Harjot’s Reviews > The Illustrated Ramayana: The Timeless Epic of Duty, Love, and Redemption > Status Update

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).

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