Week 4: Reading Diary A - The Story of the Ramayana

Reading Diary pg. 1-59
The Ramayana by William Buck

Characters

Valmiki - lived inside of an anthill because of unsuccessful attempts to find friendship, happiness and hope. Was convinced by Narada to save Sita, who was exiled by Rama because of gossip, and welcomed her into their town. Valmiki became a poet, and tells the story of Rama to Rama and Sita's twin boys, Kusha and Lava.

Kusha and Lava - Sons of Rama and Sita. Memorized the poem that Valmiki has to them by heart and sing it at a festival in the forest, in which Rama attends, not knowing that the two boys are his own.

King Dasaratha - King of Ayodhya. Had no son, but greatly longed for one to inherit his kingdom. He says, "Brahmana, I always long for a son. I can find no happiness without him, therefore make a sacrifice with fire, to please the gods" (p. 8). Calls Vasistha, who grants him sons.

Vasistha - Dasaratha's priest who performs a sacrifice so that Dasaratha can obtain sons.

Indra - King of Heaven

Ravana - Demon King

Vishnu - Soul of the Universe

Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, Shatrughna - Dasaratha's four sons

Vishwamitra - Tells the story of Ravana to Dasaratha

Notes

• Ayodhya is described as being "filled with warriors, like a mountain cave filled with lions; her warriors were impatient and deadly to foes" (p. 8). They kept the city safe. The city was also known for its abundance of food, wood, and water. 
• Vasistha performs a sacrifice, and calls down Indra, the King of Heaven, who is not happy to be called, because he is unable to beat Ravana in battle.
• No amount of power by the gods can defeat Ravana. Indra goes to Lord Vishnu, trying to convince him to become incarnate as a human in order to defeat Ravana. He already has become in human form. 
• 16 years later, Vishwamitra arrives at the palace looking for help with his battles with the rakshasas. The baby Sukesha had three sons: Mali, Sumaili, and Malyavan
• They went to Vishwakarma, the architect gods, and asked for a home to be built. Lanka was made. Vishnu attacked and killed Mali. 
• Ravana married Mandodari, and had a son Meghanada (Indrajit)
• Ravana challenges Yama, the god of death, who surrendered to him. Surya and Chandra surrendered to him as well. 
• Ravana then attacked Amaravati, Indra's heaven, who slammed the gates of heaven to keep Ravana from coming in.
• In Mithila, Rama's strength allows him to break the bow of Shiva and he is able to wed Sita, Janaka's daughter. They marry and are brought back to Ayodhya. 
• Vishwamirta, ultimately wants Rama's help in defeating Ravana. Dasaratha agrees to allow Rama and Lakshmama to go with him. He becomes a mentor to the boys.
• On their journey, they travel to Mithilia, where Rama restores Ahalya.
• Rama's strength allows him to break the bow of Shiva, which gives him permission to marry Janaka's daughter, Sita. They travel back to Ayodhya.