It is very much the essence of the human condition that it seeks the union of its individual soul and being, with the cosmic soul and infinite existence. In order for this union to sparkle, moods of great passion and ecstatic emotion have to be brought into play. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When men and women engage in powerful forms of art or devotion, some of the Ras/sap that can connect them with the divine awakens and flows. This is why religion exerts such a powerful hold on the human condition and imagination. It is a means to awaken this union. Also why Art, despite, perhaps because of, its abstract forms, also grips the imagination so deeply. It is also chemical but its is how we control and blend the chemical that matters

 

 

 

Accomplished classical dancers, through the rigorous practice of their art and craft were, on more than a few occasions, able to awaken this essence, this sap, this Ras, the Ras”a within. To reach such accomplishment rigorous training was required and such dancing became the preserve of very few. It became the asset of those who expended considerable time, effort and dedication to become accomplished. Such accomplishment was not, and is still not within the reach of the majority of people; those onlooking and appreciating. 

 

 

 

 

Garba and Raas were brought into existence and developed in order that the majority of people would have a simpler way of seeking this union with the divine, to have their Ras flowing and glowing. And the flow of Rasa has to be handled with care, it is a powerful potion of emotion. Sensibly care was expanded to ensure that the many emotions and longings awakened through Garba and Raas, did not so enchant and excite the people that the Ras overflowed and made them too wildly ecstatic, too much out of control. 

 

 

After all when you have the devices to awaken such profound and deep desires, some element of restraint has to be put in place, hence some pattern and some form was instilled, to keep the rasa in check and control.  Or to let it lose as well, depending on the mood to be encouraged, the morals to uphold, the decency to maintain, the purpose to be served.

 

 

 

At Garba and Raas dances, some rare few will flow into ecstatic trance and lose control and appear possessed. They will dance and move as if they are no longer themselves, as if some mysterious thing has happened to them and they can no longer be held accountable for their actions and movements. 

 

 

 

The path of Bhakti is very much the awakening of the Ras within you and allowing your being to connect and play in togetherness with divinity. This is the reason for its endurance and expansion.Of course the majority of the people will not ascend into trance, but it shows the power of dance, that but for the lack of a little more Ras, many more would float and fly in trance.