Studies in the History of Sanskrit Poetics v2.c83.65

v2.c83.65

The justification of the *rīti* is shown to consist in its relation to the suggestion of *rasa*, and it is recognised in so far as it serves as a means to that end. The *dhvani*-theorists, however, dispense with the somewhat useless classification of the varieties of *rīti* (iii 52, *vṛtti*)³³, the nature of which is not discussed by Ānandavardhana, but which, Abhinava points out, is explained by the position assigned to the *guṇas* (*ritir hi guṇeṣveva prayavasāyitā*)³⁴. The function of the *guṇas* is justified only by their part in the development of the *rasa* in the theme; and from this standpoint, as we shall see presently, their minute classification is needless, Ānandavardhana admitting only three *guṇas* corresponding roughly to the three *ritis* of Vāmana³⁵ The relation of the *guṇas* to the *rasa* is further made clear by drawing a sharp line of distinction between them and the *alaṃkāras*, which also serve to embellish poetic expression. Expanding the dictum of Ānandavardhana in his *vṛtti* on ii 7, the later writers explain that the *guṇas* are the inseparable attributes of the *rasa*³⁶ without which they can-