Reading Notes: Part C Ramayana

Part C brought the plot closer to the final conflict as well as many interesting individual stories. Like I saw with the stories in Part A and B, there were some parallels with stories and myths that I have seen in other cultures. One example was the story of Sampati and Jatayu and how they fell upon flying too close to the sun. This reminded me of the Greek mythology story of Icarus and Daedalus when Icarus' wings melted for flying too close to the sun as well. Another aspect of the stories that I enjoy are images. They really help with envisioning the plot and as an avid art museum-goer, I enjoy seeing some of the different artistic styles used in the images. The picture of the golden city in Lanka was very neat to see, especially considering that it sold for $30,000 in an auction house. Gong back to the plot, I found it noteworthy how Sita refused to escape with Hanuman as she could not touch another man. This concept of remaining pure and virginity seems to be prominent in other stories as well, such as the idea and veneration of Mother Mary. Again, this is another example of how I see parallels between different cultures in The Ramayana. Perhaps this speaks to a greater point of shared values across cultures. Ravana's family is also quite vast and each seems to have their own unique ability. It will be interesting to see how Vibhishana aids Rama against Ravana and how Ravana's sons are able to aide him in battle. I also want to see how Rama and his army are able to across the ocean to reach Lanka. Hanuman may have the supreme leaping ability, but I doubt the others do as well. Overall, I cannot wait to read the conclusion.

Bibliography: Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914)

Lanka Dahan..by Hanuman | Lord hanuman, Hanumanji, Hanuman images

Hanuman burning Lanka

Comments

Nice to meet you, my name is Neal

Wow. It is crazy to think that I am already back in Norman for my senior year. While my first threes years were full of unique experiences, I never would have imagined all of these recent events occurring. Although it has been a struggle to get through the pandemic, as I am sure everyone can agree with, I am looking forward to completing my senior year and pursuing my future. To start off, I am psychology major on the pre medicine track. Ever since I took psychology in high school I found studying the mind and the way people act so interesting. However, I always had the goal of becoming a physician which explains the pre-med track. Although I am an OU student, I still consider myself a proud Texan. I come from a relatively small town in East Texas where high school football is king and perhaps the most famous thing is that Matthew Mccounaughey graduated from my high school (he even came to our high school graduation this year to give a speech!). Wikimedia Commons : Longview ...

Comment Wall

Shiva and Parvati with their son, Ganesha Link to Storybook

Week 9 Story: Bhima and the Nagas

Duryodhana was a jealous warrior. He could not stand if anybody was better him, no matter the competition. From archery to running to strength training, he saw how his Pandavas cousins performed at the highest marks. However, no made Duryodhana more angry than Bhima. Now Bhima was the best of the spot. He could bench over 300 pounds, squat 450 pounds, and run a mile in less than 6 minutes. No one could match him physically and for this Duryodhana plotted to get rid of Bhima. He knew he could not do it face to face combat, so he decided to poison his food during dinner. He extracted poison from the venomous King Cobra and sprinkled onto Bhima's dinner for the night. As Bhima took his first bites, he passed out and laid asleep on the ground. Duryodhana seizing his opportunity, gagged Bhima and threw into the holy Ganges for him to forever lie. Yet, as Bhima fell into the river it was fated by the gods that he was not to die. His destiny lied far ahead in the future. Thus when Bhima...

Indian Epics

Search This Blog