Famous Last Words: Week 2

Wow, this is the week that I am finally starting to get a hang of this Indian Epics course! I am really starting to enjoy these assignments. This week we started reading the first half of Narayan’s Ramayana. I can’t believe we’re already halfway through this first epic! In here we read about Rama, Sita, and Ravana (at least those are the three characters that stand out the most to me thus far). I really am starting to delve into the topic of this course. I was a bit overwhelmed last week with all of the assignments, however, as we have moved into the second week (now third week) of the semester, it is a lot easier to complete the tasks and enjoy them without being overwhelmed.

As stated earlier, we have started reading the Ramayana. I have learned about many different Indian gods and it has been so much fun! I am now able to relate photos I have seen, such as Ganesha, with stories about their origin and history. My best friend is from India and is actually living there right now because she graduated last month. She is the one who recommended that I take this course because she knows I am interested in learning about Hinduism and Indian gods. I am now starting to understand why she said I’d love this course! I really enjoy some of the concepts also like Karma. I have learned about the chakras from Yoga and I loved reading about how some of the Indian gods have to do with the chakras.

Overall, this week has made me really excited to continue reading and posting in this class for the rest of the semester. I love reading other people’s blogs and I have already learned so much from my other classmates! Now that we have just created our Website, I can’t wait to start creating my Storybooks!

(Photo of the seven chakras found online)

I chose to post a picture depicting the seven chakras because I am interested in learning more about the history and meanings of the chakras.

Indian Epics Topics Brainstorm

1. Possible Topic: Hanuman. I was interested in this topic because, for starters, I love monkeys. I have seen photos of monkeys and I am interested in learning about their significance because they are depicted as gods. Also, because Rama is one of my favorite characters, I felt that learning about one of his most devoted followers would be interesting!

Research so far. This is my first time learning about Hanuman so I looked up on Wikipedia to gain so background knowledge. I scrolled down to the “Adventures in Ramayana” section. In here it mentions that Hanuman met Rama during his 14-year exile when Rama is searching for his wife Sita.

(Photo of Hanuman found on Wikipedia)

2. Possible Topic: Ravana. I am choosing to study Ravana because he is my least favorite character in the Ramayana so far. I feel it is important to learn about protagonists as well as antagonists when getting into a story.

Research so far. As noted previously, he is the main antagonist in the Ramayana. After exploring a bit on Wikpedia, I learned that the literal translation for Ravana in Sanskrit is “crying” or “causing to cry.” I also learned that Ravana is the god that is described as having ten heads.

(Photo of Ravana found online)

3. Possible Topic: Ganesha. I have heard the name Ganesha before, but I cannot remember. The name sparked a memory so I thought this would be a good topic to study. I believe I may have heard of this god in one of my yoga classes.

Research so Far: According to Wikipedia, Ganesha is known as the God of wisdom, knowledge and new beginnings. Ganesha also has the head of an elephant which makes him so distinct. After reading more, I now know where I have heard of this god. He is part of the first chakra and he guides and supports all of the other chakras.

(Picture symbolizing the importance of Ganesha found on Pinterest)

4. Possible Topic: Karma. Karma is a concept that I strongly believe in. Although bad things happen can happen to good people, I believe that overall people will be rewarded for good things.

Research so Far. I do not know much about Karma, but I did research on Wikipedia. I have seen the Lotus in many traditions that have karma as a central theme. I learned that the Lotus represents karma because a lotus is one of the few flowers that can carry a seed while blooming at the same time; ultimately, it is showing that one can grow and remain unstained even in muddy situations.

(Picture of a Lotus found online)

Week 2 Storytelling: The Abduction of Sita as told by Rama

I have felt a bit overwhelmed lately. After being exiled from home, I escaped to the woods to get away from the crowds of people who constantly beg me for questions. Bharata, my brother, has begged me to return also. I want to fulfill my exile in peace. Is that so much to ask? My father has passed and I have been exiled from my previous home. Some peace and quiet would be nice. Bharata took my sandals for some reason. I met a woman in the forest named Shurpankha. She is the sister of Ravana, who I killed. Lakshmana luckily got her away from me so I don’t have to worry about any awkward confrontation in the future. I plan to be with Sita. Ravana saw what Lakshmana did to Shurpanakha and he was furious. However, once she described how beautiful Sita was, Ravana fell madly in love with her. He decided to abduct her but did not have that great of a plan. He went to his uncle Maricha to ask for help but he didn’t want to. Ravana didn’t take no for an answer. Maricha makes himself a golden dear which of course catches Sita’s attention. Because Sita and I are likely to get married, she asks me to capture the deer for her. Although I knew what was happening, I shot the deer. In that instant, Maricha called for help using my voice!! She was so upset when she thought I was harmed.  She sent Lakshmana to come find me to make sure I am okay. Sita was then alone and vulnerable for Ravana to come capture her, just as he had planned. I wish I knew this story before it was too late. The moment I saw Maricha coming out of the deer I knew what had happened and that I lost the love of my life to him forever. I don’t know what I will do without Sita.  I am already going through such a difficult time… Why must this happen to me?

Author’s Note: I decided to write in the first person of Rama throughout the story of the abduction of Sita. The story line did not change, however, I decided to get inside the head of Rama to see how he was feeling after the death of his father and the exile from home. All of these tragedies along with the loss of Sita are bound to make Rama very upset but could potentially strengthen his character in upcoming episodes.

(Photo of the golden deer found online)

Week 2 Reading Diary B: Rama's Exile and Sita's Abduction

This part of the episode starts off with Dasharatha dying, which is devastating, however, I have a feeling it will make Rama that much of a stronger character. Rama’s brother is outraged about Rama’s exile, as any brother should be. Although he begged Rama to return, Rama insist on fulfilling his exile. I admire the fact that Rama chooses to live in a life of solitude. Being exiled from the throne would be devastating so I imagine almost anyone would prefer to live out in the woods away from the crowds instead of returning to Ayodhya.  Bharata decides to go back to where he ruled in Nandigram and refused to return until Rama did. I love that they show the determination and loyalty in Bharata.

Shurpanakha, the sister of Ravana declares her love for Rama. I’m guessing out of loyalty for Rama, Lakshmana decides to hurt her to stay away from Rama because of her family background. I was a bit confused on this part to be quite honest. Another love story occurs where Ravana wants to abduct Sita (who was actually Lakshamana’s rival with Rama). He asks his uncle for help to reel in Sita and abduct her for himself.

The two love stories, or as I would call them, obsessions, are a very intetesting part of this episode. It reminds me of soap operas that we see all over TV today, only they include numerous Gods that have amazing super powers to deceive others. This episode was just a more culturally in-tune reality show!!

(Photo found online depicting the abduction of Sita by Ravana)

Week 2 Reading Diary A: Starting the Ramayana

Wow, this is going to be an exciting Indian Epic to read! There is so much going on here, it was a bit overwhelming at first. However, when I stopped trying to pronounce all the names out loud it became a bit more bearable. This episode so far starts out in Ayodhya where Dasharatha is king. He has no children but he performs a sacrifice that allows him to get ahold of a special rice which he feeds his wives. They eventually get pregnant and he ends up with numerous children!

My favorite character in this episode is Rama. For starters, he is the child of Dasharatha and Kausalya which I’d like to believe is his favorite wife. Rama accompanies Lakshmana where he kills the demon Thataka. Finally, when Dasharatha relalizes he’s ill, he names Rama as his successor. When Kooni persuades Kaiekyi to oppose this, Rama does not protest.

Rama seems like he is going to be a very important character based on the episode so far. His name caught my eye because he was the first child to be born. It then talks about his defeat of the demon Thataka. Although Dasharatha has many children, Rama is the most talked about. Not only did he defeat a demon, but he didn’t even protest when someone opposed him as being the successor. That takes true wisdom and patience. I am looking forward to seeing the character of Rama develop once Dasharatha passes. I also thought it was really awesome that they threw in the origin of the Ganges River into this episode!

I have included a photo of Rama who is the avatar of the God Vishnu.

(Photo of Rama found online)