1. 310: Coming up: blog assignment (See full descript on blog) Blog entry #2 due Sat. Sept.17 by noon: discuss some aspect of the Ramayana based on the readings, class discussion, thoughts and questions. (3-4 paragraphs; 10 pts.) You can add a comment to the post I started, Ramayana and the Known Story, one of the 3? other post * and respond to that prompt, or take up another topic. You’re encouraged to comment on people’s comments, as well. The 3? other posts: Want extra credit and the chance to shape the blog? Make a new blog post, instead (12 pts!): 1) do it by noon Thursday, Sept. 15; 2) include a fitting graphic; and develop a topic people will respond to. Let me know if you want to do this – you’ll need an “invite” to become a blog editor.

2. Summing up the story 1.Rama’s initiation 2.The Wedding 3.Two Promise Revived 4.Encounters in Exile 5.The Grand Tormentor 6.Vali Ramayana puppet, Thailand Hanuman seduces the mermaid Sovanmachu

3. Global Asia, Chap. 4 Ramayana as a “narrative of political integration”? What are the groups? What are the allusions to India’s history? Rama’s encounters in the South “allow Valmiki and his readers to reflect on issues of Otherness.” – meaning what?

4. Ramayana depictions, Southeast Asia Prambanan temple, Central Java, Indonesia, 9 th c. Hindu temple dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva Ramayana displayed in bas reliefs surrounding the central tower.

5. Ramayana depictions, Southeast Asia Angkor Wat, Cambodia 12 th c. Hindu “state temple” built by the king, dedicated to Vishnu Ramayana displayed on panels in the inner complex

6. Ramayana depictions, Southeast Asia Banteay Srei, Cambodia 10 th c. Priest’s temple dedicated to Shiva Ramayana on panels throughout complex Ravana shakes Heaven – “the back story”

7. Ramayana depictions, Southeast Asia Banteay Srei, Cambodia 10 th c.

8. Ramayana depictions, Southeast Asia Grand Palace Complex, Bangkok, Thailand, 18 th. c A King’s royal complex, built by Rama I in late 1700s when the capital was moved to Bangkok. Consider: a Hindu tale within a Buddhist society. A similar mural is found in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, though badly damaged.

9. Grand Palace Complex, Bangkok, Thailand, 18 th. C popularity of Hanuman

10. Ramayana as a teaching text Ramayana Kakawin - 9 th c. Central Java Book III, Cantos 52 - 86 Nahan ikana wuwus san Kekayiputra sadhu Dadi sumahur ika san Ramabharasi maswi Muliha ata kitanten nka ryy Ayodhya tamola Yadin alemeha sewan padukankwiki ratwa 52. …Thus were the words of the goodhearted son of Kakeyi. Ramabhadra replied with pleading words: “Please return and stay in Ayodhya, my brother. If you are reluctant [to be king], serve my sandals. They will be the king.” Artwork from Mithila, S. India Bharatha venerates Rama’s sandals