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What is the role of kings in Indian epics? What is the tension between spiritual knowledge and worldly power? Why does a better understanding of the self lead some people away from the destiny into which they are born? What do these stories mean to us in the 21st century?
The Indian epics, as well as other epics from around the world, deal with the issue of kingship. These are stories of warriors who will become kings. The question that underlies these stories is two-fold: who is the rightful king and who is the righteous king?
The hero’s external journey is also an internal journey about understanding what it means to be king, thinking about what kind of king they will be and preparing for that role.
Key elements: We will look closely at the figures of Rama in the Ramayana and Yudhishthira in the Mahabharata who are both reluctant to accept the kingship that is rightfully theirs. Standing beside these stories is the life of the historical Buddha, a prince who left everything behind in search of the truth.
We will consider the historical and existential moment that created these stories and we will also ask why they still attract us.
Programme: 12 hours (incl. breaks) over 3 days. Our time together will be one of story telling and reflection, a gentle introduction to another culture’s understanding of what it means to be human. The sessions will consist of a close reading of the texts and inspiring interactive discussions.
Friday 29 July: 18h-20h
Saturday 30 July: 13h30-18h30
Sunday 31 July: 13h30-18h30

Reading materials: Please read the following texts to prepare for the event.

  • Mahabharata: an abridged translation by John.D.Smith, Penguin Classics,
    • Chapter 12) Tranquillity
    • Chapter 13) Instruction
  • Ramayana: Valmiki, translated with an introduction by Arshia Sattar, Penguin Classics
    • Ayodhya, chapter 14, the king’s dharma (lecture that Rama gives Bharata)
  • Maryada: the search for dharma in the Ramayana by Arshia Sattar, Harper Collins, India
    • one chapter
  • Andha Yug: translated by Alok Bhalla, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, and also published by Manoa, USA
Background reading (for those who haven’t been with us in 2018 & 2019):
  • Mahabharata for children, Juggernaut Books, India, by Arshia Sattar
  • Ramayana for children, Restless Books, new york, by Arshia Sattar
About: Arshia Sattar has a Ph.D. from the Department of South Asian Languages and Civilizations at the University of Chicago. She has worked with myth and epic and the story-telling traditions of India for over 30 years. Her abridged translation of the Sanskrit epic, the Valmiki Ramayana is considered a contemporary classic. Arshia teaches and writes about Indian literatures in her home country and abroad.