Reference no: EM133713971
Assignment:
Ramayana Questions: Discussion Day 3
Questions:
1. Why does Ravana's brother, Vibhishana, defect to Rama's side as the siege of Lanka begins? How does he help Rama and Hanuman during the battle?
2. How is Indrajit the most formidable opponent Rama and his army must face? What does he do to them and what are his weapons and powers? How do the heroes overcome him?
3. Ravana and Time have an important encounter and adversarial conversation on pages 335 - 339. What important messages about time, illusion, and love are contained within that conversation? Who seems to win the conversation?
[Note: I have not assigned the chapters "Here's Love" or "The Wonderful Return" (pgs. 356 - 388), but here is a summary. With the war over, Vibhishana cremates Ravana and becomes king of Lanka. He promises Rama that Rakshasas will become guardians again, do no evil, and will hide Lanka from humans. Sita is reunited with Rama and proves her faithfulness and devotion to him. Vibhishana teaches Hanuman how to revive all the dead monkeys and bears. Then, the 3 humans, 5 Rakshasa, and 23 million monkeys and bears pile into a magical palace chariot called Pushpaka to return to Kosala. Bharata joyfully welcomes Rama home and gives him the throne. Kosala holds a grand festival celebrating Rama and Sita's return. Then, Rama begins his 11,000-year rule as the greatest and most beloved of kings. The following questions are based upon the last two chapters.]
4. Why does Rama exile Sita (in the chapter: "In what dream")? What does she do, eventually, to prove her innocence (in the chapter: "Farewell Again, my Lady and my King")? How is this tragic?
5. What does Sumantra's (the old charioteer's) story about Kaikeyi and Dasaratha reveal about the god, Narayana/Vishnu (in the chapter: "In What Dream?")? How does this explain the events from question 4? What Hindu concept is at work here?
6. How is Hanuman an ideal devotee and follower? What will he become and what will he do after Rama's death?
7. According to the last chapter, what is the benefit of reading or listening to the Ramayana? What power or significance does the name "Rama" hold?
BOOK: Retold By William Buck