Week 12: Reading Diary B--Lotuses (Loti?) and Santa's Deer and a Pop-Eyed Little King

Let's see if I can continue the streak of short reading diaries and extend the longest run ever to two!!  Haha.

O. M. G.  This chapter is titled the thousand-petaled lotus.  And we're heading towards the story of the pond.  Maybe my hundred-petaled lotus blossom wasn't that far off at all. . .

Ecologically concerned Pandavas, you are fantastic, haha.

I don't know that Makanaka's diet was necessarily bad, at least not for him.  I mean he was insanely strong--he just could destroy the universe with his strength as a result of eating plants.  So his diet was dangerous, but not inherently bad.

Also, does this mean ancient Indians don't approve of vegetarianism?  Lol, how times have changed.

What is it with wandering men "losing their seed" and having it consumed by random animals to give birth to weird people?  Seriously, though.

Another intelligent woman.  Score two for the Mahabharata!!!  And yay, Santa, haha!!  You sneaky, duplicitous princess, you.

Lol--Rishyasringa doesn't know what a girl is. . . Two pillows on "his" chest, indeed.

I shouldn't even say it. . . but all I can think of is the fact that this is a story of Santa and a reindeer.  Though I would really hope Santa doesn't wed his deer.

You speak, you get stoned.  Punishment definitely fits the crime, there.

Aw, Bhima, you're so chivalrous!  Thinking of your wife before yourself. . . And roaming mountains just in case you come across some flowers for her. . . *sigh*

[Anybody else having trouble detecting my sarcasm from my genuine thoughts and feelings anymore?  Just me?  'K, then.]

And then you go and insult a sick monkey.  Bhima, you disappoint me.

IT'S HANUMANNNNNNN!!!  What?!?!

No.  Way.  It's a lotus lake.  I totally called it, if in the completely wrong story, lol.

The Castle of the Dawn of the World ruled over by the Treasure Lord.  There's a grand and pretentious series of titles if I've heard one, haha.

NO FRIENDS?  Awwwwww.  Poor Treasure Lord.  I'll be your friend!

Flood story?  Of course.  I mean, they're everywhere.  The question is, is it the same flood, or different floods?  A very important question, indeed.

I feel like the Pandavas accumulate more wealth while they are banished than they had to begin with.  Why settle when you live in such comfort and wealth anyway?

Who needs war paint when you can put a flower behind your ear.

"pop-eyed little king. . ."  Now that is an interesting description, haha.

I want that lute.  The thing is powerful and I can think of some uses for it. . . (Duh, duh, duhhhhh)

I now have a new monster to occupy my nightmares--Kalee.  At least she doesn't have a grudge against me. . . At least I don't think so. . .

So many personified deer in this epic!!

God, I love how much power Draupadi has over her husbands.  Seriously, it's awesome.

If someone spoke to me the way Krishna speaks to Narayana, I'd marry them.  So I can understand why Krishna has sixteen thousand wifes.  <--Just in case you were wondering, this is half in jest and half serious.  Try to make sense of it now, haha.

SAVITRI!!!!!  I <3 YOU!!! (If you didn't know, I wrote her story already, on my storybook site.  Link here.  Granted, this is assuming people read my blog for the sake of reading my blog, buttttt--yeah.  Link!)

Comparing Draupadi with Savitri?  Yessssss.

Success!!  Another reasonable reading diary!!  Stay tuned to see if I can keep the streak up next week, on Mythological Musings!!!  Haha.

Week 12: Reading Diary A--My Frustration with Dice Continues and My Favoritest Couple Everrr

I promise--I mean it this time!--this reading diary will not be insanely long. . . I really am trying, I swear!

Is anybody else picturing them all sitting around a little checkered tablecloth on the stone floor of a grand receiving hall?  Kinda like a dice picnic inside a giant palace.  All things that make sense together, haha.

That is a ton of pearls.  Like, literally.

From cattle and sheep to a city then to people.  Totally a logical progression, I guess, if you have a city and other people to stake as a bet.

Though I must say, I love that Draupadi is described as equal to all five Pandavas--a woman worth five unmatched men!

Yay, Draupadi!  Knock that brute to the ground!  Wooooo!!

The whole "I am going to destroy your thigh" thing that Bhima has going on totally makes sense now!  Macho men stripping to show off their thighs--*sigh*  <-- And just to clarify, that is a sigh of frustration and not one of wishful thinking.  Just making sure you got that.

"'You have surpassed your beauty.''  Yes.  Yes!  YES!  See, these are the kinds of females we need in the epics.  Strong women defined by more than their looks.  Thank goodness for Draupadi.

Stupid, stupid, stupid!  What the heck, Yudhishthira?!  Even knowing that you are going to keep gambling and lose everything again, I still want to throw my book at the wall.  Gahhh.

I don't know Dhritarashtra, why do you have affection for Duryodhana?  He's a menace, a cold-hearted bastard who doesn't care about anything but himself.  Come to your senses, man!

Anybody else love the random sketch of a katydid?  No?  Just me?  Okay. . .

BUTTERRRRR.  Mmmmmm. . .

"You can have anything if you just turn back--"  Okay, Arjuna, explain to me why you didn't ask for your banishment to end and your kingdom back?  Why just ask for a drink?  Like, what??

The wine caused a cup to explode, the leaves to fall, mountains to crack, and stormy flowers to form, and you call it delicate?  I think you are terribly mistaken.

The inexhaustible quiver was empty. . . Well, obviously it's not truly inexhaustible, now is it?

All the description of heaven and the one thing I pick up on is that the white elephant has four tusks.  Yup, I'm special that way.

[I'm blaming the length of this post on my frustration.  Yeah, that's it.  Don't argue with me, just accept my faulty logic.]

You think no one is more unfortunate than you?  You're wrong.  Trust me, I'm a poet.

AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!   IT'S NALA AND DAMAYANTI!!!!!!!!  I CANNOT CONTAIN MY EXCITEMENT.

Excitement contained.  But no more shall be said about that duo right now. . . Well, maybe a few things.

I.  FREAKING.  HATE.  DICE.  Taking all you have and then transforming into birds just to steal your robe.  Jerks.  (Though, personally, I am awesome at liar's dice, haha.  But that's totally different, of course.)

You throw stones at her?  Stones?  At the faithful and intrepid Damayanti?  For shame, people, for shame!!!

"As small as a thumb. . ."  Odd thing to compare something to, but okie dokie.

And we return to Ayodhya.  Again.

What is it with these men and gambling away their wives?!  I mean, at least Nala knows he cannot lose, but still.

And as we return back to the "present" with the Pandavas, we break until tomorrow!  Ciao!!   :)


[And just if you were wondering, this was a perfectly reasonably-sized reading diary.  My lifetime goal has been reached, haha.]

Week 11: Reading Diary B--Blades of Grass, Impossible Thoughts, and Lack of Sleep. Thus Are Deep Contemplations Born.

"Life is like hot iron. . . "

And with those words to inspire some deep, sleep-deprived thoughts, let's begin!

So I understand the whole "by the stars he may know direction" part.  And possibly the "by wandering, one may know paths."  But what does "by taking care, none shall oppress him" mean?  And why is the whole code about the burning house so much more inscrutable here?  Good thing Yudhishthira knows what he's doing.  Ish.

Need a stand in?  Apparently any five handsome male corpses will do.  They obviously think a lot of themselves and little of Duryodhana.

How thoughtful, to snap the neck of the man who was going to set you alight and murder you in your sleep so that he doesn't have to burn to death like you would have.  Such a nice man you are, Bhima.

How come no matter where the characters of the epics are, they are always within sight of the Ganges?

What the heck is the barbarian tongue everyone is talking about?

Oh Aeneus, carry your father far!   I-I mean. . . Oh Bhima, carry your brothers and mother far!  So many parallels. . .

May the odds be EVER in your favor!  How come when it comes to the lottery, a one in a million chance seems easily possible, but when it comes down to a human sacrifice, a one in a couple thousand choice seems impossible?  What kind of logic is that?

Love that Buck drew the comparison between a blade of grass and a sword.  Just awesome word play.

Son, you're being sent unarmed to a demon so that he may dine on you and a cartload of rice and two buffalos.  Logical response?  No, Mother!  How could you!  Bhima's response:  "This is wonderful!  I've never yet had enough to eat here!"  Gotta love Indian epics.

At least here Yudhishthira's response makes sense.  'Cause later on, not so much.  It's probably a good thing they try to ingratiate the reader/listener with him early, since otherwise he'd just be frustrating.

"He just kept on eating away.  He had made himself hard."  Oh, the thoughts on how this can be misinterpreted out of context, haha.  Also, I am a terrible person for thinking and then typing this.

"Bhima had made himself huge."  And so it continues. . .

Does Vyasa ever not speak in code?  And how much forethought do all these codes take?  Can you imagine?

[Obviously when I don't get a lot of sleep I simply question everything.  Naturally.]

You defeated me in battle.  My daughter was just born, and all I could think of was that you should be the one to marry her.  I don't care that I'm thinking impossible thoughts since everyone says you're dead.  I'm king and can bloody well think whatever unreal thoughts I want.  Why, sometimes I think as many as six impossible thoughts before breakfast.

Muscles that when straining break bronze armor.  Even if I hate Duryodhana's personality, I've gotta admit that's impressive.  And would be attractive in practically anyone else.  Yup, that.

"'Well, after hearing ten thousand explanations, a fool is no wiser.  But an intelligent man needs only two thousand five hundred.'"  A very specific number.  Also, no one ever explains anything to me that many times, so whether I am intelligent or not it seems I shall never grow any wiser.  Alas!

Interesting how in Narayan's version, Kunti's joking gave Draupadi five husbands, while in Buck's version, Draupadi herself chose all five Pandavas for her husbands herself.  Seriously, that's a significant difference.

I have no idea what she thinks, and at a swayamvara she could chose anyone to marry.  So if you want my advice, just take my sister by force.  I mean, what can she do?  Archaic, misogynistic swine.  Stupid overbearing "I know everything!" deities.  Gahhhh.

"'Transferred from one clear lake to another, like a lotus."  I'm too tired for this.  Such beautiful imagery, but I can't appreciate it today.  I just keep thinking, why can't they speak plain English?!

Too much butter--there is no such thing!!  Come on, Agni.

Can you imagine how many arrows it would take to make a roof over an entire forest?  Arjuna must have a very impressive quiver.

How old must something be to have existed since before the time of the architect of the olden gods?!  Like, dang.

And of course, they were put there by Krishna to decorate the house of Arjuna.  Totally makes sense.  Uh huh.  Yup.  My sleep-addled brain can not comprehend all these circular moments. . .

I want a palace constructed by Maya!  (A girl can dream, right?)

Hahahahahahaha.  I literally laughed out loud at the whole scene where Krishna tried to enter the palace of illusions.  Great.  Just great.

I love Bhima:  "'But you must act the king:  do what you want, in haste, without thought--and above all, do not consider the consequences.'"  Gotta say, though, I hope that this is simply an indictment of the current king and not a generalization about all Indian kings.  Otherwise they may have a problem with their approach to monarchy. . .

"'You resemble a young maiden prancing over rain puddles. . . You are a great actor.'"  Again, Bhima!!  Fantastic insult.  I wish I could have seen Duryodhana's face, haha.  You know, if this were real.  (I promise, I do have a firm grasp on reality.  Or at least on my perception of reality.  But since everything is an illusion, and senses can be deceiving, who knows how real my reality is?  Or if it is even anything like the next person's reality.  I guess I don't have a grasp on reality at all. . . Soooo, yeah.  Can I see Duryodhana's face now?)

And with those profound thoughts (or at least those thoughts that seem profound to my exhausted self at this moment), we shall await Yudhishthira's dice addiction with growing frustration!

Week 11: Reading Diary A--More Bang for your Buck!!!

Oh, William Buck, how I missed your delightful prose!!  I cannot wait for you to tell me all of the stories that were omitted from Narayan's Mahabharata, and to retell the main storyline with your wonderful imagery!  Therefore, let us begin!!!

Even before we enter the chapters of Buck's Mahabharata, he presents us with a teaser description of the characters.  And once again, I realize just how much Narayan's versions of these epics lack in style, how much Narayan's versions lose in overly simplifying the stories and not utilizing the glory of descriptive language and perfect word choice.  Or maybe I just realized how much I missed Buck. . . That could also be it, haha.

Additionally, it's interesting that Yudhishthira is "the embodiment of all manliness," and yet the key characteristic of his personality is that he is "kindhearted."  Not at all what you would expect, with the emphasis put on religiosity and the warrior.  Intriguing. . .

Ganesha!!  I've always loved you for your image alone.  But seeing as you wrote the epics down for the poets, I love you all the more.

Also, odd that Ganesha is the god of writers and thieves--it makes you think there is some comparison to be made there.  Huh.

Can you imagine first meeting your father and you call him a beggar and he insults you and then decapitates you?  There's a situation that will lead to major daddy issues.  But now I know how Ganesha got his elephant head, so wooo!  Haha.

More etiological myths--yesssss!  Though, I don't know what to think about the fact that the ocean was originally milk. . .

Does anybody else simultaneously love and hate the roundabout ways in which the epics are framed?  How you go from present to past to deeper past to present to deep past to past to . . .  I have no idea.

You have to love how easily people in the epics give away favors.  "You can have anything you wish!"  Hah!  So often it works at cross-purposes with what the person wants, but why not give away an unnamed favor?  Is this a cultural thing?  Or is it simply to advance the epics, haha.

Also, did a lot of ancient Indians live to really old age?  Or at least some of them?  'Cause there are a lot of reallllllly old people in the epics.

You're sweating?  Really?  Ok, then, I guess it's about time for you to be reborn anyway. . .

So, a daughter sits on the right thigh of a man, and a lover sits on the left.  Good to know.  Random, but okay.

"We were wondering. . . Will you be our mother?"  Not at all an unusual request.  So let's just laugh it off--oh, wait, you're serious?  What on earth (or in heaven, should I say) did you do?

You have to really love someone to marry them on your mother's word and agree to never ask their name or interfere with their actions.  Also, you have to love them a lot to let them drown seven infant sons before finally objecting.  Like, damn.

Born of a spilled seed carried by a hawk and dropped into the mouth of a fish.  Totally normal.  And with all that, why not just add in a lingering aroma of fish?  Next, let's have a tryst in the middle of a river in the middle of a day with lots of people around us.  And thank you for removing my fishy odor as a payment for my love!  Wait a sec. . . does that make me a prostitute?  In any case, I gave birth to the famed poet Vyasa, so can I really complain?  (Such convoluted plot lines in these stories, haha.)

Sometimes I wonder if the Indians just didn't have the creativity to come up with new names.  So, instead, they add a syllable or a letter here or there, and thus name their children.  For example, see Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika.

"'. . .the wife is most dear who is stolen by force!'"  I object to this statement--it necessarily depicts women as objects, as something to be taken without any thought to the woman herself.  Stupid ancient, objectifying, misogynistic pigs.

[And now, once again, I really have to speed things up.]

Interesting how Buck didn't emphasize the circumstances of Vyasa's sons' births, whereas Narayan did.  Curious.

The ability to call upon any god in order to have a child with them--what an odd gift.  I mean, what do you say to that?  Thanks for the opportunity for unlimited divine sex?  And is there not some kind of moral issue there?

Pandu killing the deer while they are "joined in copulation" reminds me of Tiresias being cursed for striking two copulating serpents.  Why this of all things is a common story between two different cultures, I have no idea.

Can you imagine carrying one hundred sons?!?!  I just. . . I don't even. . . just no.  NO.

Okay, if they're from a ball of flesh, that's slightly less distressing.  But only slightly.

Ordering your wife to have sex with specific gods in order to bear you sons--that is so messed up on so many levels.

A bow made of sugarcane and strung with a line of bees. . .  That is seriously adorable!

Kripa and Kripi.  Again, such original names, haha.

Can you imagine promising your mentor that if you ever come against him, you will fight to win?  That's harsh, man.

Brahmanas are very forgiving.  That's why when you deny us a night of shelter, we take half of your kingdom.  Hearts of butter, indeed.

Interesting what a strong role Aswatthaman plays with Drona and the Pandavas in Buck's version versus Narayan's.

I love how Buck describes Karna as easily better than Arjuna, as the greatest warrior on earth.  It really provides a heightened sense of anticipation, seeing as I know later on that he will face off against the Pandavas.  Also, we see how Karna becomes indebted to Duryodhana simply because of a competition and a "friendship."

And with this lengthy post concluding, I bid you adieu!!

Week 10: Reading Diary B--Afraid to Shoot Strangers--I Mean Family! Who Are We Fighting, Again?

Jumping right back in (and trying to be more brief, but most likely failing).  . .

"By exterminating the Kauravas. . ."  He makes them sound like nothing more than rats or cockroaches.  If that's so, just stomp on them and get it over with already!!

Ahh, Yudhistira's afraid of a little baby!!--Wait a sec; does that mean he wants to murder all the babies?!  Baby murderer!!

I wish I had a god arguing on my behalf in all arguments.   Krishna, Krishna, me me me!  Do you want to negotiate with my professors and parents for me?  You could make my life sooo much easier, haha.  (On a side note, I am totally going to many versions of hell.)

Mock the mighty warrior when he finally displays compassion why don't you.  That's one way to get him to change.

Draupadi, again bringing up religious contradictions.  Love that woman.

How much war and violence could be prevented if kings and demons simply listened to their advisers?  Like, seriously.

Yes, Duryodhana, let's just keep a god prisoner.  That seems smart and righteous and moral.  What a great plan.

"'One should accept food only if one is desperate or loves the person who offers it.'"  Oooooh, burn.  What scathing indictments we find in Indian epics, haha.

The last resort is the wife.  That's interesting. . .

Again, with Karna's loyalty to Duryodhana, we see an issue of a moral gray area and religious contradiction.  You can't simply turn your back on someone when you owe them, and so your loyalty is "understandable," but you also can't align with them for fear of destruction.  Ridiculous!!

Off to war!

Is all of India involved in this war?  How many soldiers and chariots do they have?!

When they mention "hot treacle," I imagine them flinging desserts at each other.  Definitely makes the battle humorous and Dr. Seuss-ish, haha.

The jackals are back!  This time, literally!!

". . . a profound philosophy of detached conduct. . ."  Yeah, that seems godlike; teaching someone to murder their family, friends, and mentors.  Good work, Krishna!

On with death and destruction.

And on. . .

And on. . .

Doesn't a suicide squad sound fun?  Let's join immediately, and support another of Duryodhana's immoral and misguided ventures.  Gahh.

And another mention of the wretched number thirteen.  Why?!  (I tried to look it up, and all I found was that thirteen can represent your karmas or mean that everything belongs to the Creator.  Whatever that means. .  .)

If you have a spear that will kill any one person without you needing to be near them, why not take out whichever Pandava is key to their defeat and wrap up the whole battle in a day?  Why not lead with that instead of holding in reserve so you can waste it?  Indian battle scenes make NO SENSE!!!

"I'll lie for you, Krishna, even if it sends me to hell."  Aren't gods supposed to be helpful in ascending to heaven?  What is up with this. . .

And now Bhima becomes a vampire!!  I knew we were missing something.

How nice of Arjuna not wanting to take advantage of an awkward moment.  I wish more people were like that, haha.

Dancing on the head of your enemy.  That's taking "dancing on your grave" to a whole new level.  A whole new level of harshness.

These people sure love hugging people to death.

I'm kinda with Yudhistira; imagine how peaceful and simple the life of a recluse would be.  If only such a life were a possible back-up plan nowadays, haha.

God, I love Draupadi.  Lecture away!!

And we finally come to the coronation of Yudhistira and practically to the end of our epic.

Except we have to let the Pandavas and Draupadi "decide" to die and pass on one-by-one.  I wish I could choose when to die; then again, I would probably choose never, so that could be a problem.  Ah, well, in my fantasy it would all work out, haha.

To think, the Mahabharata ends with only a single surviving character, Abhimanyu's child.  It's almost like Hamlet, but slightly more peaceful. . .

And so we reach the end of Narayan's version of the Mahabharata!!  Woooo!  Now on to Buck's version, hopefully with more of his amazing prose!!  :)

Week 10: Reading Diary A--The Horseman, the Cook, and a God in the Sky

Let's get right back into it!!  When we left, Yudhistira had just lost all the Pandavas had for a second time in a game of dice. . .

A bunch of followers decided to stay with the Pandavas and live with them in poverty, loyal even though their supposed leader had gambled away all of their homes.  Which means all of the Pandavas' followers must be either totally crazy or saints--because the normal reaction would be to slap Yudhistira, yell at him for hours, then probably beat him to a pulp.  (Not that I'm violent, or anything, but seriously.)

But of course as long as you're already respected, just recite the 108 names of the Sun God and he shall save you from your mistakes.  By forcing someone who is not you to hold a bowl for an indeterminate amount of time so that everyone can eat.  Basically, the only effort you need to expend is in reciting a few titles, and other people will do the rest.  Seems fair.

And once again Dhritarashtra shows that he ignorantly cares more for his son than he does for everyone else put together.  And that he really isn't that regretful.  But I'm sure that he would love to hear that in Vidura's estimation he is equated with a young girl; could've been a lot worse, haha.

And again Dhritarashtra immediately takes back his orders.  Do you think he's realized yet that he has foot-in-mouth disease?  And do you think everyone in his kingdom realizes that they just need to ignore him? . . .

What is it with the Indian epics and banishment/poverty for fourteen years?  Why fourteen?  I want to knowwwww.

Now we know that Draupadi is a woman with a violent temper and a desire for vengeance.  And I like her even more for it, hah.

To Yudhistira, I say:  it's easy to be forgiving and demand forgiveness from others when it was your own fault that left an entire kingdom of people in poverty.

It's odd to find in an ancient epic, but it almost seems as if Draupadi's argument talks of a monotheistic religion and that she does indeed indicate that the world would be better off without any God.  The first agnostic/atheist!  And a woman!  And an intelligent and well-spoken woman at that!  Say whatttt!!

Also, her secondary argument seems almost Socratic/Platonic--that the essence and virtue of each thing lies in it functioning well.  Overall, Draupadi just seems like an inquisitive philosopher ahead of her time.  Again, go strong women!!

Odd that in the Mahabharata, thirteen years is emphasized as a long stretch in time, whereas in many of the other tales we have read thousands of years pass without mention.

And now we wait while the Pandavas gather a veritable catalog of divine weapons and pray everywhere possible. . .

And the low-level nature deities/Indian singers take out Duryodhana's entire army; he clearly does not have skilled men at his beck and call.  But at least he comes out of the skirmish wiser--not that that would be very hard to do based off of his previous judgment.

Another deceitful/harmful deer.  I think I'm sensing a pattern. . .

Yama!!!  How I missed you!  But people really need to learn to listen to you. . . Though at times, you view disobedience as courage, so you are sending some mixed messages.  Perhaps we cannot blame the Pandavas after all.

If you didn't have to live in the woods while in exile, why wouldn't you have just settled in a city to begin with?!  Gahhh.

Gamblers never do quit, do they?

The vicious warriors secretly desire to be. . . a cook? and a neuter?  Ummmmm, okay.  Cook is kind of understandable, but to have a favorite hobby of being a neuter?  I literally have no words. . .

Onward to Virata!!  (And now to speed up/be more brief--)

Draupadi's beauty is apparently indescribable and impossible to resist.  Obviously meant to match with the intelligence.  ;)

". . . he was hugged by Bhima, and disposed of quickly."  Most inconspicuous and understated murder scene ever, haha.

Again with the wretched number thirteen!!

Clap your hands for the Kauravas, making war, stealing cattle, and taking advantage of impaired kingdoms everywhere!

I wish I could just go pluck a tree from the ground and use it as a weapon.  No one would ever bother me ever again. . . *sigh*  Ah, well.

The Prince Uttara is a wimp.  'nough said.

"A well-matched, sophisticated fight ensued."  What does that even mean?  How can a fight be sophisticated if it is fought with physical weapons and blows?  Like, what??

We won the cattle!  Hurrah!!  Mooooo!!

Dice make such terrible weapons, haha.  And of course any blood spilled must be collected in a vessel.  The ground is unworthy of a Pandava's lifeblood, obviously.

"Warning Shots."  How intriguing. . .

I thought it was war and peace.  Silly me.

So much discussion of troops and battles and wars, but no actual confrontations.  I'm getting impatient!!

He somehow "did not mind this advice"?!  Did you really think that after 125 pages of supporting his demonic sons that Dhritarashtra would suddenly turn against them and do the just thing?  Seriously?

Just blame your weak-willed decisions on fate.  Whatever.  I don't care.  Really, I don't.  You can go to Yama for all I care.

I wish I could summon people with a thought.  Texting is just too labor-intensive.

And now that Dhritarashtra finally realizes that his doom really is coming, we can anxiously wait for the face-off to begin!!  Ttfn!

Week 9: Reading Diary B--You've Got to Know When to Hold 'Em. . . Know When to Walk Away, Know When to Run!!

Soooo. . . Due to a busy weekend and a couple of midterm exams sneaking up on me, I decided to skip yesterday's reading diary assignment.  However, I did read both the first and second assignments today, even if I am just commenting on today's section.  So don't think I'm too much of a slacker. . .

Anyway, let's get to Narayan's Mahabharata!!!

In this epic we definitely see a society whose politics are reminiscent of our own--you know, with spies, subterfuge, distrust, lies, no loyalty. . . Did I mention selfish intent?  I could go on.

Oh, codes.  How obvious you can be, when subtlety fails you!!

You have to love the irony of the House of Joy being in reality a murderous trap.  I mean, what else would it be?  And why not escape through tunnels?  That is what every prisoner tries first, of course.  Though most prisoners are forced to dig with a spoon and don't have master tunnel builders to do the work for them. . .

I keep thinking of Bhima as the Lakshmana of the Pandavas.  You know, not sleeping for unrealistic amounts of time, providing for everyone, doing all the necessary things for survival and carrying everyone's burdens himself.  And then having other people take a lot of the credit.  I don't know whether to admire or pity them, so I shall do both.

Of course then Bhima gets a Lakshmana of his own (his son, Ghatotkacha), so life's not too terrible.

Okay, so maybe Bhima gets more for his labors than did Lakshmana.  I pity Bhima considerably less.

Basically Bhima is an amalgamation of Rama and Lakshmana.  Or something.  Yeah, definitely something. . .

Let me just taunt and manhandle this demon and then kill him bare-handed with no effort.  Don't worry, I'm just a simple brahmin. . .  Don't believe me?  Huh.  Guess we'll just have to move on then.  Idiots.  Did you really think you could get away with that without garnering attention?

I kind of hate how Narayan keeps mentioning the Mahabharata in his narration of the Mahabharata.  It just annoys me.  *sigh*

One wife to be shared among five brothers. . . That must be awkward as heck.  Poor Arjuna, poor Draupadi, poor Pandavas.  And how awkward for this all to occur because of a throw-away remark from their mother.  And then to describe the situation to Draupadi's father. . . All sorts of awkwardness here.

Lesson to be learned here:  Never repeat a word when pleading to the gods.  You may end up with five husbands instead of one.  True story.

Poor blind Dhritarashtra being ordered around by his son.  This epic is just filled with poor people.  Even if they are all technically rich.  Money really can't buy happiness. . . Just in case you hadn't yet realized that in your life.

To make peace or to annihilate?  Decisions, decisions.

Need to make a critical decision?  Just turn to the handy god sitting in your midst.  Nbd.

Have you seen your brother having sex with your mutual wife?  EXILE!!  And while exiled, why not pick up two more wives?  What else would you do with your time?

I don't know about any of you, but roasting an entire forest full of animals seems a little excessive as a sacrifice to me--as well as more than a little shameful.  But I guess if it's what the gods want, then it's totally acceptable.  Though I can't help but imagine how harshly my vegetarian sister would declaim this little tale.

I really want to visit this city of wonderful illusions.  It would be like wandering through a beautiful house of mirrors, haha.  Though chances are I would be the one drenched. . . Ah, well.

Gambling--just as much of a harmful addiction then as it is now, and forever the game of the deceitful.

So many descriptions of the prince as a jackal.  Hear him cackle!!

Turning the wife of the five Pandavas into a chambermaid and whore after winning her by cheating in a dice game.  Classy.

I really like Draupadi.  She is one strong, intelligent, defiant woman.  Hells, yeah, Pachali!!

Also, you've gotta love Krishnu for his sari trick to keep Draupadi robed.  Niceeeee.

And finally Dhritarashtra shows some wisdom and lets everyone go free with wealth intact.  Perhaps war can be avoided here. . . Hahahahahaha.  Just kidding.  Like that would happen.

And almost immediately Dhritarashtra once again becomes an idiotic puppet.  Such a strong figure for a king!

Bhima is vicious!!  Maybe justly so, but still!

And after everything has been gambled away once again, again Dhritarashtra tries to undo his error.  Fickle people irk me like nothing else!  Gahhhhh.

And so we are left in suspense as to whether this gambling debt is to be withdrawn as well.  To be continued!!

Week 8: Reading Diary--Time to Self-Assess!!

So. . . Yeah.  In rereading the instructions for the reading diaries, I find that I am pretty spot on--in all but one respect.  My posts are consistently longer than advised.   Whoops, haha.

Honestly, I do not think that this is altogether a huge problem.  In my posts, I have tried a variety of methods and have settled with making comments and marking my thoughts on quotes, characters, themes, and events that catch my eye.  This really helps to capture not only plot, but characterization and even emotion.  (Plus the jokes and references I add in are pretty funny, even if only I can understand them, haha.) And at least I am not simply restating plot--there's one improvement made over time! In looking back on my past reading diaries, I can easily recap the stories and characters we have encountered so far.  So in this aspect, I think my reading diaries are quite helpful, if a little long.

Therefore, perhaps I just need to find a way to shorten my posts. . . and possibly my stories. . . *sigh*  I obviously have length issues; I'm probably compensating for my height, haha.  The only other change I may make to my reading diaries in the second half of the semester is the addition of images.  Whether found online or sketched myself, images can further aid in reminding me of past stories, and in a quick glance rather than in a prolonged reading session.  Not sure whether or not I will follow through with this, but it's a possibility.  Besides, maybe if I add some flashy images I can somehow gather a large following of enthralled readers--okay, maybe not.  But images are still cool.

And now, once again, I need to stop or risk being longwinded, haha.  Ta-ta for now, folks!

Week 7: Reading Diary B--Silence and the End of All Things. . . For Now

And now for the final installment of Buck's Ramayana!! Alas, we shall read your beautiful prose no longer!

This time we get a much more detailed tour of various lands and kingdoms as Rama and Sita head back to Ayodhya.  It's pretty and all, but gets a little long and tiresome--perhaps even more so because it lies after so much action and acts like an ekphrasis, keeping us from the happy conclusion we want so badly at this point. . . Or at least that's what I'd say if I was to get all technical and stuff, haha.

Oh, weird and outrageous Guha, how I missed you!

I love how everyone in Ayodhya dresses like Rama and Sita did in their exile; it's as if they are in exile simply because Rama is present.  I can't decide if this is touching, or codependent and worrisome.  Either way, it's definitely interesting.

Celebrations abound, for the rightful king of Ayodhya is restored!  Yada, yada, yada. . .

Also, on a side note, it is interesting that even though Kaikeyi's act to install Bharata on the throne was purely selfish, she ends up being credited with helping to save the world from Ravana's tyranny.  I'm pretty sure that goes against any morals this story is trying to instill, but whatever.

Awake for fourteen years.  Let me repeat, fourteen years!!  Damn.  That is some loyalty, Lakshmana.  Perhaps now you can sleep for at least seven.

Woo coronations and more celebrations and feasting!  Etc, etc. . .

I really love the single line of poetry at the beginning of the last book; "at the end hear the first words. . ."  This really emphasizes the fact that this is a frame tale, and that the entire time we were heading towards not an end, but a continuation of a beginning.  At least that's what I think, so it must be true, haha.

People leave.  Rama rules. People doubt Sita's purity.  Apparently surviving the test of Fire isn't enough to prove your virtue.  And so, Rama abandons Sita to the forest, not even having the balls to do so himself.  But if Rama says something shall be done, than it must be done, and it must be the right thing to do.  Bahh!!  Like, what the heck?!  After everything you went through to be together, you just abandon her because of some gossipy city-people?  For shame!!

Even Lakshmana thinks Rama's acting like a coward.  Gah, I am just so frustrated right now!

And then we get the backstory of how Kaikeyi won her two boons from Dasaratha.  Random, but I guess the story just needed to be told.  Plus it gives Valmiki a chance to excavate himself from the anthill before Sita is left to commit suicide. . .

Kaikeyi a brave warrior woman?  An amazing charioteer?  A strong individual?  I'm in shock!!  o_O  Haha.

So Sita is abandoned because of a curse; *sigh*.  I guess it's slightly more acceptable if the act is Dharma's doing.  Still sucks for the end to a love story, though.

We return to the festival occurring and Rama and Sita's twin boys singing Valmiki's Ramayana.  And then we return shortly after to the "present," where Saunaka is being told the tale of the composition and recitation of the story of Rama and Sita in the same forest where that long-ago festival occurred by Sauti.  How's that for a confusing, over-simplified summary of a multi-layered frame tale. . .

And then for some reason we return back to the festival.  Just when I thought we were nearly done.

Now Buck is just jumping around for fun.  He probably wrote this last section this way solely to annoy me, knowing I was going to read this one day.  He irks me; he's irksome. <-- (I apologize if no one gets the reference.  I obviously remember random lines from too many TV shows.)

And finally, finally, Rama recognizes his sons.  Thank God!  Rama and Sita get their happily ever after at long last!!!  =)

There is a literal Mother Earth in this story; absolutely fantastic!!

Okay, maybe they don't get their happy ending.  What is happening?!  Sita disappears underground and Rama just accepts that he won't see Sita again as long as he lives as a man?  AAAAGHHH.  Kiss and live together and die together of extremely old age, I am begging you.

Janaka continues to bewilder me.  I have absolutely no idea what he is talking about in any point in time.  But he seems okay with that, so I guess I am too. . .

"Rama ruled in Fair Ayodhya for a thousand years more, alone without Sita, keeping her golden statue by him in her palace rooms"  Wow.  That is somewhat romantic and entirely depressing.  Can we please change the ending?

Lakshmana dies simply because he sees Time; I would be angry/annoyed, except the whole scene of his death is gorgeous in his acceptance of his fate and the imagery.  I love it, and I hate it.  So many feels, to use internet lingo, haha.

". . . if you want a high road to heaven, just say Rama. . ."  Rama.  Rama, Rama, Rama.  Ramaramaramaramarama.  Did it work? . . .

"This is the world's first best poem."  So humble.  Especially since if it is to be believed it is the first poem ever, so is by necessity the first best poem.  Okay, so then I guess by that argument it's just stating a fact, not bragging. . . What was I saying?

I kind of don't know what to say about the end of Buck's version.  I would have been happy with Sauti shouting Rama to end it, but then he added another two lines.  "Again the Players come./Love to all men."  And I don't know what to make of the whole "players" part. Who are the players he's referencing?  Why is this a good ending?  I mean I get the whole "love to all men part"; it's just like an "amen," lol.  But who are the players, and what does it mean that they are coming again? . . .

In any case, goodbye, Ramayana!  I shall remember you always!  Namaste.

Week 7: Reading Diary A--Among Other Things, the Defeat of Ravana and the Reunion of Rama and Sita!

Last week of reading the Ramayana; alas!  But soon we shall move on to new tales and find new beloved characters.  But first, back to Ravana, and Time. . .

So, as Ravana gathers his army in the cloak of night in order to attack Rama's army, we get a short anecdote about the Rakshasa Malyavan.  Honestly, this story just left me confused.  The past and present were so intertwined and indistinct that I really don't understand what happened.  But it was such an ethereal scene with such a welcoming end, that I don't care that I didn't understand it; I liked it anyway.  I guess I'm just odd that way.

The description of the armies facing off was another unreal image.  Can you imagine looking out on what appeared to be a sea of "long-murdered ghosts"?  Of facig off against "warriors like hills, like living flames, very strong and cruel"?  I'm shivering just thinking about it.

Final conclusion on Jambavan the Bear King:  fearsome, great to have on your side, but bad to have as an enemy.  Piss him off, and you are basically agreeing to being ripped into tiny shreds. So, yeah.

Hanuman is an interesting figure.  Who knew a monkey could rip off a head and cause it to explode into 108 pieces and send flaming brains flying?  I probably could have gone my whole life without knowing that, but hey, now I know.

Finally someone acknowledges that if Soorpanaka wasn't so lustful and spoiled, this whole war affair could have been avoided.  Can you imagine a crush being the root cause of such a destructive war, of the downfall of your kingdom?  Granted, Paris could probably relate, but who else?  Haha.

Also, there really is honor among thieves--or among demons, at least.

You know how there are people who you never, ever, want to witness dancing?  Ravana is now at the top of my list.

I. Love. Time.  I mean if you read my latest story you already know this, but seriously.  How great would it be to finally call Ravana out for all of his sins, and be able to do it in such a low key yet menacing/ominous way?!  Seriously a fan. . .

And then Time fails me.  Falls prey to Ravana.  I now hate you, Time.  How you have disappointed me!!

Rama is characterized as partly a wanderer, partly a warrior, partly a king, and I have to say I love this description.  It seems that after all of his travels, this is the man he has become, and as he rides into battle his true identity is on the verge of being unleashed. . .

Cue the final battle royale, fraught with clashing chariots, arrows, and all manner of weapons!!

Oh, the poetry in the wicked enemy dying at dawn, leaving the world to begin a new day, a new era!  Plus, the awesome justice in Ravana finally being killed for all of his sins--that's also cool and such.  Yeah, yeah it is.

Ravana's letter to be delivered to Rama after his death was also poetic.  Oddly enlightened, but poetic just the same.

A long poetic, very self-aware description of the tale of Rama as told in Valmiki's song. . . and into part three, "The Dharma Wheel"!

Here we see everything in the epic coming to a nice conclusion, with all loose ends being tied up.  Ravana's body is burned, Vibhishana is placed on Lanka's throne, Mandodari accompanies her father Maya away, and Hanuman (finally!) fetches Sita.

Apparently Sita is more beautiful than Lakshmi--therefore somehow more beautiful than herself?  Ummmm. . .

And then Rama goes and pretends his ignorance is perfectly fine.  Who needs to know they are a great and powerful god anyway, right?  Gahh, so frustrating!

Great lovers reunited and given a house to themselves, and what do they do?  Sita places Rama's head in her lap and notices his leg is injured.  Totally what I was thinking, I mean, what else would they do?

"'You are faithful and very wise, when you stop to think.'"  I'm pretty sure that that is more insult than compliment.  But way to be passive aggressive, Vibhishana!

And now Rama's dead army becomes Rama's arisen army of the dead.  So basically, the world is now overrun by zombie bears and zombie monkeys.  That's reassuring.  And not at all frightening.

And we end with a giant chariot carrying thousands of "reformed" demons, zombie animals, and other travelers (including our beloved Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana) heading back to Ayodhya.  Really wish I could've been present to witness that homecoming.

I bid you adieu!  Our final installment of the Ramayana is to come tomorrow, so be prepared for happy endings all around, haha!

Week 6: Reading Diary B--War, War, and More War.

Jumping right in. . .

Rama decides to lay siege to Lanka with the animal army.  His decision on when to start (the next day) and description of the time is quite ominous.  All "Death will be in conjunction with the moon"--spooky!  Haha.

Rama is quite rude to the Ocean when it won't let him pass.  So something won't immediately bow down to you--get over it!  He doesn't even really ask nicely or anything; no manners!  And yet the Ocean helps him anyway for love.  Turns out the Ocean is more compassionate than Rama is polite.  Go figure.

Squirrels helping build a bridge. . . Yeah, would never see that coming.

Vibhishana makes some very passive aggressive comments here.  If I didn't know any better, I'd say he even employs a little sarcasm.  Is it bad that I love him for it?

Ravana refuses to give back Sita and ask pardon 'cause he's a--shall we say--stupidhead, for lack of a crude term.  So Vibhishana goes to join Rama's side.  All in all, we see that V is the smart sibling of the two.

And then Hanuman calls Sugriva out for being a drunk.  Because if I served a king, that's totally what I would say to him.  "King, you were to drunk to remember, plus you're just plain ignorant.  Leave off!"  Granted those are my words, but still, that is basically what he says.

The bridge is built and Lanka is reached.  Woot woot!

You also hear the phrase in books "shrink to nothing," but in this case it was actually literal.  Huh.

"'Are you afraid?' 'Well no, but my stomach hurts!'"  <--Best/weirdest excuse ever to resign from being a spy.  Do you think it works for other jobs/activities too?

So Sita couldn't see through the illusion of Rama's dead beheaded head.  Fun fact.  Thank goodness for Prahasta's timing in announcing Rama's arrival, or Sita would have killed herself--she definitely resorts to that solution a lot. . . Anyway, that gave a rakshasi the chance to tell her the truth.  A demon who isn't demonic?!  Say what?

Yay, Time is back!!  This time he is an old, withered man, walking the streets of Lanka.  Cool descriptions, though I never want to see someone grinning at me like a skull.  That's just plain creepy.

Ravana has serious anger issues.  He needs a therapist, stat.

Loved the verse at the beginning of the "Siege of Lanka" chapter:  "This perilous Life is a drop of water,/ A hanging raindrop on a lotus leaf;/ Soon it falls back in the pond below/ And is lost."  Truly sad words, but beautifully told.

I wish I had brass clubs thrown at me to kill off all the mosquitoes biting me on summer nights.  Imagine how awesome that overkill would be. . .

The whole time Nala is killing Prahasta, I'm picturing a lioness attacking a demon.  Like a mix of The Lion King and Fantasia.  There is so much wrong with me. . .

I can kinda relate to Ravana in that my younger sibling is also significantly taller than me.  I mean, she's no Kumbhakarna, but that would just be ridiculous!

Okay, now I'm picturing Ravana as a child throwing a tantrum.  "'What I don't like I don't hear!'"  Pfft.  Grow up, little boy, this is the real/mythological world.  Both of your brothers tried to correct your error and you ignored them; you will get your due, and it won't be pretty!

What is so special about Rama's arrows?!  Every other weapon fails, but one arrow from him and poof!  Problem solved.

Answer:  The arrows are washed in gold and then blood.  Soooo, okay then.  That's different.

Indrajit still seems like the best and most intelligent/straightforward warrior on Ravana's side.  It's no wonder he's the only one who can get things done.  Not that I support him, but you have to love a guy who knows what he's doing.  Even if he does kill everyone and Rama.  Still impressive.  (Again, I have sooooo many issues, haha.)

And now we bring the dead back to life.  Why not?  Death is the work of Maya, after all.  It is only an illusion.  Just carry a mountain of herbs over an army of the dead, and they come back to life.  It's that simple, hah.

Wholehearted love = impossible deeds.  Good to know.

And on the third day he rose again. . . to find Rama is alive.  Poor Ravana, can't even rest without everything falling apart around him.

Seems my Bible allusion was apt; for now we have "Fight for me on Earth, as you did in heaven!" mirroring some Christian prayer.  Curiouser and curiouser.

More illusions, more people too ignorant to see through them, more battles. . . And Lakshmana kills Indrajit!!  Awww! :(    (I-I mean woo-hoo!!  Go protagonists!  Hooray cliches!!)

And finally, Ravana decides he will go face Rama himself.  Now we must wait for the battle royale to begin!!

Week 6: Reading Diary A--Basically, Hanuman's Opportunity and Subsequent Failure to Cut This Epic Short

Another week of readings this way comes!  Let's get to it!!

A great vulture named Sampati informs Hanuman and the animals were to find Sita (in Lanka, of course!).  He's even kind enough to provide a second eye-witness account just in case they don't believe him.  Poor guy is getting rudely interrogated in exchange for offering help.  Shame on Hanuman!

At least they were kind enough to give Sampati food and heal his wings.  Much more reasonable response there.

Hanuman gathers his powers and climbs to the top of a the Malaya hills, from which he leaps to Lanka.  I have to say, I loved the details in this entire scene, especially the ways his ascent and heavy tread as well as his preparation to jump were described.

Loved, loved, loved the story about mountains having wings!  Can you imagine?  I'd be driving home from school one day and it'd be like, "Well, guess I have to find a new apartment, seeing as my old one has now been flattened by a mountain.  *sigh*"  Haha.  And the broken-off wings became the clouds?!  Great imagery in such a simple etiological myth.

Hanuman's shadow being grabbed reminded me of Peter Pan; just a random side note. . .

For Lanka being the haven of Ravana and the rakshasa, it sure sounds gorgeous.  Can I vacation there, please?  With different companions?

And now Hanuman is McGonagall.  Nbd.

"You have vanquished the realm of Lanka with one blow. . ."  And yet he can't just rescue Sita himself?  Bahh!

More descriptions. . .

Just saying, Ravana has quite the harem.  Also, Indian mythology has countless flawless women--and I have no idea what to make of that, haha.

Kill him!!!!  He's right there in front of you, fast asleep--so just kill him already!

And now you still the man's food; bad form, Hanuman, bad form.

Apparently now the countless flawless women in Indian mythology all look practically the same.  Not sure what this means, but I don't like it.  >:/

Yet all the men/beasts break down and cry often, so I guess that levels the gender playing field. . .

Ugly demons and Ravana are harassing Sita.  Long story short.

Some great quotes can be found here, though:  "She was a river dried away, a torn leaf from a doubtful book. . .; she was dead love and disappointed hopes."  Depressing but highly descriptive.

Sita's got some spunk, some moxy!!  "'Can you not feel the noose of Death?'"  Ooomph, that one hurt, haha.

"'Be happy! Or else! . . . Or else we'll eat you up.'"  <--That right there escalated quickly.  And will provide fodder for horror stories/nightmares in the near future, haha.

Apparently pinching yourself to discover if you're dreaming is overrated.  Simply examine the details of the ground before you, and everything will be made clear.

And now Hanuman is turning into Trelawney; he just cannot make up his mind.

Sita basically says if she is to be rescued, it must be by Rama so that she knows she is still loved.  A great sentiment, but just a bit overblown/melodramatic.  Ah, well, what are we to do. . .

Hanuman "slapped his armpits so loudly. . ."  That is. . . just. . . w-o-w.  Wow.

Apparently being able to change the size of things at spectacular scales in "small magic."  I wish I had small magic, but imagine what big magic must be capable of!

Indrajit is probably the greatest character in this epic in that he doesn't overcomplicate things.  He just does.  Capture Hanuman?  Sure, with a single arrow.  No problem.  Can I go back to meditating now?

At least Hanuman has a sense of humor, even when captured.  It keeps things interesting.

Go Vibhishana, standing up and showing the strength found in "weak" women everywhere!  Plus good job for saving Hanuman. . . yeah, that too.

Fire can't burn Sita, but Sita can burn Fire--I have no idea what this means.  Sure sounds cool, though.

Bears, and bears, and drunken bears!  Do you think we could find Winnie-the-Pooh celebrating with them in the Honey Park?  I mean it sounds like somewhere he'd be. . .

Hanuman summarizes where he found Sita and the situation at Lanka.  And once again we see our strong warriors weeping.

Tune in next time to discover if the men are emo, maudlin, or simply compassionate!  (Hint:  The answer is probably none of the above.)  Tata for now!!

Week 5: Reading Diary B--Deer and Monkeys and Bears, Oh My!

Once again I need to seriously shorten my posts...Let's get to it!

New thoughts on the whole golden deer situation:

I still feel bad for Maricha; the guy is smart and logical and reasonable and he gets dragged into it and killed anyway (albeit he accepts Death gracefully).  What justice in the world?

The description of the deer was breathtaking.  I probably would have begged for it/hunted it.   Granted I wouldn't have killed it, but semantics.

And Sita, always crossing the line.  Stupid, stupid, stupid!  Interesting how in this version, Ravana can directly pick up Sita, where in the last he could not.  Possible meanings of this difference?

Poor Jatayu, so close to triumph and rescue only to fail.  But I guess he might be happy that he died a warrior's death, as cliched and trite as that sentiment is.

And here we also see a version where Sita leaves a lovely trail of jewels, all catalogued quite nicely. . .


Onto Hanuman!  Woo wooo!! Haha.  But in all (but not really any) seriousness:

Gotta love Sita's spunk with Ravana; to Hell with him, indeed!  Interesting little side story with Indra. Now we know how Sita survived and why she wasn't attacked, though, so that's cool and such.

Deer are such tattletales.

Who knew Rama was a romantic?  That's right, everyone!  But a strong quote here:  "You have given away your life for me, and despite that my life herself has been taken from me. . ."  There's nothing better than great, passionate prose.

Another adorable elderly lady enters the scene.  Savari tells of the glorious white monkey, Hanuman, and rehashes the tale of Vali and Sugriva.  And poor little baby Hanuman!  Left all alone and hungry!  To think he may have been burned by the sun in thinking that it was a mango. . . Silly monkey, haha.  Moving on from deprecation (sort of), Hanuman sure was a flighty child--pun intended.

Dudhuvi is too headstrong and ridiculously aggressive.  Sorry, but he deserved what he got.  Meanwhile Sugriva gets the short end of the stick after committing no wrong--though he ends up acting badly and harshly and traitorously and stuff, so perhaps he deserved his punishment as well.

"Truly, a friend is protection against injury and a help for sorrow."  A kind sentiment, and partially true, but more an empty reassurance than anything.  Thank you, Lakshmana.

The fight between Vali and Sugriva is much abbreviated in this version.  The death still seems a little unfair, but isn't nearly as conflicting as in Narayan's version.  And Vali's last words are thoughtfully succinct and somehow more meaningful because of it.  Woo conciseness!

"'Surely that is wrong, to part two people in love'. . .'As wrong as war'. . ."  My punctuation there is surely wrong as well, but it's an interesting quote.  We favor individualism so much that such a separation of two individual lovers seems as terrible as two or more nations sacrificing thousands for some cause; true or false, and right or wrong?


Now to begin the search:

Rain, rain, go away.  Come again another day!

Oh, Sugriva, drinking your life away--how impressive.  Drunk for over three months?  Is that even possible?!

Various animals go in various directions to search for Sita.  Most definitely (or at least most likely) some symbolism here, but I don't know/care enough to see it.

Turns out my vision of the underground kingdom was slightly off; eh, what are you gonna do?  But this was a much more satisfactory depiction, so thumbs up to Buck once again!  And the whole concept and character of Maya truly fascinates me.  Therefore that story was automatically awesome.

We end with a monkey telling a bear a story.  Totally normal. . .

Week 5: Reading Diary A--Trembling Sunshine and Thirteen Plus Years of Banishment

We resume with our story, entering the Ayodhya palace and hearing whispered tales of Dasaratha's ill health in the wake of Rama's departure. . .

I love the description of the sunbeams speaking with Dasaratha and trembling upon finding him cold to the world.  Something about this depiction fascinated me; it is inherently ethereal and yet oddly simple and plain.

Horsemen race to tell Bharata and Satrughna the news of their father's death, and all I can think of is, "what is with the ubiquity of the number three?  I mean, are three horsemen really necessary to deliver a simple message?"  I am clearly unfeeling.

And then they don't even deliver the message of Dasaratha's death!  No--all they do is tell the frightened and distressed brothers that they must return to Ayodhya.  Like, what?!  Plus when they arrive in Ayodhya the silence and everything indicates that something is seriously wrong, and yet they have to wait anxiously to hear what has happened; and if they're anything like me, the anticipation makes the dread that much worse.

Another brief appearance by the mysterious (but ubiquitous) Time. . .

Poor, easily manipulated Kaikeyi.  Husband-less and hated by your own son for your actions which banished his beloved brother and thus killed his adored father.  (Warning: sarcasm in use!)  Excuse me for not pitying your plight.

Ooph!  Being called a whore by your own son as he calls "Mother" another woman.  I don't know what to think of Bharata here--I mean he is kind of justified, but that's harsh.  And then he turns around and asks why a kingdom needs a king. . . Seriously?  "Kingdoms" can't even be spelled without "king," let alone run without them!  (Side note: the dialogue on why a king is necessary perfectly describes this sentiment in a much more knowledgeable and vivid manner.  Kudos once again to Buck and his expressive and enthralling use of language!)

"But here I am...I'll burn the dead King in Rama's name."  I know this quote refers to proper ceremonial burial rites and all, but it is probably the most ominous and frightening line I have read yet in this class.  Remind me to never get on Bharata's bad side.  And thank goodness he decided to forgive Kaikeyi, or she would have had s*** for life (pardon my language) in the future.  I respect his decision here, but am still unsure of how I feel about Bharata's character. . .

What is with the random anecdote about Indra and Surabhi, the wishing-cow of heaven?  Now I know of a new Hindu deity--one who is extremely compassionate apparently--but to what purpose?

Still lovin' Guha, the little man.  He is a friendly, loyal, and somewhat enigmatic character who speaks the language of animals--what more could you want?!

A prime example of Buck's beautiful prose:  "Then as a smoldering tree already burned by forest fire will show only by night that it still burns, so Bharata sighed in the dark."  I'm sighing myself here, when presented with such emotive language!

Bharata (along with countless Kosalas) cross various lands and pass through many channels in order to speak with Rama and inform him of Dasaratha's death.  Long story short.

Next falls a pretty pastoral scene depicting Rama and Sita walking the woods together, quickly interrupted by a black crow attacking Sita while Rama sleeps.  Sita becomes jumpy, but I guess this is acceptable seeing as she was just attacked by a random forest animal. They arrive home sweet home.

Rama and Bharata explore their bromance.  This results in Bharata assuming a consular role during Rama's absence.  Ayodhya awaits Rama's return with silence and ignorance.  'Cause you can't learn when you're mourning, of course (?). . .

Our adventurous trio (Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana) encounter the old couple that is Atri and Anasuya when venturing to find a new home in the forest.  Here Sita claims her husband in no uncertain terms ("He is my man," she states).  This statement and Sita's beauty and charm earn her some serious bling from the older woman.  Why not?

Every three months or eight months or a year our trio would move.  Random, but apparently true.  But late in the fourteenth and last springtime. . . (Duh, duh, duhhhh!)

Thus we arrive at the book in which all of Rama and Sita's true trials and tribulations are to occur.  Here we go!

First we learn the rather clever and amusing tale of Agastya.  The Vindhya Hills had been jealous of the Himalya for its position in the center of the passage of the Sun and Moon.  And so Vindhya rose and blocked the skies.  But sneaky Agastya begged Vindhya to grant him passage and not rise again until his return to the north.  Thus the Vindhya Hills remain lower than the Himalya.

Agastya also took on two demon brothers named Vatapi and Ilwala, digesting Vatapi as mutton before his brother could call him out of Agastya's stomach.  Gross, but I guess judicious. . . (?)

Upon meeting Agastya, he gifts Rama a divine bow and gives one arrow each to Rama and Lakshmana.  Perhaps we will be illuminated on the roles of these specific infallible arrows later.

The foolhardy trio decide to venture into Dandaka, a land infested with Ravana's blood-drinking demons.  I mean, why not?  They still have a year of banishment to travel and such.  Why wouldn't they want to encounter danger and demons galore?

Two words:  Miniature. Saints.  Cool or creepy or a mix of both?  You decide!! (Though the image of them carrying a leaf is pretty freaking adorable.)

A rather insightful conversation about war and right and wrong ensues between Rama and Sita. I've got to say, this is one of the first instances in which Sita actually seems more intelligent than insipid.  And I'm kinda loving it.

The story of the Valas and the creation of the Nagas and the birth of Garuda was phenomenal!  Definitely a story I may retell in some way at a later date (hint, hint), so no more on that now. . .

The etiological myth for thunderbolts--is this an example of some kind of religio-cultural transition from a more ancient tradition to the more recent (at least at the time of the epic's transcription) Vedic tradition?  Questions, questions!  (Additionally, the etiological myth for snakes' split tongues!  Haha.)

Even with Sita standing alongside Rama and Lakshmana, she manages to be kidnapped.  It kind of makes you wonder how great our two princely "heroes" are as guards, lol.

Finally, we come to the arrival of Surpanakha, Ravana's sister (different spelling, same disgusting demoness).  Surpanaka tells Ravana; Ravana sends an army; Rama kills army; Ravana heads to the hermitage of his uncle Maricha.  And so we reach the fantastic story of the golden deer. . .

Until next time!!

Week 4: Reading Diary B--Rama's "Coronation" and Banishment and Such

Since I somehow managed to write an insanely long reading diary yesterday, I am going to do my best to dramatically shorten today's. . . At least in comparison, haha.  Let's get to it!!

Right at the beginning of this section, Dasaratha asks people whether they would like Rama as king.  And when they agree with him with much enthusiasm?  Ol' Dasaratha takes serious offense, haha.  I mean, I can understand why he feels their agreement as an insult, but what did he expect?  Alright, next!

When Rama meets with his mother and the queens, we see that Kaikeyi truly seems happy for Rama's appointment to king.  In fact, she is overjoyed by the simple fact that Dasaratha can rest and relax.  The sentiments displayed in the dialogue here seem quite contradictory to what we know is going to happen.

Then again, this version gives a much more descriptive portrayal of Kooni/Manthara.  And boy is she a cruel, soul-sucking character.  I especially like the bit where Kaikeyi throws rubies at Manthara just to get her to go away.  Kinda wish I was the queen's favorite handmaid now. . . But seriously, she's angry because child-Rama shot a play-arrow at her?  Pssht.  I've experienced that!  It's called all children, ever.  (Also, the image of Manthara?  All I can say is it will star in my nightmares tonight, haha.)

Again Time casts his shadow; curiouser and curiouser. . .

Kaikeyi is a fickle and easily manipulated spoiled brat.  Just an observation.

Rama's honor and prompt acceptance of his banishment are much better explained here.  I mean, it actually makes sense!  Like, woah!

I quite enjoyed the scene between Rama and Sita in which she makes her argument as to why she must go with him.  Yay, clever dialogue and strong (?) women!

Love Vasishtha, despise Sumantra.  Well, at the very least I'm not a fan of Sumantra.  Fun fact right there.

Some cool quotes:  "If man breaks his word, why should the stars above keep their promises not to fall?  Why should Fire not burn us all or Ocean not leap his shores and drown us?"

Quite a harrowing escape scene from Ayodhya is depicted.  I'm still not sure what I make of the chariot running down so many people; was it cruel?  but necessary?. . .

I. Want. Flying. Horses.

Guha's an interesting character.  Totally love the random drinking contest between him and Lakshmana.  Granted, Lakshmana was just exiled with his brother, so it was probably a welcome relief.  Still, not at all what I expected from an epic of India, haha.  And the additional story of Guha receiving his title, dying, and coming back to life because of Shiva--who he didn't even believe in!--was excellent.  Especially with all of the misconstrued actions from when Guha was spiting Shiva's statue.  I'm still not sure whether this is providing a sense of the god's sense of humor, or if he was really that naive. . . Hmmm.

Dasaratha can speak the language of animals?!  I'm jealous!

Still not sure how I feel about Sumantra.

♪  Just keep walking; just keep walking; just keep walking, walking, walking. . .  ♬

We get a lot more description on the extent of Dasaratha's grief.  Honestly, it was kind of depressing.  But I loved this retelling of the boy whom Dasaratha killed that one day in the forest.  It was so emotive, even if it was almost unbearably sad.  And the way the parents did not begrudge or curse Dasaratha was oddly touching.

The final scene I read for today was of Dasaratha's death.  The atmosphere was so calm, almost serene; for bearing such sorrow, his death seemed almost peaceful. . .

(Much shorter than last time--phew!!  Until we meet again!)

Week 4: Reading Diary A--Beginning Buck's "The Ramayana"

Today I once again began reading The Ramayana--only this time, it is a version written by William Buck, and is longer and more detailed than the first.  Thus, since the basic plot lines of this great epic have already been laid out in previous reading diary posts, here I shall comment on the style of Buck's retelling and the differences or additions in Buck's Ramayana versus Narayan's Ramayana.  Hopefully my posts don't end up being too repetitive.  Let's begin. . .

Right away we notice some differences between Buck's retelling and Narayan's.  Firstly, Buck sets the stage with a storyteller Sauti telling the tale of Rama to a friend; however, Sauti's tale begins with Valmiki composing the first verse--The Ramayana.  And so, right away, Buck sets up a neat little frame tale.

Because we enter the story with Valmiki writing the epic, we get some additional information on what happened after the ending of The Ramayana.  For some reason, it seems the people have turned against Sita.  She is abandoned, pregnant and alone, in the forest by the river Ganga, and is saved from committing suicide by Valmiki.  Here also all sorts of gods interact with Valmiki in order to get him to leave his post in an anthill, save Sita, and compose the first verse.  All in all, an odd but intriguing beginning.

Kusa and Lava, Rama's two sons whom are unknown to him, begin to sing The Ramayana at Rama's year's celebration, and for a year they sang the tale.  And this is where the epic as told by Narayan really begins.

 We get a nice description of Ayodhya, and then Dasaratha makes his plea for heirs.   Then we split off to get a view of heaven, which has recently been destroyed in a great battle against Ravana.  The god Indra believes all is lost, and is angry at Brahma.  But with Brahma's advice, he goes to Narayana (the Lord Vishnu), and learns that Vishnu has accepted that he will be born as a man in order to defeat Ravana.

Honestly, I love this little side story about the gods and the heavenly situation that led to Vishnu's incarnation as Rama.  While it is not truly necessary, it helps to fill in a few of the blanks that were left in Narayan's much shorter version.  Here we are able to witness the destruction Ravana caused and see how he managed to become invulnerable to gods and demons. This is the background that was missing before in setting the scene for the remainder of the epic.

Buck also provides a more detailed description of the four princes.  I especially enjoy how he phrases the relationships between Rama and Lakshmana and Bharata and Satrughna--these pairs of brothers are so close to each other that they are like pieces of the same individual, like a second self.  This really helps to clarify for me the closeness that Rama and Lakshmana share.

Another huge difference between Narayan's and Buck's Ramayana is the verse that Buck places at the beginning of each section.  I don't know if these are pieces of the original epic transcribed or what exactly, but I love the poetry and the imagery portrayed in these short segments; they really illuminate what The Ramayana  must have been like in its original form, song or recited as a way to pass on a cultural and religious tradition. . .

Buck also grants us the origin story of the Rakshasa race, something not even touched upon by Narayan.  Inserted as another frame tale, Viswamitra informs Dasaratha of Ravana and his helpers.  We learn that Brama created the Rakshasas and Yakshas in order to protect endless waters.  When the first Rakshasa conceived a child, it was gifted age and flight by Lord Shiva.  At this point, the Rakshasa was welcome everywhere, and soon he too had children.

These children wanted their homes on earth to be as beautiful as those in heaven, and so went to visit the heavenly architect.  Viswakarman then built for them a fortress and city on the Isle of Lanka, and the Rakshasa race went on to flourish and propagate on earth.  As they ran out of room in Lanka, they left for other lands, and there the began to feast upon men.  And when a Rakshasa dared to attempt to eat the god Narad, they were cursed (and momentarily driven away) and became the demons that they are today.

Again, this is a truly enlightening tale that helps to understand the underlying concepts, themes, and conflicts found within The Ramayana.  Thank you, Buck, for your wisdom and enlightenment!!

We learn of the origins of Ravana, of his heredity and his birth.  Buck tells us of how Ravana cut off nine of his ten heads, and on the day he was to end his life Brahma promises him a boon.  This is how Ravana becomes nearly immortal and practically invincible.  We are introduced to Maya (Illusion) and learn that Ravana's wife Mandodari is in fact Maya's daughter.  Buck also describes Ravana's brutal and murderous campaign to take over the world--I learned to despise Ravana all over again.  I also found out that the epics of India contain some fantastic sarcasm (my favorite language, haha).  Time is portrayed various times with a bunch of different forms--young, old, and in between--and for some reason, each time he appeared I took notice.  He just seemed to really depict (and sometimes foreshadow) the overall atmosphere of the story, while remaining in the background.  I still don't know quite what to make of it.

Viswamitra finishes bringing Dasaratha (and us) up to speed, and asks for Rama to accompany him. We all know what happens next.  However, in this version, we do get more of a feel for Viswamitra as not only a storyteller and mentor but as a true teacher, informing Rama and Lakshmana on mantras and weapons and such.  The demons in the forest are killed while Viswamitra performs his sacrifices, and once again we hear the story of Gautama and Ahalya (one of my personal favorites!!).  There are, nevertheless, some distinct differences in the tale; for example, Gautama blames his wife's beauty for her impure acts, and scatters her beauty until she became invisible and was concealed by a stone wall--she was not (necessarily) turned into stone directly.  A very intriguing difference that makes me wish I could read and translate an older version of The Ramayana for myself and see which tale is more true to the tradition. . .

Rather than a whole lovesick scene with Sita, when the trio arrives in Mithila we are thrown right into Rama's challenge to bend the bow of Shiva in order to win Sita's hand.  A welcome change, if you ask me.  We head into the marriage rites of Rama and Sita and Rama's three brothers, with lots of pretty description.  Twelve years pass as Rama takes on many of the acts of ruling his father's kingdom.  We are told of his gentle and kind nature, of his compassion.  And so ends the boyhood of Rama and the first section of this retelling of The Ramayana!

Week 3: Reading Diary B--The Standoff We've All Been Waiting For!!

No dilly-dallying here; we're going to jump right into this one!

1.  After stepping over the ocean to arrive in Lanka, Hanuman shrinks down to a minuscule size (obviously by eating a potion reading "Drink me!").  He finds Sita in Ravana's favorite retreat.  Again, why they didn't look there first, I really have no idea.
2.  Sita actually manages to impress me a little here; she's sitting unkempt on the ground in the middle of a bunch of demon women, challenging them as they menace her and spurning all of Ravana's advances no matter what he offers or threatens her with.  Yay, girl power, and all that stuff!
3.  Then Sita automatically loses all the moxie I just gave her when she cries for Rama and plots her own death by hanging.  Luckily Hanuman chooses this moment to tell her that he is there and Rama will come soon to rescue her.
4.  Hanuman eats some more cake, and once gigantic he destroys select parts of Lanka.  Why he doesn't just save Sita then and there and be done with it, who knows.
5.  Ravana and his council debate whether to attack Rama and the monkey horde or let them come to Lanka.  For a brief sentence someone mentions peace, but that notion is quickly thrown aside; what else did you expect from a bunch of demons?
6.  Ravana's brother speaks of simply returning Sita to Rama and not pressing their luck.  But of course, what does Ravana have to worry about when facing measly humans?  Oh, hubris, you strike again!
7.  The smart brother abandons Ravana and seeks asylum from Rama. But of course--even though his brother is an evil demon overlord--turning on your own brother is untrustworthy.  Totally makes sense.  Luckily, out of everyone Hanuman and Rama think it only honorable to give him asylum.  Points for them there.
8.  Rama gets unjustly enraged by the sea for not parting (if only he were Moses!).  The monkeys and squirrels and men rolled pebbles and rocks to the sea to form a bridge.  Yes, bridge-building is so easy a squirrel can do it.
9.  Ravana inexorably begins to lose his kingdom bit by bit.  He's given one last chance to cede Sita to Rama and decides instead to try to kill the messenger, only to have one of the towers kicked off of his palace.  And now more than ever these monkeys are going to star in my nightmares.
10.  Fun fact:  eagles are the born enemies of serpents.  They can even counteract magic serpent darts just with their presence.  Now to see how I can use this to become impervious to snake venom. . .
11.   Lakshmana faints upon encountering Ravana (where'd all his anger and indignation go?) while Rama deems it necessary to ride Hanuman into battle.  Again, totally normal.  At least Rama kicks butt; it kind of justifies his odd style of combat.
12.  Ravana's slumberous brother Kumbakarma is roused and causes havoc, eating thousands of the monkey horde.  In fact, Rama actually has to step in and help.  Poor guy, having to work to save his wife!  Too bad the monkeys can't do all the work for him.
13.  Ravana's son Indrajit makes a fake Sita and kills her before the monkeys.  'Cause that's what I'd do if I were about to lose the Trojan War.  Just kill Helen; that'll solve everything.
14.  Rama rides into the final battle against Ravana on Indra's chariot.  Rama pulls some serious Robin Hood-type archery tricks.  Ravana winces, which is apparently a major feat and so extremely heartening.  Ravana attempts to use Maya (aka illusion) to confuse Rama; he inevitably fails when Rama invokes Gnana (aka perception).  More weapons and counter-weapons are shot.
15.  Ravana turns out to be a bit of a hydra.  He faints.  Rama waits for him to rouse.  Stupid battlefield honors.  Just kill him already!  (I swear, I'm not bloodthirsty; just impatient.)
16.  Rama uses the Brahmasthra on Ravana's heart and that's the end of the battle and the war.  Ravana somehow becomes a pristine and devout being.  Apparently everyone is redeemable, so I guess there's hope for me after all.
17.  After everything, Hanuman is the one to fetch Sita to Rama.  I guess it's his second chance, since the first chance wasn't enough.  Rama tells Sita he cannot acceept her back since she resided alone in Rama's palace (*place choice words here*).  She demands to be tested for purity by the fire.  She survives her self-immolation, the lucky devil.  And--whereas I would've told him to go to hell since he didn't trust me in the first place--Sita and Rama hug and do all sorts of happy marriage things I assume.
18.  Rama and Sita learn their true identities from the gods.  Rama is ordered to appear at Ayodhya by the next night to make his coronation.  Regardless of the tight schedule, Rama decides to take Sita sightseeing on the trip back.  Why not.  It's not like a deadline for a coronation is that important to meet.
19.  And so all sorts of celebrations and happy reunions occur in Ayodhya and Rama is crowned as emperor.  Sita sits at his side and Lakshmana and Hanuman live to serve him.
20.  The End!

Now, if I had actual, ardent blog followers, I would request that you comment to tell me which style of reading diary you would prefer I continue on with: the more detailed plot summary with the occasional thought, or the more basic list of events with an abundance of sarcasm.  If anyone has an opinion, speak now or forever hold your peace!  And until next time, namaste.

Week 3: Reading Diary A--Rama encounters Ravana

Alright, so now that I've seemed to establish a format for writing my reading diaries, I'm going to go ahead and break it. . . Surprise!!  We're going to see what advantages and disadvantages this new method has.  So onward to the epic!

So, here is a basic summary of events with some comments and thoughts from me.  It's a little more informal, but allows me to add more of myself into the post.  Now to introduce our major antagonist. . .
1.  Ravana, the supreme lord of all worlds, sits in his hall.  We meet some of the gods he has enslaved.
2.  Soorpanaka arrives mutilated, and demands that Ravana capture Sita for himself and grant her Rama.
3.  Ravana falls madly in love with the idea/image of Sita, and makes a bunch of unusual demands--such as that the moon be brought down and that all seasons be banished.
4.  Ravana goes to Mareecha (one of Thataka's sons) and asks that Mareecha turn himself into a golden deer to lure Rama and Lakshmana away from Sita.
5.  Sita whines after the golden deer, leading Rama to hunt it for her.  When the deer is shot it yells for help in Rama's voice, and Sita whines until Lakshmana goes to investigate.  (Sita appears to be a whiny, incompetent, uncompromising witch in this scene, if you know what I mean!)
6.  Ravana disguises himself as a hermit to meet Sita.  He brags about himself in the third person (Kind of along the lines of "for always I am Caesar. . ."), and eventually reveals his identity.
7.  Sita weeps and whines, and Ravana picks up her along with the soil she is on since he can't touch her. . . So that was really weird.
8.  Jatayu (Dasaratha's eagle friend) tries to save Sita by battling Ravana, holds his own for a while, then gets massacred.
9.  Rama and Lakshmana find Jatayu right before he dies and discover the truth of what happened.  Took them long enough.
10.  Rama and Lakshmana travel through Kiskinda to find Sita, where they meat the monkey Hanuman and his chief Sugreeva.
11.  We learn that Sugreeva was exiled by his brother Vali (who's basically the strongest creature in all of existence)  due to a misunderstanding when Vali returned from a years-long chase.
12.  Rama promises Sugreeva help, then basically enters into the conflict between the brothers and murders Vali with a well-placed arrow from behind a tree while Vali is battling Sugreeva.  Basically, he interferes unfairly in a conflict only to describe his role/actions as just and his duty.  Because of course a misunderstanding between brothers marks Vali as evil.
13.  And after such a poor and hole-y explanation of his actions from Rama, Vali thanks him for the enlightenment and apologizes for his harsh words.  Honestly, I think Rama was in the wrong here and Vali's original anger and betrayal was righteously felt.  Heck, Rama lost a lot of respect from me here.
14.  We now learn that Kooni's actions in getting Rama banished were probably a bit just, even if gone about in a very devious way.  Apparently Rama used to throw clay and make fun of Kooni for her deformity.  Again, he's losing respect here. . .
15.  And now a great pause as everything stops for the rainy season and Rama becomes overemotional--
16.  Sugreeva's army of monkeys is late in providing Rama with aid; through Lakshmana, Rama admonishes them harshly.  (We also see an emotion other than anger in Lakshmana for once; I guess he's "human" after all!)  Additionally, Sugreeva turns out to be an immoral drunkard of a monkey king.  So much for Rama siding with the more worthy brother.
17.  As Sugreeva's army is assembled, Rama tells them to search every but sacred ground, and then goes into detail about Sita's appearance and character so that they can recognize her.  Not much excitement here. . .
18.  A random goddess is rescued from a perfect underground city in which only she dwelt.  Apparently she had been waiting for the monkeys to rescue her; Hanuman's not quite the Prince Charming I would have asked for.
19.  We meet Jatayu's grotesque brother Sampathi, whose story reminds me of the myth of Daedalus and Icarus.  (Just in case I didn't seem nerdy enough for you, there you go!)
20.  Suddenly Sampathi is magically healed, and luckily enough for the inept monkey horde, he knows where to find Sita--at Ravana's stronghold in Lanka.  Which, it's like, big surprise there!  Where else would he take her?  Maybe check there first next time before searching the bowels of the earth. . .
21.  Also, Hanuman grows to taller than the mountains.  That's some Alice in Wonderland stuff right there.



"'You would have to be half mad to dream me up.'" ~Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Week 2: Reading Diary B--Rama's Exile

Okay, so we left off with Kooni having convinced Kaikeyi to ask Dasaratha for Rama's exile and for Bharatha's coronation.  Dasaratha has spent the day spelling out all the details necessary for the coronation ceremony (which is still for Rama at this point), and then decides to seek out Kaikeyi's company.  Meanwhile Kaikeyi is in the kopa gruha, or the room of anger; there the king finds her, sulking and sprawled on the ground.

This next scene kind of surprised me--heck, it almost annoyed me.  Kaikeyi turns out to be quite the manipulative witch.  Dasaratha expects her to be excited for the coronation, which keeps him from realizing that she's upset for a surprising amount of time seeing as she is in the room of anger.  When Kaikeyi starts asking for a bowl of poison so she may end her troubles, Dasaratha freaks out--I mean, she is his favorite wife, so I can see that.  But when she asks for her two favors, you can't really outright deny her; and obviously she isn't in the most stable state of mind, so bargaining is also probably out of the picture.  And I get that that's extremely upsetting for the king.  Yet the extreme of his agony seems unrealistic.  A king who falls apart as soon as one close to him departs seems utterly unreliable and not worthy of my faith or trust, if you ask me.

Then, to top it all off, Dasaratha doesn't even have enough strength to talk to Rama or the ministers himself; no, he trusts this task to Kaikeyi, the scheming witch or initiated the whole mess.  I mean, my estimation in Kaikeyi grew in that I now respect her cunning and performance skills, but everyone else?  What the heck are they doing?  The ministers cave to her demands almost immediately and the king and Kausalya spend the whole time lamenting.  And Rama, well, he just accepts Kaikeyi's orders without saying a word to the king.  It's very honorable and all, but shouldn't he have at least asked that the king give the orders himself?  Rather than trust the distrustful witch? . . .

In any case, Rama willfully bows out while Dasaratha basically claims he will die as soon as Rama leaves.  And then, upon hearing that Rama did actually depart and head into exile, Dasaratha does, in fact, die.  Leaving the kingdom without a monarch until Bharatha can be summoned and brought back to Ayodhya.

At this point I really started to wonder about Rama's personality and services to the people.  When he leaves, the entire kingdom mourns; heck, half of the kingdom tries to go into exile with him.  That is some insane devotion right there.  We don't really know much about Rama's life up to this point, other than that he is a morally and spiritually upstanding guy who no one believes can do any wrong.  And it leads me to wonder what he did to deserve all the allegiance he has from the people.  But, moving on. . .

Lakshmana meanwhile has what I would consider a reasonable--and even judicious--response to the whole scenario.  He is enraged, and is ready to fight for Rama's spot not only in the country but on the throne.  He wishes to "overpower fate itself," a sentiment I believe many of the characters in this epic could benefit from.  But Rama, ever levelheaded, says that Kaikeyi deserves the kingdom, and that he is privileged to head into exile.  Bah!

So Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita head into exile in the woods together.  When Bharatha returns to Ayodhya and finds Dasaratha dead and Rama banished he is overwhelmed with sadness but chooses to act on it.  Big step forward for characters in the story right there!  In any case, he eventually concedes that Rama will perform his fourteen years of exile and that Bharatha will serve as a regent during his absence--but he does this only after the gods order him to do so, soooo. . . Yeah.  Everyone really loves and supports Rama, basically.  Except Kooni and Kaikeyi, of course.

As Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita travel, they encounter various figures such as Athri and his wife Anusuya and the Great Eagle, Jatayu.  Eventually they settle at Panchvati, where Lakshmana (luckily an adept architect) builds them a home.  Not long after they arrive, Ravana's sister Soorpanaka approaches Rama, her demon's appearance hidden behind the guise of a beautiful maiden.  Soorpanaka wishes to claim Rama as her own, and so after he first rejects her advances she works to capture Sita and take her place in Rama's home.  Luckily, the ever-present and ever-angry Lakshmana protects Sita and mutilates Soorpanaka.  Soorpanaka once again tries to gain Rama's favor; however, when he rejects her once more she sets her brother Kara and his armies on our exiled trio.

Fortunately--and just a bit unrealistically--Rama is able to defeat everyone who comes at him all by his lonesome through the use of his trusty bow.  Three cheers for Rama!  Fulfilling his destiny to defeat the demons like a pro, haha.  But, of course, Rama has yet to encounter Ravana, the supreme lord and leader of the rakshasas, who has just been informed of his stepbrother's defeat and sister's mutilation from the scorned Soorpanaka herself. . .