhāva, benefiting Sanskrit students, linguists, and enthusiasts by connecting classical wisdom with modern understanding. It offers clear insights into the core dimensions of Bhāva, aiding scholars in their understanding of language, grammar, and philosophy.
Bhāvajālam is a valuable resource for IKS experts to understand traditional concepts of intention and emotions in an accessible way. Bhāvajālam connects ancient texts to modern relevance, empowering learners to engage with Sanskrit heritage and its application today.
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Faculty
Dr. Rajeshwara Bhandaru studied in National Sanskrit University, Tirupati. He completed M.Phil (under Bra Shrii Prof. RLN Shastri Sir) and PhD (under Bra Shrii Prof. J Ramakrishna) in Vyakarana.
He started learning Vyakarana under Bra Shrii Keshiraju Chandrasekhar and under Bra Shrii Kompella Satyanaraya. He studied the Vyakarana shaastra in traditional way under Bra Shrii Dendukuri Shriramachandra Sharma Somayaaji.
He worked for three years at the Samskrit Promotion Foundation at IIIT Hyderabad with Prof. Vineet Chaitanya and then for three years at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in Chennai.
