The Ramayana

I thought this epic was a lot more difficult to read and interpret than the rest, mainly because of the vast amount of characters.  Not to mention the fact that them names are extremely hard to pronounce and spell. Time to dulge in.. Two main things that caught my mind were actions and character of Rama as well as Hanuman's role in the story, which I will get into later.

It is clear to everyone that Dharma is looked at highly by everyone in Hinduism.  Three main things must go along with dharma. First, one must obey their parent's (especially the father), authority figures, and women should obey their husbands.  Second, keeping promises is extremely important in dharma.  The last and most important order of dharma is that your actions and decisions, whether good or bad must be done with the right attitude.  Although Rama is not perfect he fits the criteria for dharma to the tee.  For example, as mentioned many times in the reading Rama obeys without question, and has a positive attitude about everything he does, even if it is not in his interest.  For example, when king Dasaratha told Rama that he could not be king, and he would have to go to the forest, he complied.  Could you imagine that? Say on the day you were being elected into office your father told you that you could not take the position because he said so, and instead someone else should take your place.  Rama didnt do anything wrong, and he had no reason to be kicked off.  Even though Laksmana tells Rama to fight back and make his point that he has done wrong he refuses to because it would break the code of Dharma.  Since Dasaratha owed Kaikeyi two boons he had to keep his promise or else he would be breaking the rules.  As soon as Kausalya told Rama of the news he said right away that he would head to the forest and follow what was promised of him while he lived in the forest.

A little later in the story Hanuman, who I believe was some time of god-like bird was sent on his way to the city of Lanka (present day Sri Lanka) to rescue Sita, Rama's wife.  Hanuman also portrays these features of dharma.  He is supressed by many gods of the oceans, winds, and other demons, but he simply tells them he is on his way to rescue Sita from Ravana.  He listens to his authority figure (Rama) and travels over 800 miles and searches for long periods of time.  Hanuman must keep his promise to the righteous Rama, and he does it with joy.

So far Hanuman has searched all over Lanka and in all the rooms for Sita, but he has yet to find her.  The suspense is building up, but that is as far as I have gotten and I look forward to the next reading to see how he discovers Sita.  Has Ravana already eaten her? Could she have been seduced by Ravana? Only time and words will tell.

Until next time..