Reading Diary B: Ravana's Enlightenment

One thing that has really struck me throughout this entire book is how valued knowledge and enlightenment are. I think this is a characteristic that has a much higher priority in Indian culture than it does in other cultures. When Ravana was killed by Rama, there was no anger or strife. Naryan wrote, "Rama's arrows had burnt off layers of dross, the anger, the conceit, lust, egotism which had encrusted his real self, and now his personality came through in its pristine form- of one who is devout and capable of tremendous attainments. His constant meditation on Rama, although as an adversary, now seemed to bear fruit, as his face shone with serenity and peace." This struck me as an extremely cultural interpretation of Ravana's death. If this was an American epic, I think it would have focused on what power and might Rama had shown, and how Ravana deserved what he got and how justice had been served. That is what Americans focus on. Justice and strength and getting to the top. However, since this is an Indian epic, Ravana's enlightenment was what was emphasized. He did bad things, but he was devout and had greatness in him yet, and died a peaceful death and his soul was sent to heaven. To me, this is an incredible way to interpret his death. Knowledge and goodness are what was emphasized. I really enjoyed this scene of the book, I think it is very powerful and it added to the complexity of Ravana's character and also gave a lot of closure for the end of the book.

Hanuman, Rama, and Lakshmana attack Ravana
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