BRS 2.5.123

There are five types of people to consider: those who experience rasa (bhāvya-bhakta), those who experience the stage of bhāva (bhāvaka-bhaka), those who understand about rasa (prājṣa) intellectually, those who are mistaken about rasa (ajṣa), and those who know nothing about rasa (grāmya). Some persons have the following worry. “Bliss in rasa can be perceived in separation only to the extent that rasa has already been fixed in the person. When karuṇa, bhayānaka and bībhatsa rasas function by themselves, happiness cannot be perceived at all. Thus, for the devotees who are assistants in the Lord’s pastimes (bhāvya-bhaktas) (in whom rasa is fixed), grief is always dependent upon that rasa whose very nature is bliss. For instance, at the time of karuṇa-rasa or lamentation, sorrow is experienced because of separation from the Lord by obstacles to their hope of attaining the Lord. There is a feeling of sorrow in bhayānaka-rasa when one is afflicted by fear of obstacles to one’s aspirations to meet Him. There is feeling of sorrow in bībhatsa-rasa when one’s experience of the most charming Kṛṣṇa is obstructed by disgusting objects. However, for other devotees, those aspiring for rasa, these rasas of lamentation, fear and disgust can only be distasteful.” This verse answers the doubt. The ignorant (ajṣaiḥ) are those who, though knowledgeable of other scriptures, are not conversant with the scriptures dealing with rasa. They are not able to understand the conclusion that is understood by the devotees whose hearts are inundated with rasa. Those who cannot be distinguished from animals are called grāmyaiḥ. These two types of people immediately conclude by superficial inspection (sapadi) that these rasas give sorrow. However, the rasas of karuṇa, bhayānaka and bībhatsa which are relished by both the bhāvya and bhāvaka devotees, are considered to be full of bliss by those knowledgeable of the conclusions of the scriptures (prājṣaiḥ) dealing with rasa, even though those persons cannot directly taste them.