I humbly dedicate this learning to Dr.Ganesh , our Guru in Natyashastra who has selflessly taught us in many special ways at our Dance Studio - Srujana , Bangalore - Nirupama Rajendra.
"Siddhi" translates as Success .
However, we feel it actually transforms the Sadhaka (Practitioner) with the right knowledge & Sadhana ( the incessant Practice).
Siddhi in life ,as we understand is an "Awareness and practise of attaining Joy in our own action/work which results in good feelings within us and in our surroundings " and can be a good guideline at every stage of life.
Whether it brings any great contribution to the world or not , it at least should not cause any trouble to the world.
Siddhi in Natya (Dance/music/theatre) according to Bharatha - The author of Natyashastra means
" Rasasiddhi "
We understand it to be a joyful recognition or endorsement by connoisseurs towards that particular performance.
It is a spontaneous response of enjoyment which happens through feelings from the heart and not something that is analysed and acknowledged at a letter stage through the intellect.
Natyashastra says RasaSiddhi is attained at two levels Maanushi & Daivee and is expressed in different ways by the means of :
Vaak - Speech
Manas -Thought
Kaaya or Shareera - Bodily Actions
1.Maanushi Siddhi - Success controlled by Humans
It is response from connoisseurs expressed through thoughts ,speech and action.
Manas Siddhi- This is evident when the audience's faces show Smitha hasitha
( cheering smile) , ardha hasitha ( slight smile) and Atihasitha (wonderfilled face )
Vaak Siddhi - When the audience respond express through .
1.Saadhuvaada - Say words like " Bravo" or " Sabhaash" or " Bhale Bhale "
2.Udghaara - Produce sounds of joy like "Ah ! " Oh ! or laugh
Kaaya or Shareera Siddhi (bodily expression) is when the audiences experience & express ,
1.Pulaka - Shake
2.Romancha - Horripilation
3.Abhyuththana- Standing Ovation
4.Daana- Offer a Gift to the performer
5.Angulikshepa - Point fingers & appreciate
6.Prabhudhdha-naada - Clap, Whistle , Jump with Joy , Dance or display their appreciation through cheerful actions.
2.Daivee Siddhi : Divine Success
When the audiences are lost in a trance, filled with emotions or tears, anything that result from Saathvika Bhaava ( deep felt emotions ) becomes Daivee Siddhi.
When the performance happens smoothly with no hinderances , with no unforeseen Calamities like disturbance from Nature like Fire, Rains, Storms, Earthquakes , Animals or Insects infestations during the performance is meant to have attained Daivee Siddhi.
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PRAYERS FOR DANCERS BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE :
" O Supreme one ! May you and your host of divine entities bestow upon us the two Siddhi's of Maanushi and Daivee as revealed by you through Brahma in the Natyaveda & given to us through the Holy Scripture " The Natyashastra" and generously passed on to us by great Gurus.
May this special art of communication become blissful not only to us, but to all the artists of this performance and the Rasikas and bring tranquility to this world.
" O Mighty Shiva - The Lord of Dance with your pleasing Karanas , Let the entire performance today be one of your BEST DANCES , the Ananda Tandava , like how all your beautiful jewelleries , accessories, matted hair with the tamed ganga, tiger skin, the snake, & feet and limbs that move in great harmony reveal the entire Universe , likewise let all the aspects of today's presentation - the dance, music, lighting, costuming, stage management , compering ,let all these aspects of the production play in harmony & reveal ONE PEACEFUL WORLD - The WORLD of RASA.
