________________
(vi) Divine & Pātāliya, and (vii) Divine-Himan and Pātāliya - in short, the characters are of seven types. These should be appropriately portrayed, keeping in view their natural traits.
As for these characters, if they are human, they should be treated as human; if supernatural or divine, then as such. When these characters are portrayed in a contrary manner, that goes against the development of a Rasa. A Particular character is, as a rule, fond of a particular Rasa. This rule has to be scrupulously observed.
So far as the sentiments of Love, Grief, Laughter and Wonder are concerned, they are common to human beings as well as divine characters. But even here, in the case of divine beings, the love in union should never be described. If a poet indulges in such a description, it will be as highly improper as to describe the love-amour of one's own parents. Kalidasa has taken liberties with this rule by describing in detail the lovesports of siva and Pārvati in the eighteenth canto of his Kumārasambhava. But in the case of Kumārasambhava, the description is so full of poetic beauty that it does not offend against good taste as it would otherwise do if a lesser poet had attempted it.
Similarly, the sentiment of Anger should be depicted as effective and quick in its results, as, e.g., the burning of cupid by the fire of Lord Siva's third eye is described by Kalidasa in his Kumārasambhava. This method of description is very artistic.
As for describing Utsaha, the basis of Vira, in relation to going to heaven, the nether world and crossing the ocean, etc., it should be delineated in the case of beings other than men. For, these wonderful acts deserve to be performed by superhuman creatures, if they are to appear real. Particularly the sentiment of wonder should be handled very carefully - i.e., it should appear natural in the characters.
And so far as human character are concerned, their actions are to be portrayed as well-known, proper and realistic. For, any attempt to exaggerate their doings will appear unreal and
305
20
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org