Honors
HNRS 177-01: Sex and Violence in Ancient India: The Mahabharata
An epic tale of family betrayal and spiritual struggle, the Mahabharata is the one of the most widely read pieces of literature in India. Known as "the fifth Veda," it was composed over two thousand years ago, over the course of at least 500 years. Occupying a place within Hinduism similar to that of the Bible within Judaism and Christianity (although approximately ten times longer), the Mahabharata contains mythic tales of creation, stories of heroic human achievement, discussions of moral law, instruction for ritual practice, etc.
Together
our class will read a scholarly overview of the epic, as well as selected
volumes from the epic and the famous core text: the Bhagavad Gita, the discourse
on dharma given by the god
Overall, our purpose in exploring the Mahabharata as a sacred text is to place the events portrayed--and the issues raised--therein in the broader context of the human search for meaning in life. Why does it seem so difficult, at times, to obtain the simplest of things? Does one's cultural, or historical context alter the search for meaning in ways that are significant? How can I tell that I have truly found peace?
Fall Term: 2008
Credits: 4
Fulfills: GE Requirement in Humanities (U)
Cross-listed: REL 240-02
Meeting times: 12:30-13:20 MWF
Instructor: Lyone Fein