Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana, Section A

Reading notes

Why a horse?

Rakshasa is a scary demon looking thing out of the Hindu

60,000 dead princes is a lot . like a whole lot.

Performed austerity with 5 fires… intermittent fasting. I know another story where god was made flesh for the purpose of saving man kind. Ravana cannot be defeated by gods, only humans and monkeys. Yama is in control of the sun and the moon? I know a tradition that pays homage to the sun and the moon. Do they worship the god of death by proxy? I could trick the humans and be a sneaky god with a weird sense of humor. Vishnu the savior from the demon king Ravana. Is born human on earth as Rama, son of Dasharatha. Vishnu says, “don’t be afraid, Ill save you”.

Rama, Dasharatha, Lakshmana, fire arrows at a female but only to wound because to kill would be dishonorable. Thataka, the evil demon (rakshasa) woman, after being deprived of her nose and arms makes herself invisible and throws stones at our heroes. Vishwamitra (sage) begged Rama to kill her, so guided by sound alone he shot one arrow at the invisible beast and killed her. The priest rejoices and kissed Rama’s head. The sage chants powerful mantra and the celestial weapons appear with the spirits of the weapons, with hands folded ask to do the bidding of Rama, it appears they value generosity. Rama tells the weapons to be ready and read his mind.

What is the mountains daughter, and why will he hold it on his head? Oh, Ganga is on Shiva’s head via precipitation. But Shiva thought Ganga was too proud and so he caused her to wander around in his hair for several years. Ganga finally used her water to sanctify the 60,000 sons of Sagara’s ashes and they finally accent into heaven. According to Ramayana and the Mahabharata:

'For countless years, disloyal spouse,
Devoted to severest vows,
Thy bed the ashes, air thy food,
Here shalt thou live in solitude.
This lonely grove thy home shall be,
And not an eye thy form shall see.
When Rama, Dasharatha's child,
Shall seek these shades then drear and wild,
His coming shall remove thy stain
And make the sinner pure again.
Due honor paid to him, thy guest,
Shall cleanse thy fond and erring breast,
Thee to my side in bliss restore
And give thy proper shape once more.'

He is angry enough to curse her and yet tells her when the punishment ends. The Bride returns to her original sinless state only after a good deed done to Rama…. Very strange and interesting.

The whore washes the feet of her saviors. She has heard and believes the word of Gautam. The “ Great Dame” is reconciled with her husband.

Sita prays to Bhavani, knowing that her god already knows her will.

Three times around the altar equals marriage in death and life.

Ravi Varma-Rama-breaking-bow

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ravi_Varma-Rama-breaking-bow.jpg

Painted by: Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906)An Indian painter who achieved recognition for his depiction of scenes from the epics of the Mahabharata and Ramayana

 
Truth arises from the conflict of various views, you are very wise old king

Another familiar theme. Pretty woman is seduced into thinking she has a rival and foolish kings have made vows to grant wishes. Like the story of John the Baptist, and Samson and Delilah.

The old woodsman and his wife enter the kingdom of death via their son’s funeral pyre. What a wild image.

We see a man on his death bed and grieving over what he perceived as a deed done to him, but he brought it on himself through the pride of honor. To save his word he has done great evil and to add insult to injury, Rama’s mother lets him know that he has broken his word regardless but now he dies without his favorite son by his side. We also see that when he cries out for mercy the woman graciously apologizes. A great act of kindness paid to him.

Bibliography:
Indian Myth and Legend (1913), public domain.