Status Updates From The Illustrated Ramayana: T...

It interesting how the story was preordained and how we got the current set of incarnations. I was shocked, however, of Rama renouncing Sita because of rumors in addition to his killing of a person in the Shudra caste. This seems to stand against the virtues Rama embodies: devotion to your wife and love for all beings regardless of who they are. This must be something that we are still grappling with today.

Notes:

Rakshasas: The first beings of Lanka created by Brahma to protect the waters who agreed to.

Yakshas: The beings who decided to protect.

This makes so much sense. Raksha means to protect in Sanskrit so I wondered why Rakshasa shared the same name as an auspicious holiday (Raksha Bandhan)

Although, Rama explains that made Sita cast herself into fire to demonstrate he did not save her out of desire it just does not make sense. Perhaps it will be explained in the final chapter but Valmiki places such an emphasis on how much Rama loves Sita so to have him utter such harsh words to her right after they save her does not seem characteristic of him as the most virtuous being.

Notes:

Ramarajya: Best described as when the limits of the individual self are abandoned in the service of all existence, which leads to a better-run policy, free from oppression and unbridled consumption.

“‘Who are we to punish? Is there anybody who does not sin? We outbt to regard all beings with compassion.’” Sita when Hanuman expresses hus desire to kill the Rakshasis who tormented her (p. 321).

It’s interesting that Rama and Ravana are opposites of each other. Rama champions Dharma while Ravana indulges in Adharma. They are both resplendent beings but they represent the battle between good and evil. Hanuman says that if Ravana did not go down the path of Adharma he could have been a virtuous figure. Perhaps that goes to show that anyone can be redeemed so long as they have the desire to.

Rama’s grace extends far beyond what I expected as he takes in Vibhishana into his group. It’s amazing to see a divine figure truly providing refuge for all regardless of the sin they have committed as long they are devoted to him. This benevolent non judging mindset is truly beautiful and teaches us to have forgiveness for others.

“the fetters of ignorance can be broken by repetition of Rama’s name, there is no question of Hanuman being bound, for he bears Rama’s lotus feet in his heart and is thus ever feee from all bonds” (p. 229). Hanuman is also an amazing figure. I love how he is known as the “Remover of all Obstacles” and his name is invoked when strength is needed (Hanuman Chalisa).

The Four Modes of Policy:

Sama: Appeasement or conciliation

Dana: Giving of gifts

Bheda: Causing dissension within enemy ranks

Danda: Deployment of force

“‘My father-in-law’s name is Dasharatha, and I have come here to see your widowhood.’” Sita to Mandodari. She slayed. Throughout Rama’s and Sita’s separation Valmiki uses such beautiful imagery to describe the love they have for each other. Phrases such as the sun without its radiance or the moon without its light are used to describe how inseparable they are.

Incarnations of Vishnu:

Matsya: Fish

Kurma: Tortoise

Varaha: Great Boar

Narasimha: Man-Lion

Vamana: Dwarf

Parashurama: Rama with an Ax

Rama

Krishna

Buddha

Kalki: Has yet to come

The twelve months in Indian calendars:

Chaitra (1)
Vaishakha (2)
Jyeshtha (3)
Ashadha (4)
Shravana (5)
Bhadrapada (6)
Ashvina (7)
Kartika (8)
Margashirsha (9)
Pausha (10)
Magha (11)
Phalguna (12)

Chaturmasa (the four months): Starting in Ashadha through Kartika. The monsoon season

“‘Friends, whatever state they may have fallen into, and whatever state one may fall into, remain the ultimate refuge,’” Sugriva told Rama (p. 171). I think it’s interesting now that Rama is actively working towards the goal he was born to complete he is taking on the role of a deliverer. His mercy is so great that Rakshasas plead for him to kill them as it will absolve them of sin.

I feel like different people and followers must reinterpret stories of religious figures so it fits their view of them. Like how Rama’s and Lakshmana’s comments to Shurpanakha are seen as uncharacteristic of them. I understand that Rama is a divine figure but Vishnu has incarnated as a human so I believe it makes sense that he has some flaws.

It’s interesting how Rama has to be forced back into completing his divine mission of killing Ravana. He has been building his martial prowess as well as his stock of weapons. Sita worries about this as the sages tell him to defeat the Rakshasas that are tormenting them. He tells her this is a warrior dharma which is interesting considering what he said previously.

Rama says he holds, "'the truth to be the ultimate good.'" rejecting the "'warrior's dharma,'" (p. 119). This is such an interesting dynamic, but it makes sense because he is the avatar of Vishnu, so his dharma would be on a grander scale. It is also interesting how Rama represents the lord, and his brothers represent different relationships: servitude (L), dependence (B), and dependence on the Lord's devotees (S).

I am now on Rama’s exile. Everyone loves him dearly and the imagery shown to depict how different Ayodhya is without him is particularly potent. It is interesting how Valmiki draws parallels between wives and Sita aswell as husbands and Rama.

Notes:

Ashramas - Stages of life

Brahmacharya - Studenthood

Garhasthya - Householdership

Vanaprastha - In the forest

Sannyasa - Renunciation

The pursuit of dharma explains so much of the filial piety I have observed in my life. How brown boys often end up being “mommy boys” or supporting their parents that may not be so great. It is a duty per se. It is also interesting how dharma can be seen as the pursuit of truth and this story is about the conflict of various dharmas. Truth can also be seen as being true to yourself.

“‘I, along with all that is mine, am yours to command. Tell me your heart’s desire.’” (p. 79). Gee how romantic this is King Dasharatha to his wife Kaikeyi. I am also interested in how forgiving the gods often are in these stories. I feel like the Christian characterization of God is so different. The gods in Hinduism fight, laugh, and play with humans.

“‘You are my own other self. This Kingdom, and indeed, life itself, I only seek for your sake.’” (p. 73). So much brotherly love between Rama and Lakshmana!

The stories are so interesting. I wonder what compelled Valmiki to write about this. It makes you wonder what people back in the day thought about. Perhaps this was a way to pass time or to strive towards betterment. It is also interesting how powerful the sages are. Everything is so mystic!

I am on the actual Ramayana story now! I would be so lost without the commentary and paraphrasing by the authors. I think it's interesting how cycles are integrated in the story itself, with Rama creating Brahma, even though we see Brahma as the creator of the universe, but that is something that I am still wrapping my head around.

Notes:

Purushartha - Those which man should pursue (dharma, artha, kama, and moksha)

Dharma - Sense of virtue and righteousness; pursuit of heaven

Artha - Political and economic concerns

Kama - Pursuit of pleasure or desire

Moskha - Liberation from the cycle of rebirth

Woah! This book is so interesting. I am still on the introduction but the author is providing great context that sets the stage for the Ramayana. I never knew that this story was popular in Buddhist circles as well.