Reading Options

Ramayana Choice

I am going to read the PDE Ramayana Online option. I picked this one honestly because of the online option; I commute from a decent time away and don't have much time to stay in the library so the online option is most convenient. Secondly, I chose the online option because it has illustrations while the other one does not (pictures help me grasp the information I am reading about). Also, I have never listened to an audio book but I think it might help me focus while I read it along. 

Interests

I have not ever taken en epic literature class before. I honestly am not usually a fan of epic movies or television shows, they are usually too involved and have too many characters to keep up with. I have not taken a class about mythology before. Mythology makes me think about Greek Mythology, like stories about the different gods (can't think of anything specific but I know I have read some before). I have never taken any classes about religion. I am a Christian so I have read some of the Bible (but not as much as I probably should). I have not studied Indian history but I have taken a world music class at OU that had an Indian unit so I have listened to some Indian music, watched some dances, and watched some parts of a few Bollywood films. I've never been to Indian or anywhere in South Asia. I do not have any Indian or south Asian heritage in my family. Honestly, this class is sorta out of my comfort zone. I have a very science and math type brain but I thought doing something totally different would be refreshing (also a friend recommended this class to me). I am not sure yet what really interests me; there is also a LOT of options for things to be interested in. I am excited to see what this class shows me throughout the semester! 

From the pictures, I think I recognize Krishna and Balarama as well as Lakshmi and Saraswati from my world music class.

Lakshmi and Saraswati, Wikimedia Commons

I chose this picture mostly because I recognized the people but also because I think this picture if very elegant and has very beautiful details. I love the elephants and their wardrobes, the peacock, and the pretty attire worn by Lakshmi and Saraswati.