Rasa

Rasa (रस | rasa) refers to Divine Bliss, Spiritual Essence, or the nectar-like experience of God.

It is not merely an attribute of God, but His very nature.

What It Means

In Vedic understanding, Shri Krishna is not just the possessor of bliss — He is Rasa itself.

Rasa is the essence that is experienced when the soul comes in contact with the Divine.

Degrees of Rasa

Rasa is understood in three degrees:

• Ras (रस) — Positive Degree
• Rastatar (रसतर) — Comparative Degree (greater experience of bliss)
• Rastam (रसतमः) — Superlative Degree (highest experience of bliss)

These correspond to the three aspects of Shri Krishna:

• Brahm → Ras (positive)
• Paramatma → Rastatar (comparative)
• Bhagavan → Rastam (superlative)

Key Insight

Rasa is not something external that is acquired.
Personification bliss is God. And He is experienced by the soul in proportion to thier love and selflessness.

In Context

Rasa is central to Bhakti, as devotion ultimately culminates in the experience of Divine Bliss.

Further Reading

• Related: ananda
• Reference: Bhakti Shatak - Hundred Gems of Devotion - an in-depth analysis