Reading Diary A: Public Domain Ramayana

I have to say I really love the strength shown by Sita in "Sita and Ravana" even though she had her life threatened. I love this story because Sita was powerful enough in her love for Rama and her love for her own wishes that she is able to refuse Ravana. Even with the offering of power and wealth and anything else that she could wish for, she knew that she would not yield to Ravana.

My favorite story of all the readings in block "A" had to be "The Burning of Lanka". I found this piece to be hilarious. Not only were Ravana and his followers not able to torture Hanuman with the fire, but they also caused their own demise by treating Hanuman in such a way. I could just imagine this wonderful monkey realizing that the Gods had protected him from the wrath of the fire and taking advantage of the moment to destroy the evil and greed that surrounded him. After doing so, he was able to escape to organize his monkey army and gather the support of others to march on the city and destroy Ravana, including Rama. I absolutely loved this reading and I have a feeling it may be included in my storytelling project.

(Image information: Hanuman burning Lanka. Source: Shree Hanuman Blog)