I have really enjoyed both Part A and Part B of the Public Domain Ramayana, but if I had to choose, I think I enjoyed Part B more. During Part A, I had a difficult time initially following all of the names and links between characters; but things started to make a lot more sense as I entered Part B. I absolutely have been loving the traditional elements of these stories. (i.e. things they hold sacred, symbolic rituals, and the hierarchy of the Gods) I have taken multiple world history, international relations, and diplomacy classes while also studying different world religions in my free time. I feel like I know of what basic principals make up Hinduism and Buddhism, but I am unfamiliar with specifics and the differences between the different Gods. While taking a focus on nature and traditional elements, I also hope to have my own story pivot around the different Gods and their relationship with each other.
Part B also dives into the idea of religion and the afterlife. In the story of "Rama and Bharata", Jabali explains to Rama that there is nothing after death, and for that reason, sacrificing animals is pointless. Jabari explains that because there is nothing after death, they need to seize every moment of life and make the most of everything given to them (including the animals they can eat). Rama then replies with the notion that some principals still hold true, even when they are unable to be seen. He relates it to still being married, even though your spouse is out of sight.
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| One of the images from my favorite story of today, Shurpanakha and Rama. Link to image |
Bibliography: Public Domain Ramayana:
Link to read online
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