Wednesday, January 5, 2011

The Ramayana

Rama fighting Ravana

1. I don't have a reaction to the battle between Rama and Ravana. Rama and Ravana use bows and arrows, but also supernatural powers.  Rama used the Brahmasthra, invoked all its power, and sent it at Ravana's heart; his most vulnerable spot.  Rama treated Ravana with honor and respect after killing him.

2.  I think Rama is able to defeat Ravana because Ravana is too full of rage to realize he hadn't strengthened his heart; he left a vulnerable spot and didn't stay level headed, therefore he was careless.

4.  Rama respects others, even his enemies; gives Ravana a chance to heal after he fainted.  Rama stays calm and level headed in times of war.  After Rama kills Ravana he tells Ravana's brother to honor Ravana and cherish his memory.  Rama's heroic code is to honor the dead, enemies or not, respect others, and stay level headed and calm at all times.

5.  I don't think Ravana is heroic; I think he's short tempered and rather arrogant. Those are not heroic qualities.

7.  Rama and Arjuna from the "Mahabarata" are both focused and level headed when necessary, for example when Arjuna must focus solely on his target that's all he sees, he is completely focused, as is Rama when he's fighting Ravana.

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