Reading Diary B Week 13: Life After the War

With this reading diary, I finish William Buck's retelling of the Mahabharata. One thing I liked about this interpretation was that there was a lot of description about life after the war. When reading the story initially, I pictured Arjuna as being the "main character" or the protagonist. However, after reading this version, I really think Yudhishthira is the protagonist. After the war Yudhishthira becomes king and is very respectful and well-liked. He is very kind and loving towards Dhritarashtra which made me very happy. However, Yudhishthira struggled with a lot of guilt before he was able to accept the crown. The scenes depicting Yudhishthira's internal struggle were very interesting to me. At first, he wanted to go out into the forest and live a peaceful life until he could die. However, through the counsel of his loved ones and strange dreams, Yudhishthira recognizes the good that he could accomplish as king. He shifts his focus from a desire to do no harm to a desire to do good.

As a reader, some of the questions I asked myself in the end included:
Was the war necessary?
Did the right side win?
Were deceptive acts in war justified?
Why would so many brave and wise men follow Duryodhana's leadership?

Overall, I really enjoyed my time spent reading/watching the different versions of this epic. There are many lessons that can be taken from the various characters and their stories. The plot had many twists and turns, and kept me on my toes. I also feel as though my understanding of this epic will help me understand Indian culture better.

Draupadi and Pandavas,

Author: Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906), Date listed: circa 1910, Source: Wikimedia

Week 13 Reading Diary A: War Scenes

This will be my last week reading Buck's retelling of the Mahabharata. Unfortunately, this portion of the story is the hardest for me to read. It vividly describes the devastation of war, acts of senseless violence and rage, as well as betrayal and dishonesty. I think this portion of the epic is meant to show the worst characteristics of humanity. It also demonstrates how war is the most effective catalyst for showcasing these characteristics. As I read about Bhima killing Duryodhana, I wonder how serious of an offense it was to strike someone below the waist. Will Bhima be condemned for this act? Does this make Duryodhana the “real” winner of the war? Or is the rule a mere recommendation that can be overlooked in dire situations. I wonder why the author chose to take away some of Bhima’s honor by having him kill his enemy in a dishonorable way. Despite the faults in judgement that the Pandava brothers displayed in war, they were still overall considered a greater good in comparison to Duryodhana.

My favorite scene in this portion of the reading was when king Dhitarashtra finally embraced and blessed the Pandava brothers after the war was over. In this moment it was as if both “sides” were simultaneously forgiving and apologizing to one another, while recognizing that each party had to do what was necessary for them. I would like to read more about the relationship between Dhitarashtra and the Pandava brothers moving forward. I would imagine that he would adopt them as sons, and they would love him as if he was their father. However, it may be the case that too much evil has happened between their families. 

Duel between Duryodhana and Bhima,

Author: Ramanarayanadatta astri, Date: not listed, Source: Wikimedia

Week 12 Reading Diary B: War Stories

For this reading assignment I continued reading Buck's retelling of the Mahabharata. This portion of the book focused on the famous battle scenes of this epic. In this retelling Sanjaya is the narrator, and describes all of the major scenes of the battle from a first-person perspective. Some of the main scenes include Bhsima getting hit by thousands of arrows and slowly dying. Also, the use of a trick to kill Drona (deceiving him and making him think his son is dead to catch him off-guard). Also, the battle between Arjuna and Karna- the two brothers who never had the chance to grow up together. One common scene throughout the narrative is the respect between the warriors, especially when the war first begins. Arjuna has a flashback of Bhishma playing with him as a child. Deep down, he loves and respects Bhishma, but at the same time he understands the importance and the necessity of the war they will fight against each other. I imagine these are complicated emotions to processes.

Duryodhana, however, continues to act like a selfish child throughout these scenes. I do not understand why such wise and powerful people such as Bhishma and Drona continue to fight on his side. This portion of the reading ends with Duryodhana hiding in the bottom of the lake, while his men are battling and dying for him- such a coward! I wish there was more of the story told from Draupadi’s point of view. She appears to be missing from the plot for the entirety of the war.

Arjuna and His Charioteer Krishna Confront Karna,

Author: Unknown. Date: circa 1820, Source: Wikimedia

Week 12 Reading Diary A: Noticing the Details

This portion of William Buck's retelling of the Mahabharata starts with the trial at the crystal lake and ends a little after the end of the Pandava exile. The questions asked by Dharma at the lake appear to be slightly different in each version of the story. In this version, Yudhishthira proved he understood the importance of wisdom, the danger of pride, and the power of contentment. It is always fun to read the dialogue between Dharma and Yudhishthira; it feels like reading through an old book of Indian proverbs.

Yudhistira and Yaksha,

Author: Ramanarayanadatta astri, Date: acquired in 1965, Source: Wikimedia 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the Pandava’s last year in exile when everyone had their disguises. Particularly, Arjuna’s is the most amusing. In his year of womanhood he teaches the princes how to dance… so it was quite comical to see her shock when he later returned to her a very masculine warrior. Draupadi seemed to have the most trouble in her exile. Her beauty is truly a blessing and a curse. Men claim that they cannot control themselves around her, but once again Draupadi exhibits the utmost amount of dignity and bravely protects herself in all situations… even when her life is threatened!
Arjuna has the most unrecognizable disguise, however, after him would probably be Yudhisthira. Since Yudhisthira is famous for losing everything he owns in a dice game, no one would ever guess that the kingdom “dice master” would be him!
This portion ended with Duryodhana refusing to play nice with the Pandava brothers. He reminds me so much of a spoiled child in these scenes. I do not know how Karna, Drona, and Bhishma are able to stay loyal to him through it all.

Week 11 Reading Diary B: Stories within Stories

As I continue reading William Buck's retelling of the Mahabharata, I find myself discovering new stories that are told within the plot of the epic. For example, the story of Savitri and Satyavan was new to me. It was told by Vyasa to the Pandava brothers and Draupadi out of inspiration for their love. Savitri could have chosen anyone in the world to be her husband, and she allowed herself to fall in love with a man who had only a year to live. They enjoyed their year together, and when the time came, Savitri somehow managed to negotiate/trick the lord of death into reviving her husband. As if that weren't enough, she also managed to restore her father-in-law's vision and kingdom. Draupadi is similar to Savitri. After her husband gambled everything away (including her) she received favor from King Dhritarashtra which drastically improved their situation.

Savitri and Satyavan,

Author: R. Varma, Date: between 1848 and 1906, Source: Wikimedia

Another story I enjoyed was the story of the part-deer-part-boy Rishyasringa and his love for Santa. Rishyasringa had a very strict father who kept him isolated from the world and its pleasures. In fact, Rishyasringa had never really seen other people before. That's why when he met Santa for the first time, he thought she was a boy! He hadn't even learned about women before! The story of their first encounter was so sweet, and his descriptions of his new friend to his father were so innocent. Since he didn't really know how to explain love, he merely said he wanted to be the closest of friends with him (her) for his whole life. I was so relieved and happy that the two ended up together and that, ultimately, the father was supportive.

I look forward to reading more stories within this story, and hope to finish this book within the next couple of weeks!

Week 11 Reading Diary A: Same Epic in a New Way

This week, I am continuing to read William Buck’s retellingof the Mahabharata. One detail in this version of the Mahabharata that was left out of other versions I’ve read/watched was Draupadi’s behavior in the dice game. In this version, she literally punched Duhsasana who attempted to un-robe her. I loved it.

Another story included in this version that I was unfamiliar with was the story of Nala and Damayanti. This was a fascinating love story filled with unexpected twists and turns. One common thread between the story of Nala and Yudhishthira is there inability to turn down a gambling challenge. This frustrates me when I’m reading. Their inability to refuse a challenge (aka their pride/ego/etc) somehow seems to justify their stupid actions. Basically, what I’m saying is, I don’t feel sorry for Nala or Yudhishthira when they lose all of their possessions in a gambling match. In fact, it makes me pretty angry at their character. If I was their wife or family member, I would find it very difficult to forgive them.

One thing that confuses me about the references to dice games in this story is, first of all, how Yudhishthira managed to lose every single throw and second of all how anyone can learn the “science” of dice. I find myself craving more details about the dice used… were they weighted? Did they have magnets in them? Was it an illusion? I think the answer to this question could make for an interesting retelling of the dice match in a storytelling assignment.

The ordeal of Queen Draupadi,

Author: Mackenzie, Donald Alexander, 1873-1936; Goble, Warwick, Date: 1913, Source: Wikimedia

Week 10 Reading Diary B: Buck's Mahabharata

In this reading assignment, I continued to read William Buck's retelling of the Mahabharata. Reading/watching all of these different versions of the original epic is proving to be very useful to me. I am able to compare and contrast various styles and interpretations. For example, the movie version didn't show as much detail as is in this book. I don't remember the war scene for the forest being shown in the movie. Probably, since the movie was constrained on time (and budget) only the most important stories were included. Side-stories that hardly contributed to the overall plot were generally left out of the film. In general, the war scenes in these epics are my least favorite. They are hard for me to follow and uninteresting to me.

There are also parts found in the PDE that are left out of this book. For example, I have read the story behind why Draupadi was given five husbands... how in a previous life she had prayed five times for a husband and was granted her request after her reincarnation. This part has been left out. Also, Amba's story is hardly told at all... I am hoping more details about Amba and Draupadi will surface later on in the book.

Small details are altered from interpretation to interpretation. For example, in this book Draupadi is jealous of Arjuna's second wife, but this was not the case in the other versions. It was interesting to read this version of how the Pandava brothers "win" Draupadi. Lots of details were included in the scenes leading up to Arjuna completing the challenge with the bow and arrow.

The Swayamvara of Panchala's princess, Draupadi,

Author: Ramanarayanadatta astri, Date: acquired in 1965, Source: Wikimedia

Week 10 Reading Diary A: Buck's Mahabharata

For the next few weeks of reading assignments, I have decided to read William Buck's retelling of the Mahabharata. I have read the PDE and watched the movie version of the Mahabharata, so I have some good background knowledge of the various stories going into this reading assignments. With so many different interconnected characters to keep track of, I think it will be good for me to spend some more time on the Mahabharata to fully internalize this epic.

The first portion of this reading assignment was spent describing the births of all of the incredible warriors that will ultimately go into battle. In this version, there is more of a description of Kunti's interactions with the Gods who father her sons. Also, there is more of an explanation as to why Pandu forgot the curse that the deer had cast on him. He was so filled with joy from having so many sons that he felt youthful again, and had forgotten the dreary days of his past.

I also loved the description of Dritarashtra and Gandhari's love. The king felt downcast, and like he couldn't rule because he was blind. However, when he learned of Gandhari's love for him, and the way she had blindfolded herself to be like him, he became filled with joy that overcame his sorrow. That was one of my favorite "scenes" described by the book.

Boon of Indra to Kunti,

Author: Ramnadayandatta Shastri Pandey, Date: Not listed, Source: Wikimedia

Week 9 Reading Dairy B: Finishing Brook's Mahabharata

In this reading assignment, I finished Brook's film version of The Mahabharata. In all honesty this last portion of the film was probably my least favorite. The war scenes were kind of repetitive and exhausting to me. The effects used in the war scenes were also a little cheesy, but I think they were supposed to be more artistic than realistic.

I thought the film did a good job explaining Drona's internal conflict. He was secretly hoping that the Pandava brothers would win the war, but  he had already sworn his allegiance to their enemies. Unfortunately, in the midst of the war Draupadi plays less of an important role. She has few speaking lines in these scenes. Abhimanyu's wife is barely introduced in one scene during the war, but in the end the viewer learns that she is a pivotal character in the greater story of mankind.

I wonder if Arjuna would have still killed Karna if he had known he was his brother. I bet the entire war could have been avoided in Kunti had told the Pandava brothers that Karna was one of them. I also wonder what would have happened if Krishna wouldn’t have persuaded the brothers to play tricks and break the rules of war. It is as if he had a divine understanding of the greater good that would come from the Pandava brothers winning. I am kind of confused by the last scene where Yudhisthira is trying to find paradise. I might do some further research to try to figure out exactly what is happening during this part and what all of the people, animals, and settings he comes across symbolize. All in all I think the film did a really good job portraying the major themes, characters, conflicts, and lessons of the original epic. There were a lot of stories to cover, and the film did a good job including every detail that was important.

The Mahabharata, stage play by Peter Brook,

Author: Daniel Cande, Date: July 1985, Source: Wikimedia

Week 9 Reading Diary A: Finishing Brook's Mahabharata

For this week's reading assignment I have chosen to finish Brook's film version of The Mahabharta since I have already started it for the last reading assignment. A few parts stick out as favorites in this portion of the film. First, I thought it was a really emotional scene when Karna found out that Kunti was his mother, and came to the realization that he was about to go into battle against his brothers. You can tell that he was completely shocked. However, it was too little too late and Karna refused to change his mind about going into battle. Secondly, I liked the scene where some type of vision or ghost of Amba approached Bhishma after she had died and been reincarnated as a male warrior. I made sure to pay special attention to scenes with Amba since she is one of the characters for my storybook project. Amba's reincarnation as a male should help her complete her life's work: to kill Bhishma. However, in my version of her story I don't want Amba to be reincarnated as a male. I want to portray an Amba who was able to reach her goals fully as a woman. I also liked the part where Arjuna was about to go into battle, but had to stop because he was so disgusted by the thought of killing people he was related to. I think that scene forced the audience to put themselves in Arjuna's shoes and wonder what it would feel like to wage war on kin.

It is interesting to me that the author of this poem, Vyasa, is as much of a narrator of the story as he is a part of it. There are portions of the movie where he is acknowledged by the characters he is creating. This confusing idea that someone can be above and within a time frame at the same time is too abstract for a person to fully wrap their head around. Although Vyasa is writing the story, he is unable (or unwilling) to tell what will end up happening.

Vyasa,

Author: Ramanarayanadatta astri, Date: Not listed, Source: Wikimedia

Reading Diary B Week 7- Continuing with the Film

For this reading diary, I have continued to watch the film version of The Mahabharata. A link to this film can be found here. The plot picked back up with the Pandava brothers and Draupadi in exile. Draupadi impressed me in these scenes. She spoke frankly and confidently to Yudhishthira, and questioned his motives for the gamble. All of the brothers, including Yudhishthira, respected Draupadi and listened to her concerns even if they disagreed with her. This kind of effective and open communication is rare in many relationships today, and was certainly very ahead of its time for the time period during this story. I appreciated that scene.

Description: Illustrations from the Barddhaman edition of Mahabharata in Bangla, which were printed in wood engraving technique (7).jpg, Author: Maharaja Mahatab Chand Bahadur, Date: between 1820 - 1879, Source: Wikimedia

Amba made a brief re-appearance shortly after the Pandavas has started their exile. I was sure to pay attention in that part since she is one of the characters for my storybook project. Everyone recognized her name and knew her story, and they were all amazed at her determination. She was so focused that she didn't eat, sleep, or age. She barely stopped to discuss anything other than her mission.

Weapons were acquired "by both sides" in these scenes as well. Arjuna went out on his own journey to get a weapon- I appreciated how they only hit the highlights in this part. There were a lot of smaller (and not as relevant) stories/descriptions that could have been shown in the film but were left out. This was probably for the best because the viewers were able to streamline the plot a little bit.

The effects in the movie aren't "state of the art" by any means, but they aren't too cheesy either. The costumes for the demons, for example, weren't super realistic- but they were scary enough to get the point across! All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by this film and think it will help me better understand all of the various characters.

Reading Diary A Week 7 Another Mahabharata (Online Movie)

This week I decided to watch the online movie version of the Mahabharata, You can find a link to this movie, here. When I was initially reading the online PDE of the Mahabharata, I was having a hard time keeping characters and lineages straight. I thought watching a film version of the story would be beneficial for me because I would be able to match names to faces. This helped me to keep everyone's stories and backgrounds organized.

I started watching the movie two nights ago, and was able to convince one of my friends to watch it with me! I think we both enjoyed it more than we anticipated we would. The plot really is so fascinating, and it is so interesting to see how all of the characters are woven together. I thought Draupadi's acting in the last scene, where her husband gambled her away, was the most impressive. You could see the desperation on her face, but also her sincere faithfulness as she called upon the gods for help. I think Draupadi was my favorite character in the film, I was surprised that they left out her whole story. What I mean is, they didn't show her previous life, and how she became destined to have five husbands.

It's hard to tell exactly who is the main protagonist in a story with so many characters, but I think Arjuna and Yudhishthira are probably two of the biggest stars. In my eyes, however. both of them have their faults. I think Arjuna was a coward to deny the challenge of Karna. Also, I think it was shameful that he let Drona go after Ekalavya, who had done nothing wrong, and ask for his thumb. Yudhisthira's fault is obvious- the gambling. I don't understand how his brothers and his wife were so calm and understanding as he gambled everything they owned away. I also don't understand why he "had" to accept the challenge.

Shakuni is Master of Dice Game,

Author: Ramanarayanadatta astri, Date: acquired in 1965, Source: Wikimedia

I look forward to watching the rest of the film! I've noticed that a few stories are skipped over, but I feel like overall the film does a good job of hitting all of the highlights.

Reading Diary A Week 6- Keeping up with the Pandavas

Draupadi has to be one of the most interesting characters I have ever read about. Unfortunately, I got behind on my reading schedule last week and just now read about her this week. I think she could have been a cool character for my storybook project... but I went ahead and picked my three main characters last week. I might go back and add her in.

Five husbands, good for her! It's interesting to me that the culture has seemed to make an exception for her, and only her. Usually women who are with multiple men are scorned... I mean just look at how Rama treated Sita after she was kidnapped against her will by another man! However, Draupadi was apparently destined to be with all of the Pandava brothers, so she can get away with it.

Unfortunately the brothers lost everything they had. I have a feeling that if it was Draupadi placing the bets then things would not have gotten so out of hand, and they would not have faced exile out in the forest. She is definitely miserable in her exile, and wants revenge. However Yudhishthira is remaining relatively calm through the whole exile. He is portrayed as the "wise" or "cool-headed" one throughout this portion of the reading. This confused met because he obviously wasn't THAT wise when he was gambling away everything he owned. Honestly, I don't know how the whole family isn't incredibly angry with Yudhishthira. In the riddle story I guess he somewhat redeems himself. By using his "wisdom" he is able to avoid the temptation of the water and answer complicated questions about virtue. This revives his people, who had suffered death through their own impatience and misunderstanding.

2716_PandavaDraupadi.jpg

Photographer: Flickr user vaticanus, Date: Nov. 2007, Source: Flickr

Reading Diary A- Public Domain Edition of Mahabharata

This week I chose to read the public domain edition of Mahabharata that was provided by our professor. The names and places are hard to keep straight at first, but links embedded in the reading along with the audio version to follow along with help a lot.  As I was reading, I tried to keep an open mind to characters that could fit in to my storybook project for this class. Amba was probably my favorite character, although I realize that she is probably supposed to come off as evil and crazed to the reader. She was treated unjustly, despite her noble actions, and is seeking revenge against Bhishma. I look forward to finding out how the rest of her story unfolds. In my version of her story I might leave out the part about her having to be reincarnated as a man. This takes away from the power she already possesses in her womanly form.

Two other characters I found to be intriguing, although they would probably not make an appearance in my storybook, are Drona and Drupada. The two were friends growing up, but then Drupada essentially hurt Drona’s feelings when they got older by telling him he wasn’t good enough to be his friend any more. This apparently cut Drona so deep that he makes it his life’s mission to make Drupada eat his own words. In the end, Drupada is forced to accept Drona’s “friendship” but in reality the two are more like enemies.

Dronacharya as commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army,

Author: Ramanarayanadatta astri, Source: Wikimedia

Those were the three characters I was most entertained by so far, I look forward to seeing how the rest of this epic unfolds.

Week 4 Another Ramayana Reading Diary B- Sita Sings the Blues

I am so confused by how this story ended! In the prose version of The Ramayana that I read for this class, the ending was completely different. In the book, Rama and Sita returned home and the story ended happy. However, in the animated movie, Rama rejects Sita AGAIN and sends her into the forest pregnant. So much for Rama being a virtuous man! Who would ever leave a woman when she's pregnant with their child (or children, in Sita's case)? This ending of the story makes me feel completely differently about Rama. Yet, somehow, Sita remains true in her love for him. It is Sita who is the truly virtuous human. In the movie version, Mother Earth swallows Sita back into her "womb" to prove that Sita has been pure the whole time. I loved how the movie started with Sita rubbing Rama's feet up in the stars, and ended with Rama serving Sita and rubbing her feet. I also loved the sarcasm hidden in the song the boys sang to their dad. Basically, in the end of the movie, Rama is made to look like a huge jerk who made a mistake and has mountains of respect for all of the wrong reasons. And honestly, I kind of love that angst-y tone against him.

I plan to do more research to figure out what the ending of the actual epic is. Since both of the versions I've read/watched are only modern interpretations, there could be some truth in both of the endings. It seems like in a story with so many characters, twists, and details, that a lot of information can get lost in translation. This movie has made me appreciate Sita even more than before! Not only is she virtuous, but she allows herself to be honored in front of everyone in the way that she knows she deserves. In the end of this movie, instead of choosing to end up with Rama, she chooses to let the world know the truth about her. Ultimately, the movie makes it appear that she is rewarded in the after-life.

I'm very impressed by the creator of this film, Nina Paley. Her creativity and subtle satire is smart and different from most other interpretations of this story. I enjoyed Sita Sings the Blues much more than I expected to enjoy a film assigned for a class!

Nina Paley,

2006, Source: Wikipedia

Week 4 Another Ramayana Reading Diary A- Sita Sings the Blues

Sita Sings the Blues is a very entertaining animation! There's so many different styles of cartoons throughout the movie so far, and there seems to be three stories happening at once. First, there is a modern type of character who is in a strained relationship with her boyfriend. The boyfriend moved to India, and has been acting different ever since.The woman still feels devotion to her boyfriend, but is obviously very sad. Next, there is a set of three Indian characters who appear to be retelling what they remember of the Ramayana. It's quite comical to hear their dialogue; they all remember different pieces of the story and slowly put it all together. Finally, Rama and Sita's characters are telling their stories as well. Intermittently, Sita sings blues songs by Annette Hanshaw. It's crazy how the animation makes the songs match what's happening in the story perfectly! I really like the blues songs, I might have to do some more research on the artist!

I'm kind of confused on how the modern story ties in with Rama and Sita's characters. There's a few similarities: both are separated from the one they love, both are reunited with the one they love, and both are given a "cold shoulder" by the one they love. However, I'm interested to see how the "modern version" of the story will end. I have a feeling it will end differently from Sita's story.

Movie poster for the film Sita Sings the Blues,

Date: 2008, Source: Wikimedia

The story of Rama and Sita is definitely abbreviated. The movie skips over how they met, and many of the specific demons Rama defeated. The movie also leaves out some details. For example, it doesn't explain why Ravana can't touch Sita. In the reading, however, it is explained that Ravana is under a curse and cannot touch a woman against her will or he will be destroyed. Although many of the details and smaller stories are left out, the movie does a really good job of giving a broad overview of the plot of this epic. Also, it does a good job of showing the story from Sita's point of view. The viewer really feels her misery when she is separated from Rama and is better able to understand her devotion to him.

I am anxious to see how all of these different stories happening will tie together. I will probably finish the whole movie in the next couple days!

Week 3 Reading Diary B- Respect and Honor

I think my page numbers are slightly different from those presented in the reading schedule, however, this week I finished Narayan’s modern version of the Ramayana. Although I realize that what I read was a much shortened version of the original epic, I feel as though I was taken along every twist and turn in Rama’s journey. Ultimately, the reader finishes with a great sense of pride in Rama’s purpose and his faithfulness in the execution of his mission.

One theme that I noticed throughout the book, however particularly towards the end, was respect for one’s opponents. One example is when Rama defeats Vali. As Vali is dying, the book recounts his wonder at the idea of being killed. He can’t even begin to fathom the greatness of the one who ended his life. In is dying breaths he shares a dialogue with Rama, so that he might understand who has killed him and what his motives are. By the end of their conversation, Vali essentially considers it an honor to have been killed by Rama.

Fight between Rama and Ravana

between the 16th and 19th century, Author: Unknown, Source: Wikimedia 

This type of thing happens again between Rama and Ravana in the ultimate and final battle. Rama gives Ravana a type of "break" in the middle of their battle to essentially recollect himself. This mercy was given to his enemy out of respect and because of Rama's own honor. The battle also recounts Ravana's amazement towards Rama towards the end of the battle. This is interesting because he has tremendous respect for Rama, yet also wants to kill him with every fiber of his being. In the end of their battle, when Ravana is defeated, Rama is concerned that he had shot him in the back. Apparently, shooting someone while they are turning away is very dishonorable. Instead of celebrating the destruction of evil, Rama is more concerned about winning in an honorable way.

The honor code that is maintained by Rama, and the respect he has towards others despite the many ways they have wronged him is incomparable. The respect he has for his step-mother is another example of this. In the end, Rama asks that his father forgive her for the terrible wrong she did taking away Rama's crown. This type of forgiveness is incredibly honorable, in my opinion. It is these virtues of respect and honor that make Rama a true hero. Sure, he has strength and capabilities, but it is willingness to do the right thing (even when the wrong thing seems so right) that take him to the next level and make him epic. 

Week 3 Reading Diary A- A Human and a God

In this portion of the reading, we realize that Rama is as much a human as he is a god. It has been noted throughout the story that he is in possession of super natural strengths and talents that could only come from a higher power. However, in this portion of the reading we realize that those abilities are in a way constrained by his current human form. For example, he does not have the foresight to see that the golden deer is a trap presented for him. He has a hard time forgiving himself for being lured away from his wife. This one moment of human error, although it is the first and only instance mentioned in the story, causes Rama to be temporarily separated from the love of his life.

In this way the character of Rama could be compared to Jesus Christ. Christians often have a hard time wrapping their heads around how Jesus was fully man and God at the same time. However, both pieces of his being are critical to understanding the story of his life. Jesus wept, like a human. He pleaded with God in the garden of Gethsemane, although he himself was God. It is crucial that Jesus was fully human, so that he could set an example for human followers and set himself up to be the ultimate sacrifice. However, this human-God combination is often difficult to fully understand.

Agony in the Garden

between circa 1380 and circa 1390, Author: Master of Wittingau, Source: Wikimedia 

Perhaps, in a similar way, it was crucial for Rama to be human. In Rama’s case, had he not lost Sita temporarily, he may have never had the opportunity to defeat the evil Ravana. Although his earthly human form could not comprehend the reasons for the trials he had to go through, in the end all of the painful events of his life played out so that Rama could be a part of a much greater good.

Week 2 Reading Diary B- Into the Forest

I am starting to get really into this book! The twists and turns in the plot are impossible to predict, which has me sucked in.

First in this portion of the reading, Rama begins his exile out into the forest with his wife a brother... which is apparently easier said than done! His people throw a fit when he tries to leave, and even attempt to leave with him! Ultimately, the trio has to sneak away in the night. Rama's father literally dies from heartbreak. I wish he could have seen that Rama had come to terms with the exile, so he should have too! However, it is simply too much for the old king to bare.

Bharatha eventually returns home to all of this mess. Most people, when told they were to become king, would be excited.... but not Bharatha. He condemns his mother for her evils motives and goes to beg Rama to come back. In these scenes Bharatha proves himself to be a good and just man who had no connections with his mother's schemes. Ultimately, Rama remains true to his original plan and convinces Bharatha to serve as king for the remainder of the fourteen years.

Rama, Sita, Lakshmana,

Author not listed, Source: Wikimedia

The focus of the story now shifts to the trio's life in the forest. Lakshmana proves himself to be useful, protective, wise, and loyal in these scenes. As a reader I grew to love his character! He is such a servant to his brother and his wife. As soon as you think things are going to be okay, evil strikes in the form of a seductive Soorpanaka.

Soorpanaka is the sister of the evil Ravana, and becomes infatuated with Rama. This is the second description of someone becoming sick with love over Rama, the first example being Sita. However, the difference between Soopanaka and Sita is that Soopanaka is an evil monster who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. There are several instances of her pathetic attempts to win Rama's affection, including an attempt to attack Sita. It's almost funny to me how obsessed these evil demons are with love... or maybe it's just lust! This monster has the power to control the physical elements, yet can't even clear her mind enough to get over a crush.

Her brother, Rava, experiences a similar love-sickness, except his is for Sita. Just the description of her beauty disrupts his whole life. He uses his old uncle as a part of his plan to capture her. I feel so sorry for the uncle, who is trying to turn away from evil and lead a life of good! He is forced to choose between helping his evil nephew, or being killed by him. It reminds me of a good kid who is caught up in a gang, sometimes they can't get out even if they wanted to. Unfortunately Ravana's attempts to capture Sita are more successful than his sister's. His one problem, however, which I predict will save Sita's life, is that he cannot touch a woman without her consent or else he will die. I can't wait to see how Rama will come and save the day. I have so much confidence in our protagonist!

Reading Diary A Week 2, Following Rama's Journey to Adulthood

Of all of the options for reading provided by this course, I chose to read R.K. Narayan’s shortened modern version of The Ramayana. I found the book fairly easy to read except for some of the names of people and places. The first story highlights a king’s desire for children, and the process he goes through to be granted children. The king, Dasaratha, is blessed with children from each of his wives. The oldest son that is born is named Rama. The story describes how much richer the King is in the meaning of his life because of his children, and it becomes very evident that his favorite is Rama. That’s why it’s so hard for him to let Rama go on a journey with a sage named Viswamithra. However, begrudgingly, the king allows two of his son to travel with the sage. Viswamithra is a very interesting character because he was once a king, and has given up on all earthly riches in the pursuit of divine spiritual knowledge, so he gets frustrated when people bring up his former way of life. I feel like this is kind of how a former high school athlete feels when a friend brings up that state championship game. It’s over, it’s in the past, it’s not important to me anymore, and there’s no need to bring it up.

Rama and his brother Lakshmana both accompany the sage on this journey, and throughout the course of their travels the trio encounters a multitude of characters and places. My favorite portion of their journey is when Rama falls in love. The story of Rama and Sita meeting for the first time is, simply put, adorable. I thought it was interesting that the reader is informed that the two had also been together in a previous life, but could not remember that now. It gave the reader an understanding that the two of them have truly been made for one another. It is almost hilarious how lovesick and dramatic Sita is when she thinks she’ll never see Rama again. Nothing is right within her after just glancing at him one time! Ultimately, Rama shoots a ginormous bow and arrow from the god Shiva to win her hand in marriage. The story does a great job of explaining with vivid imagery all of the details of the wedding ceremony, however I longed for more of a description of Sita and Rama’s marriage. I still had a lot of questions about their actual relationship, but the plot moved away from Sita and focused more on Rama’s life for the remainder of this passage.

Characters of the Ramayana, including Rama and Sita, 

by Raja Ravi Varma, source: Wikipedia 

In the last portion of this passage, Dasaratha becomes very old and realizes it is time to pass his crown over to his beloved Rama. However, Kaikeyi, who is one of Dasaratha’s wives, has different plans. They actually aren’t her plans initially, but they are planted in her brain by a servant who wants to stir up trouble. Kaikeyi is reminded of a promise made to her by the king and wants her son, Bharatha, to instead take over. She insists not only that Bharatha be crowned, but also that Rama be exiled to the forest for 14 years. The king is so distraught, and in these moments you see again his love and favoritism towards Rama. It’s funny to me how obvious he is about having a favorite, but everyone in the kingdom appears to view Rama as the best as well.

The best part of this whole reading, in my opinion, is Rama’s humble response to the entire situation. He explains it as a blessing in three ways. Not only does his dad remain a man of his word, and his brother becomes a king, but he will also receive an opportunity for spiritual growth. I was amazed that he didn’t say a bad word about his father or his mother, even though he has been cheated out of what is rightfully his. This is the second instance of Rama’s dad viewing something as a tragedy, but Rama decides to make the most of it. His dad was so nervous to let him leave with the sage, but in the end Rama gained honor through multiple victories and found his wife. Similarly, I predict much good will come from Rama’s journey into the forest. I look forward to reading about this next portion of his life in the following reading assignment!