In this week's first reading we see a lot of continuity in terms of motivation. Rama & Lakshmana are pursuing Sita, but first must find Sugriva, who initially is threatened by them. Sugriva explains his fear, and then requests Rama's aid. We then see Vali, Sugriva's brother, warned not to fight as Tara, his wife, has learned of Rama's involvement. We see Rama help Sugriva, but by assassinating Vali - this is troublesome as Rama has conducted himself extremely honorably until this point, it seems like an unjustified character break. All the monkeys grieve Vali, even Sugriva, who is now king. Sugriva agrees to aid Rama and Lakshmana on their way to Sita, but states he cannot during the rainy season. As the rainy season closes, Sugriva sends armies of monkeys in all compass directions to gather information on Sita. The southern marching army is met by Sampati, Jatayu's brother, who informs them that Ravana has taken Sita to Lanka. We hear a brief tale from Sampati mirroring Daedalus and Icarus. Ultimately, Hanuman (monkey god) is sent into Ravana to scour for Sita - upon leaping he does battle with a powerful Rakshasi. Hanuman finally makes his way into Ravana's palace, searching through he finds Ravana asleep, but doesn't find Sita until he begins his way outside - where he spies Sita in a grove of Ashoka Trees. We see Ravana attempt to persuade Sita to marry him, failing. Indrajit, Ravana's son, captures Hanuman and brings him to the court of Ravana. Ravana starts a fire, there's panic, Hanuman escapes, but not before verifying Sita's safety. We meet two of Ravana's generals, who appear eager for war as debate over such a topic continues. Finally we see Vibhishana, Ravana's younger brother, abandon Ravana for Rama as he believes his brother is making a mistake in keeping Sita and causing war.
Bibliography:
Public Domain Edition | Valmiki | Ramayana
Photo Credit:
Sampati | Balasaheb Pandit Pant Pratinidhi
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