Week 3 Reading Diary B: Battle

This last section of the reading was so full of action, yet it was all very rushed. It seemed more like a Sparknotes summary than a story. I can see the point, since the full Ramayana is very long, and this serves as a good introductory read. But, I was disappointed that this action-packed, supernatural, fascinating part of the story was so dryly given. Also, the story of Hanuman bringing back the whole mountain, which I really like, wasn't even mentioned. It makes me wonder what other gems have been left out.

I found all the supernatural weapons used in the battle interesting (though again, they were hurriedly explained). Illusions and trickery played a large role on the rakshasa side: illusions of killing Rama as well as Sita, and Ravana's use of "illusion" as a weapon. I liked how Rama used "wisdom" as a sort of physical, yet divine-powered weapon against illusion. Also, I liked the explanation that Ravana had made invincible his head and arms, but had forgotten to strengthen his heart. It sounds a little cheesy to modern ears, but in the context of the ancient and sacred epic it is very poetic.

I thought the whole testing Sita thing was a bit weird - it just didn't sit right with me. This may be due in part to the author's rushing through it, but it seemed like Rama didn't really have a good reason or explanation for why he tested Sita. I mean, she had to jump into a fire just to prove to everybody that she was pure and faithful? I mean, you're Rama - why should you have to prove it to the world? Peer pressure isn't good, guys. Nor is jumping into a fire. Even the gods sort of rebuked Rama for doing this to Sita, but then it's all just sort of swept under the rug. Kind of puts a downer on the triumphant rescue.