The Creation, Death and Rebirth of the Universe” and the Ramayana
Compare the Hindu creation cycle with Hesiod’s “Ages of Man” from Greek mythology. The Yugas and the Greek ages seem very similar, yet there are some noteworthy differences. First, explain what is the same within these two myths. Then, identify several (3-5) of the differences. How do you account for these differences? Consider cultural values in your answer.
How does Rama’s adventure fit the hero’s journey? Discuss at least four (4) ways in which he is a classical hero. (Consider these qualities and/or watch this video to refresh your memory about the hero’s journey.)
Watch Sita Sings the Blues and describe it for your classmates. Would you recommend the film to someone studying The Ramayana? Why or why not?
Discuss Rama as the ideal husband and Sita as the ideal wife for Hindu culture. Compare their relationship with your own concept of the perfect marriage.
Dharma is an important concept in this epic. Select one or two key characters and give several (3-5) specific examples of how it influences their behavior. Consider Rama, Sita, King Dasaratha, or Rama’s brothers.
Focus on Hanuman. Why is he granted the right to choose his own death? Do you think this ability detracts from his heroism?
Do you think Ravana deserves a hero’s funeral? Explain your opinion.
Do a little research on Rama’s Bridge. In your own words, explain to the class what you find. Please provide your source(s).
Answer
The Creation, Death and Rebirth of the Universe” and the Ramayana
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The Creation, Death and Rebirth of the Universe” and the Ramayana
Why Hanuman is granted the right to choose his death?
Even as a child, Hanuman jumps into the sky, mistaking the Sun for a big fruit. The Indra knocks him down. As per the Ramayana (section 4.65), Hanuman’s parent Vayu (air) got agitated and withdrew all the air on the planet. Because the mistake was made by the deity Indra, he grants Hanuman the desire that his body is as solid and robust as Indra’s so that his Vajra will not damage him.
Brahma gave Hanuman a blessing that would safeguard him from Brahma’s irreversible curse. “No one will be capable of killing you with any weapon in combat,” Brahma added. He gained from Brahma the ability to instill terror in enemies and erase fear in friends, alter his shape at will, and quickly travel wherever he desired. He gained the boons of life, scripture wisdom, and the power to swim the ocean from Shiva. Shiva ensured Hanuman’s safety by providing him with a bracelet to guard him for the rest of his life. Indra honored him, saying that the Vajra sword would no longer be effective against him and that his body would grow stronger than Vajra.
Another tale has it that when Lord Rama gave up his earthly life by walking into the Sarayu River, he granted Lord Hanuman immortality. Rama wished him a lifetime of happiness life until the end of time. Hanuman graciously received this gift, as he lives on till today. He is thought to still meditate in the Himalayas and the Mahendragiri mountains. (Pattanaik et al, no page)
Do you think this ability detracts from his heroism?
Yes, Hanuman’s power to choose his death detracts from his heroism. This is attributable to the fact that when Rama and Lakshmana are abducted by Mahiravana (Ravana’s brother) and taken to Patala (netherworld), Hanuman saves them. It is there when he learns that he should instantly dim five lamps in 5 directions – Northern, Southern, East, Western, and Upwards – if he is to conquer Ravana’s wicked brother.
work cited:
Pattanaik, Devdutt. My Hanuman Chalisa. Rupa Pub., 2019.