Week 5: Storytelling

He trekked onward, gazing over his shoulder as his sandals gathered dust around his toes.  Angst filled thoughts filled his head.  On his way to see Rama, Bharata had high hopes that Rama would return to Ayodhya.  Bharata had all sorts of reasons why Rama should return- the people loved him, everyone wanted him as king (except for Kaikeyi of course), Bharata didn’t feel ready for the role…the list dragged on and on.   If those reasons weren’t enough, Bharata thought that he would return for the sake of his wife, Sita- she isn’t one to fair the wildnerness especially well and Bharata was sure it wouldn’t take Rama long to see that.  However, Bharata’s hopes were quickly dashed as he sat down and spoke with Rama.  Rama did not seem in distress and neither did his wife.  In fact, Rama showed no ill-feelings toward Kaikeyi and respected her wishes with little emotion, not even anger.  Bharata could not believe it- Rama had no intentions of returning to Ayodhya, at least for 14 years.  Bharata was just as shocked to learn that even the people of the woods adored Rama.  Bharata made one last attempt and informed Rama in a matter-of-fact manner that he would rule for only 14 years (to the day) and would step down at that point- Rama better be there to pick up where he left off.  Bharata also made it clear that he would leave a pair of sandals next to the throne so it would be clear that Bharata was merely “filling in” for Rama.  With that being said, Bharata was on his way in no time- it was clear that Rama would not go against Kaikeyi’s wishes and come back with him.  Bharata walked back feeling defeated and overwhelmed.  It had been an unspoken decision between Bharata and his brothers that Rama would assume the position as king- none of the others were prepared for such a role.  Rama was the smartest, strongest, and most charismatic one of the bunch and people adored Rama upon just meeting him one time.  Bharata sadly reflected on the shoes he was going to have to fill- he already felt uncomfortable and inadequate in comparison to his brother.  Bharata knew the challenge was great and strategized on the best ways to present the news to the kingdom.  He debated whether or not he should tell them the reasons behind why Rama was gone.  Eventually, he decided against it since Rama would not want the whole kingdom to come looking for him in the forests.  Before long, Bharata arrived as his new kingdom and took a long deep breathe before he assumed his new role. 

The births of Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna.

(Source:  Wikipedia)

Author's Note:  I really wanted to write about this story because it's easy to think about how Rama and Sita may be feeling, but Bharata is going through major life changes as well that are easily overlooked.  Bharata is brave for taking on such a huge role (even though he didn't have much of a choice), and he's admirable for that.  The story didn't mention much about this aspect of the Ramayana tale, so I added a lot of details but didn't really change the plot line.

Bibliography:  Buck, William (1976).  Ramayana.

Week 5: Reading Diary B

Maricha is so wise- I admire how he is courageous enough to tell Ravana to not be so prideful and greedy since it can be so harmful.  Also, it's nice that he reminds Ravana that he was his wives at home who love him- he doesn't need to go after any more.  I think it's also kind that Maricha isn't too prideful and humbly uses an illustration from his own life of the power of having friends and doing right.  However, I find it ironic that Maricha is trying to persuade Ravana to do one thing (be good), and then Maricha helps Ravana in being deceitful- what's up with that?  And he does it so convincingly- he doesn’t do a so-so role-playing job- he does a very good job at luring Rama away and then imitating his voice.  When Maricha died, I was sorta sad because on one hand, I think his heart was in the right place but on another hand, he did a lot of evil as well.  However, I really like how detailed the description of the deer is- it certainly does sound enchanting and very desirable.  Quite beautiful, actually.  I can only imagine what it would have looked like.  I’ll have to try and google a picture.  Anyways, it really frustrates me that no one listens to Lakshmana- there will be another time no one listens to him and it’s hard to read because if others would just listen to each other, many problems could be avoided.   This frustration is very applicable to real life, too.  How many times are there when we don’t listen to someone for whatever reason.  There may actually be a time when hearing them out would do us a world of good.  When Ravana takes Sita, I don’t think this version of the story mentioned that he picked her up via the dirt under her.  Also, he touches her (grabs her around the waist)- does the whole consent/touching death curse not apply in this version?  Ohhhh…now I see the curse.  Also, I didn’t know Rama was supposed to be the king of the bears and monkeys and he can only have his one wife?  Good for him! I just didn’t know that.  Not sure if I skipped over it in the last book or if it’s truly a new detail that Buck put in.  Anyways, the Rishyamuka Hill seems really neat- I wonder if people would intentionally go there or how strict it’d be in terms of how much “bad” you have in you or if waking up rich is totally do-able.  

Week 5: Reading Diary A

Yeah, I’m definitely surprised that Kaikeyi thought that Bharata would be fine with her using her two wishes to put him on the throne instead of Rama and banishing him on top of that.  Bharata adores Rama and looks up to him- what does Kaikeyi think would have come of their relationship if she goes along and not only steals Rama’s crown but also his home and kingdom and has her son take his place.  I can’t imagine how Bharata would be feeling.  First of all, he must be overwhelmed with grief since his father died.  Next, he must be incredibly sorrowful since Rama is dead in a way- he probably won’t see him again.  And finally, he must be absolutely outraged with his mother for cooking up such a contraption.  However, I think it’s great that Kausalya knows Bharata is innocent and never asked for this.  She seems so well composed though which is really impressive.  It’s also nice that they came together to grieve instead of grieving independently- support systems definitely would help in situations such as these (I would imagine).  I also find it surprising that they burn bodies in this culture- I feel like most other cultures honor the body.  For example, the Egyptians put their kings’ bodies in a pyramid with all sorts of valuables…  Also, I think it’s a nice gesture that Bharata says he will only rule for fourteen years and will represent Rama by keeping his sandals by the throne, but I feel as if it’s very extreme to not rule one day past that.  Maybe Bharata is scared to rule and is caving from the pressure, but I think it’s more likely that he’s trying to make a stand.  Also, how is Rama expected to keep track of everyday up to 14 years to the exact day and remember his way back?  I feel like that’s a lot to ask/remember.  Skipping forward, poor Sita- being attacked by a big crow in the middle of the night.  I don’t get why Rama saw she was upset, smiled, and went back to sleep.  Also, I’m surprised he didn’t kill the crow. Why did the crow go after Sita in the first place? Anyways, Sita does not seem to get any breaks- she’s snatched up by a demon.  However, Tumburu is smart for taking Sita if that’s the way he is changed from a demon.  Also, I don’t get why Lakshmana had to build the house- I feel like Rama should at least help.  Lakshmana doesn’t even need to have gone with him and he did, so I feel like Rama can at least be especially nice and helpful to him.