I apologize if my thoughts are all over the place for this reading diary, but I will do my best to remain cohesive as I record my thoughts throughout the reading. One of my first thoughts when starting this book is that it's really impressive how the sage had such "complete mastery over his bodily needs." In today's world, whenever we want something, we can pretty much get it. Information is instant, food is everywhere, and there's usually air conditioning close by if it's hot or a room with heating close by in the cold. It's hard to imagine a world without the luxury of having everything at our fingertips.
Later, when Rama questioned the location of Thataka, I wonder if he asked out of fear or if he saw a challenge of finding/defeating her. Perhaps if I read along farther I will find out... I think it's a little crazy how he killed her so fast. I'm surprised no one else had done it if he had done it so easily. I also think it's interesting how Rama did not acknowledge what Viswamithra said about how Rama alone could have helped him protect the area while they performed the sacrifice. Rama simply asked about what's to come. Jumping ahead to Ganga's story, I'm guessing that the belief system present holds to the idea that time will pass and eventually earth will end on its own without any sort of rapture or one huge natural disaster? Later, when Ahalya turns to stone, I feel like her husband was a bit rash. I'm glad she had a way out though. I think it's crazy how Rama was picked/chosen for all these things and neither of his brothers had any of this "responsibility." Why him?
For Chapter 2- "The Wedding"- how is it that there is no one in Kosala to receive charity? Also, Sita's dad wants to suggest marriage of his daughter to Rama? For arranged marriages, I thought it was more like the hopeful-husbands-to-be would "apply" in a way to marry the girl? It looks like the other princes of the land tried to do so, but I wonder what about Rama made Sita's dad go so crazy for him... Also, is a lotus flower supposed to symbolize something? I'll have to look that up. I want to say I've read a different epic with a lotus flower in it and it put the hero to sleep? Another random thought- I think it's interesting they have "professional announcers." It later says that "the couple's first meeting [was] at the conclusion of the wedding ceremonies." Let me just say, I could not even imagine that. I suppose couples back then honored marriage vows more regardless of whether or not they knew one another before the ceremony or not, but it would be so crazy to spend the marriage getting to know someone as opposed to getting to know someone via dating. One of my friends may end up in a situation similar to this- her parents strongly support the culture of her home nation and are trying to get an arranged marriage for her. Her sister already went through it and is happy with her new husband, but my friend is more like me- not really sure about the whole thing. It's a tricky situation and for the fathers who arrange a husband for their daughters, I hope they truly get to see the kind of man the suitors are before they set up their daughters with a man for the rest of their lives.
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