Rasa Experience in Paulo Coelho’s the Alchemist

Abstract

Every creative expression can be taken as a valid aspect of spiritual life, as a means of giving expression to one’s spiritual quest and spiritual concepts. In moments of creation, the consciousness of the author finds itself in a state of expansion and is pervaded by beatitude. The Vedic texts celebrate poets as Gods, as seers of truth having a subtle, profound and penetrating consciousness. Even novelists who could raise the consciousness of the readers, collect, contain and express his/her vision and experiences with control, clarity and vision, fall under the category of a poet. The premise on which this article rests is the rasaexperience (aesthetic relish) that haunts the reader throughout his/her journey with Santiago the protagonist whose sama (right knowledge) leads him to the Absolute.