Navapashanam: The Nine Deadly Poisons and Their Transformation into Healing

In the rich tapestry of Indian medicine and philosophy, the concept of Navapashanam stands out as a fascinating and mystical practice associated with the Tamil saints. This traditional method involves the creative and transformative use of the ‘navarasams,’ or nine emotions, to concoct a remedy that can treat a wide range of diseases. This essay explores the significance of Navapashanam and its connection to the principles of Navarasam.

Understanding Navarasam

Navarasam is a term deeply rooted in Indian philosophy and art. It signifies the nine basic emotions that humans experience, each with its unique quality and depth. In this context, Navarasam encompasses a gamut of emotions including joy, love, hate, anger, fear, disgust, pity, envy, and arrogance. Philosophers have studied these emotions for centuries, delving into their interplay and impact on human behavior and psychological states.

Nine Expressions in Art and Literature

In literature, dance forms, and sculpture, Navarasam refers to the nine expressions that represent human emotions in their purest form. Each of these expressions is labeled as follows:

Shringara (love) Hasya (laughter) Karuna (kind-heartedness or compassion) Roudra (anger) Veera (courage) Bhayaanaka (fear) Vibhatsya (disgust) Adbhuta (wonder of surprise) Shantha (peace or tranquility)

These nine expressions are meticulously integrated into various art forms to evoke specific emotional responses in the audience, making Navarasam a crucial aspect of the aesthetic experience.

Navapashanam: The Spiritual and Medical Significance

The term Navapashanam is a fascinating blend of the concepts of Navarasam and traditional Tamil medicine. Breaking down the term, nav means 'nine,' and pashanam means 'poison' in Tamil. Therefore, Navapashanam can be understood as 'nine most dangerous poisons' mixed in a fixed ratio to create a new medicine that can cure many diseases.

According to legend, Navapashanam was invented by Bogar, one of the 18 revered saints of Tamil Nadu. Bogar, known for his spiritual and healing abilities, incorporated the principles of Navarasam into his medical practices, creating a unique amalgamation of emotions and medicinal elements. This process involved not just the physical mixing of ingredients but also the spiritual energy associated with the emotions, resulting in a potent remedy.

Rasaabhinaya: The Emotional Art of Expression

Navapashanam is not just a physical process. It is deeply rooted in the concept of Rasaabhinaya, a highly stylized technique in invoking bhava emotions in Indian classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam and Kathakali. Rasaabhinaya involves the refined expression of nine rasas (emotions) through physical movements, oral modulations, and clothing, creating a comprehensive performance that engages both the mind and body of the performer and the audience.

Navigation in the Ocean of Emotions

Adapting the principles of Navarasam and Navapashanam, the refined artists practicing these art forms navigate the ocean of emotions, transforming seemingly negative elements like anger and disgust into positive therapeutic forces. This transformation is akin to finding the essence of each emotion and using it for beneficial purposes, much like Bogar’s pioneering approach in creating Navapashanam.

The journey through Navarasam and Navapashanam is not just a path of medicine but also a testament to the power of human emotions and their potential for healing. By exploring the depths of these emotions, practitioners and patients alike can gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.

Whether in the realm of literature, dance, or medicine, Navapashanam stands out as a unique and profound example of how emotions can be harnessed for therapeutic and healing purposes.