That seems more in line with 'you do what I'm telling you! Grr!' Rand than zen Rand.

I really don't find the Seanchan all that reprehensible. The biggest thing against them is that they turned the table on the Aes Sedai that used to dominate their lives with endless war, and turned them in to slaves to prevent them from continuing that pattern (the only perspective on this comes from one of the Sul'dam, but we have to give it weight without a countering perspective.) Unlike the lands of Randland that seem to be withering away and dying, they're strong enough to launch an invasion across an ocean, and continually win when faced with opposition. They tackle tough problems, continually work to improve strategies, and adapt when needed.

The rigid structure of their society begins with a ruling class that commoners can move up in to with enough dedication, and the ruling class are charged with caring for the underprivileged. Rand laments about this when he visits Ebou Dar under occupation, and is surprised to see the people so content, not all like a conquered people, as opposed to his own conquered nations that squabble behind his back. The commoners must be pretty happy with the Seanchan rule, or Besyln's (sic? no books handy) revolt might have had a chance.

I think there are aspects of the culture that are horrible and need to be changed, however as a whole, they seem to have their stuff together unlike most of Randland. Of course, every culture has things that are not good, and there are trade offs. I think we're all used to thinking in 21st century Earth terms, and don't consider where the nations of the WOT are coming from. In all fairness, Rand is a dictator for most of the book, with an army at his back enforcing his will. He may call himself the world's savior and all, but I think he realized in the end that what he was doing was just as wrong.

In either case, it'll be interesting to see what happens to them in the last book, and when Tuon meets Rand :)

I like your theory about Narishma joining in a circle to take down the dark Rand, however I'm wondering if that could possibly be Logain instead, based on Min's vision of him (paraphrasing) 'stepping over Rand's body.' Hmm...

Grr, 2012 can't bloody come fast enough...

-Emily