RDB 10: Ramayana 1

The story of the Ramayana, “The Quest for Sita”, contains many hidden lessons in the depths of its epic tale. Although the original Ramayana did not include the story of the reincarnation of Ram and Sita through Swallow and the Sage, its addition adds a new aspect to the story of a pilgrimage of self-discovery. When Swallow is sold to Red Feather, she realizes that she must make this sacrifice for her family and that it will probably not be an easy one to make. As she takes one last glance at Mount Wu Shan, which has always offered her hope, she recites an ancient poem,

“Tis I must go
But the way is jagged,
Where shall I rest me?
Ah! Where rest my head?”

and sets out on her journey (1007). A swallow is a migratory bird and thus, Swallow sets out on her journey.

These stanzas prove to be a guiding force throughout the story in that although her chosen path presents her with many struggles, Swallow continues to search for her true identity or a place to rest her head. Her encounter with Ho marks the beginning of her transformation and sets her in the right direction to discovering who she really is. By saying, “You ought to look where you are going child. If you walk through life with the same evident carelessness as you cross country, you are unlikely to reach a respectable age,” Ho challenges Swallow to be more aware of her surroundings and appreciate her journey in a new way (1009). Her eyes are opened, and she begins to realize that things happen for a reason and that she came across Ho for a purpose far deeper than a disguise. After Swallow is introduced to and becomes the pupil of the Sage, she is presented with new ways of thinking and delves deeper into her soul than she ever has before. Through meditation and the acknowledgement of her past, Sita is able to encounter her true self and at last finds the contentment and happiness that she deserves.

My story is similar to that of Swallow, in that I am now “setting out on the journey (I have) so long wanted to make” (1011).
The University of Texas is my Wu Shan in that I am being challenged to discover and be true to myself in new situations and unfamiliar surroundings. Teachers “ impart to (me their) thoughts rather than instruct (me), and seem eager to draw out (mine) in response” (1017). My peers make me reexamine myself through their questions and passion for who they are and who they wish to become. Right now, “(my) past, (my) present and (my) future are hinged in a person that (I) think I may be” and that is not enough (1018). It is up to me to discover my true identity, my passions, my hopes, and my dreams so that I can share as much of myself with the world as possible. As I reexamine my past, embrace my present, and look forward to my future, I hope that I will someday break boundaries and “walk till the stream ends and sit to watch the clouds rise” on a new life of hope and certainty (1014).

I look forward to the day I can see how i have grown.