Journal #6

I think that the evidence of both psychological and spiritual are present. Through the chapter Rama has to be very wise in his actions. He has to psychologically psych himself up to wait for Ravana before they continue fighting so Ravana can gain strength back. This all happens on page (158) along with this psychological evidence there is also spiritual evidence when the gods give the weapons to Rama and Ravana. They both pray and worship before the weapons. This is like Hindu religion because the Hindu's pray before performing anything and worship around the clock.

Journal #5

Is Rama Sexist?

It is very hard for me not to believe that Rama is sexist. On page 116 He says " Women can lead one to death." This passage is pretty much saying Women to him can be a burden and it might not be worth the trouble. He seems to blame all his problems on women. I think in some cases Rama has some level of respect for women but he ultimately thinks men are better.

Journal #4

How is your kharma?

It is really hard to come up with a day in my life that I would have to do over. I believe everyday shapes us, but the day I would pick to do over is the day my grandpa died. He died last year on June 3rd. It was the beginning of summer and I was hanging out with my friends when the nursing home called our house and told us to come. I had not experienced this kind of situation before and didn't feel comfortable going to watch him die and since I had seen him over that weekend I felt like I was in an ok place to not go. My mom and grandma went ahead without me knowing I wasn't comfortable with this. If I could do this day over I would have gone with them to the nursing home. I wish I could have said one last goodbye. I didn't fully comprehend that I would not get to see him again after this day.

Journal #3

Why was Rama so inclined to sympathize with Sugreeva?

Rama and Sugreeva sympathize because they have similar things in common. Both of their wives were taken from them. (pg.101) states "When Vali went back, he not only resumed his authority as a ruler over the kingdom, but also forcibly acquired Sugreeva's wife and made her his own. And now Sugreeva has neither a home nor a wife." Also on (pgs. 102-103) Sugreeva asks Rama to prove that he is going to fight for his brother Vali. "Then Rama took out an arrow and shot it through not only the trunks of the seven trees but also through the seven worlds, and the seven seas, and all things in seven; and then it returned to its starting point in the quiver. Sugreeva was overwhelmed at this demonstration and bowed his head in humility, convinced now that he was in the presence of a saviour.

In my opinion I think that Rama did the right thing in helping Sugreeva because they both just wanted the same thing and that was to achieve justice. Rama had also stuck up for Sugreeva when Vali was dying. He explained the he left not just to take his place as a ruler but to save him. (pg. 109-110). On (pg. 105) "I have heard of Rama as being one possessing integrity and a sense of justice; one who could never take a wrong step. How could you ever imagine that such a person would ever take sides in a quarrel between brothers?" These passages to me show how much integrity and helpfulness Rama has and this quality is a good thing to have.

I think this situation is best represented in modern day politics and conflicts by how we pick either the Republican or Democratic side. Both sides tend to clash on issues and disagree. Rama is also put into a position of choosing a side. We are also pushed to choosing a side and either way we are going to run into conflict and disagreement with the other side.

Ramayana Journal #2

Bharatha's mother's reaction at first was that she was upset with the idea of Bharatha becoming king and wanted to put a stop to it. She wanted to know what was with the celebration and when she was told it dealt with Rama. She then told her mistress to end it. In this situation, the nurse helps change her attitude by figuring out a way with the mother to destroy Rama. I believe that Dasartha should get in the middle of this and take order. Overall it is his duty to crown the king that deserves it. It is not the mother's choice.

Journal entry #1

Imminence:

1)(pg.9-10) Viswamithra goes to visit the divine king Dasaratha for permission to take Rama to battle the "savior". The Divine King Dasartha's presences is an example of being immanent.

2)(Pg. 19) In Ganga's Story, Bhagiratha prays for ten thousand years from the creator. Bhrama sends Ganga down. This example shows the divine being immanent because he has sent someone down in order to fulfill the request of Bhagiratha's will.

Illusory:
1) (pg.15) When Sita says "Oh, bird, wherever you may be, please be quiet." This is showing illusory because Sita can't actually see the bird or touch the bird and Sita has no way of proving the bird is there.

2) (pg.17) In Ganga's Story it talks about Ganga flowing along a valley, coming from the Himalayas. Ganga doesn't actually appear, when he does he uses other people in place of himself.

3) (pg.24) Lakshmana and Sita meet and immediately believe they are in love and they haven't even met yet. They have the illusion in their head that they for sure are in love. This is an example of illusory.