Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the two ancient and classical stories of "Ramayana," attributed to the Hindu sage Valmiki and "1001 Arabian Nights," which is a collection of stories collected over many centuries by various authors, translators and scholars in various countries. The paper specifically compares the characters within the stories and the lessons of morality that they teach.
Table of Contents:
Purity and Deceit in Ramayana Purity and Deceit in 1001 Arabian Nights
From the Paper "Eventually there are no more virgins and Scheherazade offers herself as the next bride. In order to keep his daughter alive, Scheherazade's father tells Shahryar a story without telling him the conclusion. In order to hear the end, Shahryar must keep Scheherazade alive. The next, Scheherazade finishes the last tale and begins another, only again to stop short of revealing its conclusion. Thus, the 1001 stories of the book are told. Although each of these stories involve their own tales of morals, purity and deceit, in an effort to teach Scheherazade a lesson, this act of telling stories itself is deceitful in that it is done as a method of tricking Scheherazade. However, this act of deceit, like the act of deceit done by Brahman in creating Rama to defeat evil, this act of deceit is also done for the greater good."
Abstract This paper examines the influence and importance of the Ramayana of Valmiki in Indian society. Initially, its origins and content are outlined. The emphasis is on its continuing influence, particularly as it relates to current events and Hindu/Muslim tensions in India.
Abstract This three-page undergraduate research paper compares and contrasts the characters of Prince Rama and his wife Sita in the epic Indian poem, Ramayana, translated by R. K. Narayan.
Abstract This paper explains that ?Ramayana? mirrors humanity perfectly: each of its main role players, including the monkey-king Hanuman, the King of Birds, Garuda, and even the lowly squirrel that helps Ram build the bridge to Lanka, are embodiments of the human characteristics of goodness. The author points out that this book is an enjoyable read, while sacrificing none of the religious, cultural, or moral aspects of the story. This paper explores the character of Ravana, the demon king, who is the very epitome of evil.
From the Paper "The relationship between Ravana and his brothers is also intriguing. Vibishana was the very antithesis of Ravana. He loved his brother but was also disturbed by what he had done. He counseled his brother to return Sita to Rama. Failing that, he then went over the side of Rama. Vibishana was of tremendous help to the forces of good. He served in many significant ways. He confided in all of Ravana's strengths and weaknesses. In return, he was promised the throne of Lanka. On the other hand, Ravana's second brother Kumbhakarana was endowed with exclusively demonic attributes. Through years of meditation, he had elicited the boon of immortality. The Gods fearing this had caused him to sleep for millennia. Being awakened before his time would be his only Achilles heel."
An analysis two of the more famous versions of the Indian epic "Ramayana": the "Rama Charita Manasa" or "Tulasi Ramayana" by Talsi Das and the "Valmiki Rmayana" by Valmiki.
Abstract As the author explains, the "Ramayana" is an epic story about King Rama's banishment from his kingdom, which has been transmitted orally for centuries in India. This paper examines two of the more famous versions, particularly in relevance to the artwork of Orissa, the northern Indian state in which the story is told. The author analyzes the artwork in order to demonstrate historical flexibilities in the story, which he maintains is a result of the nature of oral tradition.
From the Paper "The Ramayana is an epic poem that derives it dynamic nature from its history as an orally transmitted piece 1. These changes can be seen in any art from one area over time. Here, Orissan art from the early and late 20th centuries were used. In classic oral tradition, minor plot details can change, but the general theme of the work remains the same. The minute details change in order to customize the poem to a region and a time, so as to make it more accessible to those in need of it. Tulsi Das wrote his Ramayana in order to appeal to those who could not understand the older version of Valmiki's. Contrarily, Valmiki's version has resurfaced recently in Orissa because its moral structure allows a more direct relationship with the audience."
Tags: India, oral, tradition, artwork, sanscript, Hindu, Islam, Maya, Sita
Abstract This paper focuses on important relationships mentioned in the two famous ancient stories of "Epic of Gilgamesh" and "Ramayana". These relationships are known for the elements of myth and fantasy present in them. Readers notice that love that appears in ancient stories is strangely different in nature from love as we know it today
From the Paper "In ancient stories, we often come across relationships, which are rather strange in nature. These relationships and their intensity often surprise the readers because of the elements of fantasy and myth in them. But they also make these relationships unique and interesting and thus invite the readers into a whole new world of fantasy and dream. But upon close study, we notice that these relationships are not merely based on man's desire and need for companionship but in most cases have a purpose to serve. For example in the story of Epic of Gilgamesh, the relationship of the protagonist with Enkidu humbles the former and teaches him more about love and compassion. This was the primary reason why Enkidu was sent in Gilgamesh's life."
Tags: literature, ancient, love, relationship, novel, myth, fantasy
An examination of Greco-Roman (Homer's "Odyssey" and Virgil's "Aeneid") and Indian ("The Ramayana of Valmiki" and "The Mahabharata") epics and how they reflect their cultures' myths, beliefs, and heroic values.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 10 sources, 2000, $ 63.95
Abstract This research will examine four epics from the Greco-Roman and Indian cultures: Homer's Odyssey, Virgil's Aeneid, The Ramayana of Valmiki, and The Mahabharata
From the Paper "This research will examine four epics from the Greco-Roman and Indian cultures: Homer's Odyssey, Virgil's Aeneid, The Ramayana of Valmiki, and The Mahabharata. The research will discuss the degree to which these epics reflect the heroic context of a given society's past and/or its present concerns.
There appears to be fairly wide agreement among commentators on epic literature and cultural myths that certain consistent patterns of narrative action and treatments of human experience can be discerned across cultures. One is heroic activity in poems that deal with the history, actions, personal development, and destiny of one or more heroic figures. What these heroes do, what is done to them, and their ultimate destiny take on symbolic weight and become determinants of what is valued and distinctive in a culture.
Epic focus on heroes of a mythic past may be relevant to a..."
Abstract This research examines four epics from the Greco-Roman and Indian cultures: Homer's "Odyssey", Virgil's "Aeneid", "The Ramayana of Valmiki", and "The Mahabharata". The research discusses the degree to which these epics reflect the heroic context of a given society's past and/or its present concerns.
From the Paper "There appears to be fairly wide agreement among commentators on epic literature and cultural myths that certain consistent patterns of narrative action and treatments of human experience can be discerned across cultures. One is heroic activity in poems that deal with the history, actions, personal development, and destiny of one or more heroic figures. What these heroes do, what is done to them, and their ultimate destiny take on symbolic weight and become determinants of what is valued and distinctive in a culture."
Tags: odyssey, aeneid, ramayana, valmiki, mahabharata, virgil, homer
Abstract This paper explains the anthropological significance of "Ramayana", "The Epic of Gilgamesh", and "The Art of War" and points out the contribution these works have had toward a better understanding of complicated social, moral, and military aspects of human nature.
From the Paper "Literature has always served the purpose of connecting the reader with the time period in which it was written. This is why the writings of the distant past, even in translation, are among the most fascinating to modern scholars. Anthropologists such as Saussure, Joseph Campbell and others were seminal in uncovering mythological themes in ancient texts. As archeology supplemented legend, the literary world found evidence that the mythical worlds evidenced by the works of antiquity was in some cases based in fact. Three of the most intriguing works of antiquity are Ramayana, The Epic of Gilgamesh, and The Art of War. Each provides the reviewer with insight as to the origins of a particular culture or geographic region."
Abstract This paper explores the text of R.K. Narayan's telling of "The Ramayana" in relation to the human qualities in the characters of Rama and Ravana. Rama is explored as embodying all of the positive human qualities, while the demon-king Ravana exemplifies all negative human qualities.
Abstract An examination of the role of the Indian woman in society. An analysis of the "Mahabharata" which goes into great depth when describing this role. The author looks at the lives of Indian women, their status, education, goals and contributions.
From the Paper "The Mahabharata is essential for understanding human nature and the culture of India, past and present. As declared by Vyasa, ?Whatever is not found in the Mahabharata cannot be found anywhere else.? The Mahabharata does indeed present a complete picture of the lives of women in India, dealing with such topics as status, education, goals, marriage, achievement, family life, social life, moral codes, duty (dharma), and etiquette."
Tags: hindu, india, indian, ramayana, vedas, vishnu
Abstract This paper is an in-depth examination of the Hindu religion using different texts and sources that have been written on the subject. Some of the different texts the author looks at are the Hindu Vedas, the great Hindu Epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and the Upanishads, often acknowledged as part of the Vedas. The author then shows how the different elements of these texts come together to form the basis of the teachings of the Hindu religion.
From the Paper "Finally, as a concept perhaps both partly Hinduistic and yet completely separate it is possible to look at Jainism. In this religion a soul, or Jiva, is attributed to every object- animate or inanimate. Karma is extent, but seen as the cause for pain- it is the accumulation of wrongdoing, which must be cleansed through righteousness before one can leave the earthly abode. Jainism practices the worship of many Hindu gods, which are believe to bestow temporal blessings (Sources 57) upon them, yet they also represent a fundamental atheistic component in their rejection of a one God which created the universe, affirming natural law as sufficient explanation."
Abstract The perception of war and warfare differs dramatically between cultures, where war tends to manifest itself as being the cause of humanity or of the gods. However, almost all cultures agree that war is a necessity in that conflict between communities needs resolution. Discussions on the topic of war and warfare from three specific cultures reflect this, and this paper explores these and similar themes through addressing the works The Ramayana (Hindu), The Art of War (China), and The Chronicles of the Crusades (European).
