Story: Chinese Children's Story

There once was a little girl dragon who was very good friends with five panda brothers. Although, many people disapproved of this strange friendship the girl dragon and the pandas were quite happy together. They always played together in the gardens and had a wonderful time.

One day the little dragon came over to the pandas house to practice archery. When she walked through the kitchen she immediately stopped and sniffed the air.

"I know that glorious smell from anywhere. Someone has made cookies!", she exclaimed. Sure enough, she saw the cookie jar sitting on a nearby counter. It was a very tall counter top and even though she stood on the very tip of her toes she could not reach the cookies.

She ran outside to where the panda brothers were already shooting their bows and arrows.

"Guys, you have to come inside and help me get these cookies! They smell so good, but I can't reach them. With your help, I know I could reach them or at least break the jar so that they fall toward me."

One of the pandas called Bhi was the first to reply, "Okay, I'll help you in any way that I can."

Bhi and the others began walking toward the house when the oldest panda brother spoke up, "No, this isn't right. If mother wants us to have the cookies, then she will give them to us later. We shouldn't take them now. Just be patient."

The panda brothers always listened to their oldest brother because he was their leader and the smartest of them, so the boys headed back and returned to their archery.

Outraged, the girl dragon began to yell at the boys: "I have always helped you guys whenever you have asked. Why won't you help me? I have been good and I deserve my cookie now!"

She kept pestering the pandas and the oldest brother kept reminding everyone that they would get the cookies in due time. Finally, the dragon gave up and sat off to the side of the boys to pout for the rest of the afternoon.

She is just about to give up and head home when a voice comes from inside the house: "My little pandas and my cute green dragon, come inside! I have a special treat for you."

Ecstatic to hear the call of the pandas' mother, the little girl rushes past all of the boys to get her cookie. They all end up racing to get inside where they are each given their reward.

The eager dragon takes the first bite into the cookie she has been waiting all afternoon for and.... it's horrible. She looks around to the pandas and notices the same disgusted look on all of their faces. Their mother notices and asks, "What? What's wrong? Do you not like your treat?"

She picks up one of the cookies and takes a bite, and immediately figures out the problem: "Oh no! I'm so sorry kids, I forgot to add the sugar to these cookies. I think I added extra salt instead!"

The pandas' mother begins laughing at her silly mistake, but to the little dragon girl and the panda brothers, this was no laughing matter. They had patiently waited all this time for something so bitter and disappointing. However, the dragon girl was most upset of all. She couldn't believe that she was so impatient and almost broke the rules for such a terrible reward.

Author's Note: I had a lot of fun writing this story. I adapted the character perspective I learned from my readings this week into a children's story. I read the graphic novel about Draupadi by Sarswati Nagpal. In this take on the story, the author focuses on Draupadi's inner conflicts, her arguments with the justice- loving Ydhishthira, and how she wishes for fiery revenge most of her life until she actually witnesses it during the war. I decided to make her a dragon because she is actually born from fire!

Bibliography: Draupadi: The Fire- born Princess by Sarswati Nagpal
Image: Panda Riding a Dragon by Third- Bear, Deviant Art

Reading Notes: Draupadi: The Fire-born Princess, Part B

The second half of this graphic novel really developed Draupadi's character into something I had never thought about before. I truly enjoyed reading into her person more in depth.

Her and Krishna's relationship deepens significantly. She mentioned him visiting her in her father's palace before marrying the Pandavas and how much she enjoyed his company. I did not know until reading this book that he also took care of her children while she and the Pandavas were in their  thirteen year exile. He also plays an important role in mentoring Draupadi through her personal journey from fiery revenge to the calmer understanding of Dharma in the world.

There is also much conflict between Draupadi and her husband Yudhishthira for this same struggle of vengence vs justice. As the eldest of the Pandava brothers, he often made the decisions about what the group did. However, he always favored Dharma and following the rules even while Draupadi was continually attacked and dishonored. This caused many quarrels between the two characters, but after all of the death seen during the war, Draupadi came to see Yudhishthira's point of view and became more forgiving of those who had wronged her.

Bibliography: Draupadi: The Fire- born Princess by Sarswati Nagpal
Image: Dharma Wheel, Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: Draupadi: The Fire-born Princess, Part A

I finally decided to read one of the graphic novels on reserve at the Bizzell Library. I used to read Manga so I was interested in how the epics we've been reading would be portrayed.

Firstly, I love the artwork and how each characters have their own  unique details. The Epified videos and the comic books do not do as good of a job at this. I also like that a family tree is included on the inside cover. One of the most difficult things to keep up with, especially in the Mahabharata, is how everyone is related.

This novel is essentially the stories of the Pandavas told by Draupadi, but her perspective brings new life to the tales. Particularly, the birth of Draupadi took me by surprise! I had never heard this story before, but remember the king that Drona ordered the Pandavas to bring to him as their gift? That king that grew up with Drona and later left him starving is Draupadi's father! Afterwards, he and his wife meditated and prayed until the gods sent them a son and a daughter via fire sacrifice to avenge them.

Bibliography: Draupadi: The Fire-born Princess by Sarswati Nagpal
Image: Woman and Fire, Pixabay

Reading Notes: Pattanaik's Calendar Art, Part E

I found these two videos quite interesting. I listened to them on my ride back to Norman tonight. The metaphor of Vishnu as cowherd and the Cow as earthly resources has been mentioned in a previous video, but I liked hearing it explained more in depth. Vishnu as the judge of dharma makes perfect sense to me, especially as his reincarnation of Rama.

In this form, Rama right the balance of power and nature between many characters. The story of Vishnu as Matsya, the first fish, intrigues me very much as well, but the ending puzzles me. Initially, this fish teaches man the importance of kindness, but then he teaches a lesson of showing too much kindness. There is also a future savior-like avatar of Vishnu, called Kalki which is equally fascinating. It seems that a character like this can be found in every major religion.

Bibliography: Pattanaik's Calendar Art, Part E
Image: Dasavatar (Vishnu's Avatars), Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: Pattanaik's Calendar Art, Part D

I liked at the beginning of the first video when the narrator walks us through many stories in Shiva's life. One of my favorite things from this course is the Hindu artwork. Of these portraits, I particularly like the ones that feature a god/goddess/other character surrounded by important scenes of their stories. It is such a unique style of artwork that I haven't seen before. One of these portraits could also be easily used in the picture storytelling idea.

Perhaps my favorite quote from this video is: "Nothing is absolute. The forest transforms into a field and back into a forest again. The bride becomes a warrior, the killer becomes a mother, the tormentor becomes a guardian, the animal becomes god." This idea is explored in the second video when a few of the goddesses are discussed. Especially Durga, and the image of her that is discussed, intrigue me. I also like the idea that the demon she is standing on represents an ego that forgets the celestial beings and their role in the function of the world. Again themes of balance, transformation, and higher purpose are described through the forms of deities.

Bibliography: Pattanaik's Calendar Art, Part D
Image: Shiva's family history, Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: Pattanaik's Calendar Art, Part C

Woah, this part seemed especially deep today. There were many complex metaphysical ideals crammed into short videos. However, I did find it quite insightful into how the Hindu  religion views gender roles and the meanings of life.

I particularly like the Goddess Kali and how she balances out Shiva, the Destroyer. He remains distant from the material world, but she is determined to bring him into it. Even though she is depicted as a violent, lewd woman, she counters Shiva's destruction with resurrection and life. It really reminds me of a yin and yang approach to the metaphysical aspects of the world.

I'm really struggling to come up with an idea for a story from these videos. There are less stories and more general descriptions of the gods and goddesses, used to explain how the universe works. Perhaps I will try using the five motifs writing idea this week.

Bibliography: Pattanaik's Calendar Art, Part C
Image: Kali, Wikimedia Commons

Story: How the Jungle Began

Everyone was gathered at the Peace Rock during a great drought when Hathi, the master of the jungle, revealed how the world was created. Because the water level had dropped down so low that the Peace Rock was visible all of the jungle had formed a truce so that no one would be killed while drinking from the river. All of the animals, from deer to wolves, were lying on the river bank attempting to stay cool when Shere Khan, the tiger, sidled up to the river bank covered in blood.

He bragged of killing man. Not only that; he bragged of killing out of choice instead of need. Bagheera, the other masterful hunter of the jungle, was disgusted and Hathi sent Shere Khan away from the river. But before the tiger left he made a strange remark to the master elephant: "It was my right and my Night. Thou knowest, O Hathi."

As soon as Shere Khan was out of ear shot Mowgli asked Hathi, "What right does he mean? It is always shameful to kill man."

Hathi sighed before replying,"Stay quiet and I will tell you a tale older than the jungle.

"In the beginning of the jungle, we creatures walked together without fear. Back then there were no droughts and we all ate leaves, flowers, fruit, and bark. Tha, the first of the elephants created this jungle. Where he made furrows in the ground with his tusks, there the rivers ran; and where he struck with his foot, there rose ponds of good water; and when he blew through his trunk, there the trees fell. We knew no man; everyone lived together as one people.

Tha was too busy making the forest to deal with small quarrels over grazing land, so he named the first of the tigers master and judge of the jungle. It is said that one night two bucks came to the tiger to settle their argument. One of them pushed the judge with their horns, and the tiger sprung, killing the deer.

Until that night none of us had died or known death. Ashamed and afraid, the first tiger fled into the marshes of the North. When Tha returned to the crazed scene, no one would tell him who killed the buck. So instead he asked the trees to lean over and use their branches to mark the one who brought death to the jungle.

Meanwhile, Tha apponted the ape as the new judge. At first, the grey ape appeared wise, but soon he began to scratch and leap up and down. When Tha returned, he found the ape hanging upside down and mocking those below. There was no law in the jungle, only foolishness.

At this point Tha called all the animals together. He said,'Your first judge brought you death and your second has brought you shame. Now it is time that you know law, a law that you cannot break. You will meet fear and he will be your new master.'

One of the buffaloes rose up and asked: ' What is fear?'

The creator of the jungle answered,'Seek and ye shall find it.'

Soon the buffaloes did find it, huddled away in a cave. The creature was hairless and walked on its hind legs. When it spoke the animals ran, trampling each other. That night we did not lie down together as was the custom. Instead pigs lied down with pigs, wolves lied down with wolves.

When the tiger heard about this new creature he sought to redeem himself by killing what made the rest of the jungle so afraid. He found the cave and approached man, but also fled in fear once he saw the creature. He went to Tha, begging for help to defeat man and help the jungle. The master of the jungle agreed to allow him to live without fear of man once per year.

When the night came, the tiger could feel it and he returned to the cave. Just as Tha said, the man lied down on the ground before the tiger in fear so that he was able to kill man. The tiger returned to the jungle proud of his accomplishment for he had killed fear itself. Alas, things could not return to normal. The animals were now afraid of him, and he was still shunned from his fellow creatures."

Author's Note: This story comes from the Second Jungle Book so I'm not sure how much of this legend and how much of this is from Rudyard Kipling's imagination. He is a British author who lived in India for a time which inspired his writing. I found the story immensely intriguing because it explains the creation as well as the evolution of the jungle into how we know it today.

Bibliography: The Second Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, Project Gutenberg
Image: Elephant T, Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: The Second Jungle Book, Part B

The next story with Mowgli, "The Letting of the Jungle", was considerably darker than the other story or the Disney movies. He seeks revenge on the man village for persecuting and torturing a couple who took him in previously. The context of this story is a bit confusing to me, and I still don't understand if this man and woman are his biological parents or just a kind couple who took care of him when he returned to the village for a brief period. Either way, Mowgli asks Hathi and his sons to destroy the village and drive out the people who live there, thus "letting in" the jungle to grow in the village's place.

Throughout this story there is a constant identity strain for Mowgli. He does not fully fit in with his jungle brothers nor is he accepted by the man village. He claims to understand man to his wolf brothers, but detests them all the same. He speaks about how his senses are more heightened than other men, but will never match the jungle creatures'. There is much disdain for the humans and envy of the jungle animals in Mowgli's dialogue and inner thoughts.

Bibliography: The Second Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, Project Gutenberg
Image: Mowgli, Wikipedia Commons

Reading Notes: The Second Jungle Book, Part A

I recently watched the newer remake of the Jungle Book, so my interest in this subject was renewed. I read the first chapter of this book, "How Fear Came". I didn't know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised!

This first chapter centered on the law of the jungle, particularly the Peace Rock and Shere Khan's killing of man. If you've seen the movie than you know about this cool concept of the peace rock. Essentially, when the jungle is facing a devastating drought this rock is uncovered in the river bed. When this rock is visible a truce is called between all of the animals so that no one shall be killed while they drink from this river. This is to protect everyone since water is more necessary to live.

While at the Peace Rock Tha, the ruling elephant, tells a story about the creation of the jungle. I personally love that elephants are the creator of the jungles. Tigers were named to be the judges, but they brought death. Then, the apes were the tiger's replacement, but they brought shame. Lastly, man brings fear. I love how everyone has a role and this devolution of the jungle society is explained through these animals. Normally death, shame, and fear would be considered fairly abstract concepts, but these stories really simplify the matter.

I also like at the end where Mowgli inquires about the behaviors of Shere Khan. Than makes it seem that he continued killing largely from the stigma and abandonment he felt from the other animals.

Bibliography: The Second Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, Project Gutenberg
Image: The Jungle Book cover, Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: Pattanaik's Calendar Art, Part B

I like the metaphor of Narayan/ Vishnu very much. I remember this image from Sita Sings the Blues video. The perception of reality is quite interesting. Although the narrator speaks of Lakshmi with the utmost respect, Nina Paley (the creator of Sita Sings the Blues) satirizes the patriarchy present in this image. At the end the two swap places so that Vishnu is rubbing the feet of Lakshmi.

I did think it was very interesting to learn the source of the cow deity in Hinduism. The metaphor of the cow and the cowherd is also quite intriguing. However, I do still think there is an unequal representation of women and the roles that they play in Hinduism. Yet, what older religion isn't  riddled with underlying sexism?

Bibliography: Pattanaik's Calendar Art, Part B
Image: Vishnu, Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: Pattanaik's Calendar Art, Part A

This video covered so many topics dealing with the foundations of Hindu faith. I really do like the metaphysical representations of earth and heaven throughout the religious texts. Ganesha is a very interesting example of this. Although he has a human body and spirit, he has an immortal, divine head. This also represents his parents' conflicting wishes for material and spiritual attainment. I feel most people have experienced this strain in their life, and I know that I certainly have, so it's nice to see a story acknowledge this struggle.

My favorite goddess discussed in this video was Bahuchara, goddess of the hijras. I have learned about the hijras and other transsexuals in a sexual deviance course that I took last year. This topic is especially close to me because one of my best friends in high school went through their transition senior year of high school. I like the idea of having a goddess for these people to pray to because it must have been hard growing up in the hetero-normative culture during which these stories take place. However, Bahuchara's origin story leaves more to be desired. I was hoping that it would be someone wanting to swap genders out of their own will instead of their father's.

Bibliography: Pattanaik's Calendar Art, Part A
Image: Bahuchara Devi, Wikimedia Commons

Wikipedia Trails: From Surpanakha to Rakshasa

For my storybook this week I am writing about Surpanakha, so I decided to look on her Wikipedia page for any information that wasn't covered in our readings. One of the interesting things I looked into were her parents' history because I'm honestly still a little confused about the Rakshasa identifier in Indian literature. Is it a separate race or just a group of evil humans? Anyway so I clicked on her father, Vishrava first, and guess what? He is a powerful and respectable yogi! So why are Surpanakha and Ravana so evil? Her rakshasi mother, Kaikesi apparently schemed in order to cause Vishrava to leave his first wife and have four demonic children with her. From there I clicked on a link to the Rakshasa page where I sorted out all of the confusion I had. They are there own distinct race although they apparently have children with humans all the time. There is a negative connotation related to cannibalism (man eater is another name for them) although there are good rakshasas. Mainly their powers of illusion are what make them distinct from humans.

Image: Demon, Wikimedia Commons

Story: Young Heroes, Part 2

Hercules' father was sitting inside when his son came running into their home. The little boy had come home after finishing his lessons for the day. He rushed to where his father sat and jumped up on his lap.

"Will you tell me another story about Krishna?", he pleaded.

"Of course", his father replied, laughing, "I wish you were this enthusiastic to hear from your teachers. Which story would you like to hear? He has defeated monsters, defended his village from destructive gods, and married many beautiful women."

"Are there any with animals?", Hercules asked.

"Hmmm. Oh yes, perhaps two of the most important stories of all involved a bull and an elephant. I should have known you would want to hear these tales. You always did have a soft spot for fellow creatures."

As they both got comfortable, the father began the story:
"In Krishna's village there lived these incredibly mean bull, named Hastin. It was so aggressive that few in town would even go near it. One day, Krishna came upon his brother bragging to the townspeople that he was going to kill this beast with one powerful punch.

As a lover of all god's creatures, Krishna was horrified. He interrupted his brother, saying that instead of allowing them to harm the animal, he would safely ride Hastin by the end of the month.

Starting that day, Krishna sat near Hastin's stable, playing his soft flute music and slowly gaining the bull's trust. He started by slowly moving closer and closer to the creature, then giving him food and treats, until Hastin finally allowed Krishna to touch him.

On the last day of the month, the village was having a large festival. Krishna came barreling through the middle of twon on the back of the crazed bull. Everyone ran after him to see how this act would end. However, instead of throwing young Krishna and maiming him, Hastin eventually grew tired and allowed the boy to ride him."

"Oh, wow", said Hercules. "But when does the the elephant come in to the story?"

"Have patience, my son. I knew you would be especially interested in the elephant so I saved it for last.

"Now when Krishna had grown older, his destiny was to defeat his uncle, the evil King Kamsa. When the time came for him to fulfill this prophecy, he traveled far away from his home to the great city of Mathura.

Alas, King Kamsa knew of the prophesies and had heard of Krishna's coming, so he sent a terrifying elephant, Kuvalaypida, to the gates of the city to kill the young warrior. This elephant was so large and violent that none of the king's guards could control it. It's sole purpose was to rampage through the battlefields during times of war.

Yet, this elephant was no match for the strong and agile Krishna. He dodged its every attack as the creature attempted to trample him. He grabbed Kuvalayapida by the trunk and flung him aside, but the animal came running back. In this moment, Krishna knew that he could easily kill this beast, but his mind returned to the bull, Hastin, from his home village.

Krishna reacted quickly to tear down some thick vines from the nearest trees. He then tripped the great elephant and tied up its legs so fast that those watching say he disappeared for the moment. When he was seen again, Kuvalayapida was lying on the ground with its legs and trunk bound by the vines.

After defeating King Kamsa, Krishna returned to this elephant and treated it in the same way he treated Hastin years ago. He slowly gained its trust until it became one of the most docile creatures in the kingdom. Kuvalayapida remained Krishna's favorite royal elephant, riding it for all of the festivals and parades.

So, my son, what is the moral of both these stories?", asked the father.

After a long pause and a puzzled look from Hercules, the father spoke up again. "Kindness is ultimate strength."

Author's Note: So I continued my theme of a young Hercules from last week, although I drew more stories from part B of the Epified videos this time. These two stories of Krishna really stood out to me while reading because I am such an animal lover. I understand that a lot of times when animals act out aggressively, it is because they are hurt or afraid. I also think that kindness and humility are two of Krishna's best qualities. I did alter the story of the elephant to add a happy ending. In the Indian epics he actually just kills Kuvalayapida with one punch (hypocritical right?).

Bibliography: Epified Krishna Videos, Part B
Image: Be Kind to Every Kind, Flickr

Reading Notes: Krishna and Rukmini, A Love That Will Not Be Denied

This comic book was quite interesting and picked up right where the Epified videos ended. As Krishna defeats Kamsa and restores the rightful throne to Mathura. Rukmini hears about everything and arranges her own path to marry the hero.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this story is that Rikmini's parents also want her to marry Krishna. It is only her brother, Rikmi who sees him as an enemy and therefore unworthy of his sister's hand in marriage. Yet, for some reason his judgement trumps his father's. I don't really understand why this is. Is it a cultural thing that I haven't seen before? Is his father just old and weak? Or is Rukmi just corrupting and abusive?

I also found it interesting that Rukmi's punishment at the end was to shave half of his head and half of his mustache. Krishna was actually scolded for doing this because it is so shameful. It is a bit bizarre, but I suppose I have seen this concept in other cultures before. It's crazy that this is now a popular hair style in society. I wonder what life Rukmi must live after this is done to him.

Bibliography: Krishna and Rukmini, A Love That Will Not Be Denied Vol. 516
Image: Skrillex, Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: The Parijata Tree and Other Tales of Krishna

This is one of the amazing comic books from Bizzell. I jumped forward a lot in Krishna's life to when he has many wives.

The first story centers around Satya Bhama, Krishna's second wife I think. I like that she plays an active role in helping Krishna during battle, but this story leaves me feeling unsure if her actions were just. She feels that she doesn't receive the recognition she deserves so she picks a fight with Indra, destroying his celestial army, to make her point. It is nice to see such a strong woman in the Indian epics, but this particular exhibition of power seemed a little petty.

The second story is about a beautiful woman named Lakshmana, which I think is hilarious. She holds a swayamvara to secure Krishna as her husband and become his third wife. Krishna has so many brides it's a little shocking to me, but I guess that it was culturally normal for that time and place. In the third story, you see how they all get along with one another and work together when Krishna is in danger of being stolen away by a sage.

Bibliography: The Parijata Tree and Other Tales of Krishna Vol. 767
Image: Lord Krishna's Marvelous Leelas by Abhi Sharma, Flickr

Reading Notes: Epified Krishna, Part B

I absolutely love the stories of Krishna, and they just keep getting better! My favorite from this part would have to be when Krishna rides the violent bull, Hastin. As the video says he teaches the villagers the importance of kindness. While his brother was talking about killing the bull with a punch, Krishna showed the mean bull love over the span of a month to gain its trust. This story stood out to me because I was raised around all types of animals and know that fear often looks the same as aggression. The story touched my heart and is one that many people in our society could learn from.

The elephant, Kuvalayapida sent to attack Krishna also stood out to me for the same reasons. Here is this animal that is known to be aggressive and is forced to be a tool in massive warfare. It's no wonder that he doesn't let any human come near him! I would like to write a story in which Krishna shows this elephant kindness as well.

I do find it extremely sad that he isn't allowed to marry Radha. I can only imagine the heartache these two felt in the time between being denied marriage and Krishna actually leaving the village to fulfill his destiny.

Bibliography: Epified Krishna Videos, Part B
Image: Decorated Indian Elephant, Wikimedia Commons

Story: Young Heroes, Part 1?

Hercules was sitting by himself on the hill again, begging the gods to make him normal as the tears rolled down his cheeks. He had just caused another catastrophe in town, destroying the town market and injuring two villagers by throwing a small pebble at the walls. Of course this was all by accident for he never wished harm on any person. His strength was just far too strong for a young boy to master and control.

His father came up behind the little hero and sat beside him in the grass, pulling him onto his lap and comforting him.

"Papa, why am I so different than all of the other boys? I don't like making so many people upset with me", said Hercules.

His father replied, "You were sent to us from the gods for a reason, my son. You may not see it yet, but one day you will save countless numbers of people, much more than you have upset. Let me tell you a story about another young hero that grew up in a village similar to ours.

"His name was Krishna and, like you, he had been sent from the gods to his parents. His parents realized how important he was and hid him from the mad king by giving him away to a different couple. This couple raised him in a small village where he soon got into even more trouble than you.

Like you, Krishna's adoptive parents realized that their son was no ordinary boy at a very early age. One day while his mother was washing clothes in the river, Krishna had crawled away from the blanket he was set on. When his mother heard screams about a runaway cart, she realized her son was missing and went running to find him. However, when she found her baby the runaway cart had already been tossed aside and now lied in pieces. She asked the witnesses who to thank for saving her son, but everyone replied that he had stopped the cart himself.

Once Krishna was few years older, his mother witnessed another incident that left her without any doubt that her son would one day be a great hero. Krishna's brother had come in the house, telling his mom that Krishna had been eating mud again. Immediately the mother came outside and demanded the young boy to open his mouth. When he complied with the request, Krishna's mother saw something much greater than mud in her son's mouth. She saw the entire universe, galaxies swirling and planets revolving. She would have gone into madness if she had stared any longer at the miracle before her, but little Krishna closed his mouth just in time to save his mother's mind.

These are only a couple of the feats that Krishna performed as a child. Although the other kids and adults in the village were uneasy of his gifts at first, they came to love him and later on ask for his help to save their homes."

"Wow, Papa. Krishna is so amazing! I had no idea there were other kids like me. Please tell me more stories about him", Hercules gushed as his father finished speaking. The tears had stopped falling and in their place was an excited smile.

"Another day, my son. Krishna defeats many monsters like giant snakes, vampires, and other demons, but right now it is dinner time. Let's go back to the house before your mother begins worrying."

Author's Note: I couldn't help drawing parallels between young Krishna and Hercules as I did the reading for this week. There are just so many similarities it's crazy. To be honest I am drawing most of my knowledge about Hercules from the Disney movies, but I still think there are similarities. There are both young demi-god heroes that live with adoptive parents in small villages. Because this story was so easy to write and there are so many interesting stories about young Krishna, I might write a sequel next week about young Hercules.

Bibliography: Epified Krishna Videos, Part A
Image: Yasoda with Krishna, Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: Epified Krishna, Part A

These videos are so great. I was interested in watching some of the others, but they were too long. I didn't have time to watch a playlist with thirty minute episodes tonight. Maybe in the coming weeks I will have more time because the Hindu calendar videos particularly look good.

Krishna's childhood is so neat and remind me a lot of the Disney Hercules story in which this demigod is sent to live in a small village with human parents. As the parents and the villagers realize that Krishna is not a normal boy, they come to respect and rely on him. This is much better than the rejection Hercules faces, but I wonder how this praise doesn't get to Krishna's head. He still seems so humble and wise in the Mahabharata even though he was the favorite child and a troublemaker growing up.

The beginning of Krishna's story is very dark. I couldn't imagine how his poor mother and father felt, being trapped in that prison cell for so long and watching each of your children be beaten to death by your own family. I truly hope King Kamsa gets what's coming to him soon.

Bibliography: Epified Krishna Videos, Part A
Image: Hercules strangling a snake sent to kill him in his cradle, Wikimedia Commons

Week 8 Growth Mindset

I feel that I do well with about half of the growth dimensions listed on the website like motivating myself, setting my own goals, and wanting to try new things. However, the other half of the list are things that I could still improve on including feeling bored with my learning, wanting to do things correctly the first time, and feeling defensive about my mistakes.

I have a bad case of senioritis already that is becoming more and more difficult to fight off. Additionally, I am continuing through the medical school application process which I am highly motivated to do and do well, but this distracts me from work and school. I do seem to incorporate more of a growth mindset at work right now because I have just received a promotion.

Hopefully as I go on through the semester and I finish my application essays and work training, I will be able to focus more on my classes and growing as much as I can for them.

Image: The more you learn, the more places you'll go, Growth Mindset Memes

Week 8 Reflections

I changed my note taking method after a few weeks in order to better prepare for the storytelling assignments. I used to make bullet points as I read the stories, but now I just write in paragraph format after I've read everything. I think this has helped significantly because it allows me to focus on what stood out most to me. I tended to focus too much on every single detail with the bullet points. Now I have fewer story ideas, but they are more developed so I have more of an idea of what I can write before I sit down to do the storytelling assignment. For the rest of the semester I would like to read stories beyond the epics and take full advantage of the books at Bizzell.

I have not been the most consistent with the weekly storytelling assignments. This is due to my note taking and just not having enough time. I've found that if I don't have a well developed idea of what to write before starting the post then it can take me much longer than an hour to complete my story. My writing has become more efficient as I find styles that I like and have more practice with creative writing. I would still really like to try the five motif writing style, so perhaps I will try that soon. I am also developing the style that I want for my storybook.

Normally I don't like some of my classmates' informal style of writing. The stories that I enjoy reading and commenting on have a good amount of detail and imagery, not just motions and dialogue. However, I am trying to use a more informal format for my storybook. so I may pay closer attention to those stories as I go on through the semester.

Image: Keep Calm and Blog by Caroline Coles, Flickr

Story: One Hundred Sons

Gandalf and Pippin set out for Minas Tirith to warn the people of Gondor of the coming attack from Mordor. Although they are in great haste, they reluctantly stop to rest for the night. As they lie down to sleep, Pippin begins to ask about the steward of Gondor.

"His name is Denthor", Gandalf starts, "His is a proud and stubborn man, but not totally evil. He has great power, but will never be called a king. He has resisted sway from Sauron and his darkness. However, he won't be very cooperative in our cause now that his son Boromir has died. Say what you will, but he does love his sons."

"Are the stories about him true?", asks Pippin, "Aragorn told us some tales late at night."

"About his birth? There are so many rumors, but I'll tell you the one I know.

Denethor is from a great lineage, son of Ecthelion II and Gandhari. His parents were quite in love and before long were expecting their first child. Gandhari was so excited to bear children, but this pregnancy was fraught with problems. She lied in bed all day only to be awaken by nightmares of hellish creatures at night.

The day Gandhari gave birth was the saddest of her life. After all her suffering, she bore a mass of putrid flesh. Instead of a healthy baby boy, she met a lifeless lump. Overcome with depression, she immediately ordered the servants to take the rotting lump away and dispose of it in the forest, but a dark sorcerer stopped them.

No one knows how, but he had made his way into the castle and had been lurking through the halls the day that Gandhari gave birth. Once he overheard the woman crying and telling the servants to dispose of the rotting flesh, he stepped in to intervene. He soothed the grieving woman and whispered promises to her, saying that he could make her the mother of one hundred sons. All she had to do was give him the dead lump.

He divided the mass into one hundred pieces and had Gandhari's servants bring him one hundred basins filled with oil. In each basin, the sorcerer placed one piece of the lump for each one of the sons to grow. As the children developed in those basins, evil omens were seen around Gondor. Shadows loomed in the corners of the palace and packs of wargs were spotted stalking the gates of the castle.

Then, one day a basin broke and Gandhari beheld her first son, Denethor. As more of the other children broke out of their basins, everyone in the kingdom could see that there was something demonic in their births. Yet, Ecthelion and Gandhari's love blinded them, so they raised their children just as they would any others.

So when Denethor became of age, he naturally took his father's place as the ruling steward of Gondor. Although the people respect him, they will never forget the story of how he came to be."

Author's Note: This story was inspired by the story of Gandhari's One Hundred Sons and Lord of the Rings. I thought this would fit into the world of dark magic and kings perfectly. Although Denethor isn't necessarily a king, he is the closest to an evil man ruler in Middle Earth. Unfortunately, I could not find the name of his mother so I just used the original story's name because I like it very much.
The original story is about Gandhari, Dhritarashtra's wife, bearing their sons. A brahmin is the one who promises her one hundred sons, but the result is the same: an evil ruler whom the people are obligated to respect.

Bibliography: Epified Mahabharata, Part A, Episode 12: One Hundred Sons 
Image: Denethor, Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: Harischandra, The King who Chose Rags Over Riches

This is an interesting story of trials and temptations. Harischandra, the king of Ayodhya, loses everything after he interrupts Sage Vishwamitra in the forest. He is forced to give the sage his kingdom as well as a dakshina (a concept I still don't completely understand) which causes him to sell his wife, son, and himself as slaves. Later, his son dies and he even denies his own wife the right to cremate their son without payment.

Well, it turns out this is all a test of Indra and the gods so everything is given back to Hirschandra. This is a very harsh test of devotion, but it's testing the man's devotion to his promises than any spiritual or moral values which I think is interesting. It appears that this story claims it is not only right, but expected to sell your wife and child if it means paying back your debts.

There have been similar stories that we have common across in the assigned readings with this themes as well. Each time I compare them to the testing of poor Job in the bible.

Bibliography: Harischandra, The King who Chose Rags Over Riches (Vol 577)
Image: Harischandra, Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: Ganga, The Divine Beauty

This is another comic book on reserve at Bizzell. The title is misleading because this is less about Ganga than it is about returning the Sagara sons to heaven. The current reading guide is also quite confusing.

I vaguely remember this story from another reading, but it's nice to have more details. Basically, Sage Agastya drinks the entire ocean so that the devas can defeat evil asuras who were terrorizing people. To refill the ocean and rivers, King Sagara and his descendants must call upon the goddess Ganga. Sagara has 60,000 sons from one wife and one grandson from his other wife. When a sacrificial horse is stolen, the 60,000 sons go in search of it, but they disrespect Sage Kapila and are all burned. When the one grandson, Amsuman comes upon the ashes, he is told that he must pay penances to the gods in order to bring Ganga to earth and send his uncles' souls to heaven. It takes a long time and multiple descendants, but finally Bhagiratha is able to refill the ocean while sending Sagara's sons to heaven.

The elephants that hold up the earth are an interesting detail in this story that are very creative. I like when animals are used to explain natural occurrences like this.

I am also very interested in adding Ganga to my storybook although I'll need to do more research. From this comic, I can tell that she is a strong, independent woman who is seemingly untamed. Although she has many "fathers" she doesn't seem to have a husband (other than King Shantanu whom she leaves).

Bibliography: Ganga: The Divine Beauty (Vol 515)
Image: Shiva stops Ganga who is falling from the sky, Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: Epified Mahabharata Video, Part B

Pandu's curse is so funny to me although it is darker in this video than the last reading. I do like how this version allows him to be with his sons for a time though. I never fully understood how all of the Pandavas were born from gods until this video explained Kunti's magical mantra.

I also never knew about Gundhari's one hundred sons. I think this is a very interesting and dark story. It's really sad that such ominous sons were born to such a lovely couple. I wonder what happened to the rest of their children though. Were they all killed in battle?

Ekalavya's story also makes more sense after hearing it from this perspective. Drona had more reason than just pride in taking the archer's thumb: he was trying to protect Arjuna's confidence and reputation. Still, I am not very happy with Drona's choice and I think this incident shows his negative character, making the feud with his brother more controversial.

I could relate many of these stories to Game of Thrones in which people do many bad deeds in order to maintain their children's throne. Prince Joffrey is as rotten as Duryodhana while their caretakers go to great lengths to protect them. Drona's act of violence reminds me of multiple instances of mutilation in order to cut down powerful characters.

Bibliography: Epified Mahabharata Videos Part B, Web Source
Image: Joffrey Baratheon Game of Thrones by Chris, Flickr

Reading Notes: Epify Mahabharata Video, Part A

I really like these videos. They reminded me of a lot of the cool stories before the Pandavas came along.

I particularly forgot about King Shantanu and his sons with the goddess of the Ganges. I can only imagine what the citizens of Hastinapur were thinking of their queen throughout this time. If they knew, I'm sure there were vicious rumors of insanity and evil manipulation of the king.

There were also new aspects to the stories that the public domain didn't include like Amba going in search of a sage to fight for her. It is crazy to think that Bhishma could be locked in battle for twenty- three days!

Speaking of Bhishma, I'm thinking about giving his story a twist so that I can somehow include him on my dating website. He just seems like such an admirable character. It's a shame that he dies the way he does without ever knowing romantic love.

I do really enjoy the love story of Gandhari and Dhritarashtra. I think it's so romantic that she not only knew she would marry a blind man, but devoted herself fully to  him despite her father and brother's disapproval. I think they would make a lovely testimonial story for my project.

Bibliography: Epified Mahabharata Videos Part A, Web Source
Image: Ghandari explains to Dhritarashtra, Wikimedia Commons

Wikipedia Trails: From Varna to Nature Worship

As I've mentioned in some reading notes, the Indian caste system really interests me so this week I did some extra research on it. I started by following a link from the Mahabharata to Varna, the Sanscrit word meaning class. This led me to Purusha Sukta, the hymn where varna is first mentioned. However, many scholars like Max Muller believe that the part about the varnas was not apart of the original text. He believed that the Vedas is a form of nature worship which I might agree with concerning earlier Hindu texts, but definitely not the ones that we have been reading for this class.
Image: Pyramid of Indian Caste System, Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: Public Domain Mahabharata, Section D

This section held many different epic battles. I was disappointed to see Karna waste his celestial dart on someone who wasn't Arjuna. Their fight was interesting though and brought up many moral conflicts within the Mahabharata. A main theme of this text seems to be honor vs morality since these often are not the same thing.

There is so much death and mourning, and Duyrodhana remains a stubborn coward until his end. I do like that a couple of the Kaurava warriors die with dignity though. The Pandavas resort to tricks to kill Drona, but at least his soul ascends before his body is slayed. Bhishma's death is also unique, and it's heartwarming that people from both sides came to speak with him before he died. But why did they leave him lying on the battlefield for so long if they knew he wouldn't die for months?

I was also touched when Vysa reunited everyone, dead and alive, at the Ganges river for one night. I imagine a mystical watery world where everyone feasted, laughed, and sang the whole night.

The story with the mongoose also intrigued me and made me smile. I always loved the fable with Rikki Tikki Tavi, and I have owned ferrets as pets so any story including a weasel or other related animal is so entertaining to me. This mongoose tale is also interesting because it is seemingly random and unwarranted.

Bibliography: Public Domain Mahabharata, Web Source
Image: Yellow Mongoose, Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: Public Domain Mahabharata, Section C

This war just seems like the most childish thing ever. No one but Duryodhana wants it, and he only wants to slay the Pandavas out of petty jealousy. I am shocked that he is so prideful that he even ignores the direct warnings from Vishnu himself. Bhima and Karna probably has the worst end of this situation because both of them are compelled by honor to fight on the front lines despite their disillusion to the cause.

Karna's situation reminds me very much of a character from Game of Thrones, Theon Greyjoy. As a boy, his father waged a war against the Stark family and when his father lost, the Starks took young Theon captive. However, they raised him like a fellow son, never causing him harm. When he grew older and the Starks were engaged in a different war, he returned to his own kingdom to ask for aid in their cause only to find everyone, especially his father, rejecting him. The father forced him to make a choice: fight against the Starks(who have been kind to him) in this war or be completely disowned by his family(who treat him like garbage).

Earlier in the story it was nice to see Urvashi try to curse Arjuna with celibacy although I wish he had disliked it more. I also enjoyed reading The scene in which Dharma asks riddles at the river is also enjoyable. It's sad to see Draupadi victimized again, but in a way satisfying to see her get her gruesome revenge.

The Hindu caste system is also something that is very interesting to me, especially since it persisted in Indian culture for so long. I liked reading about history and the vedas from this perspective. I also loved that all this information came from one of my favorite characters, Hanuman!

Bibliography: Public Domain Mahabharata, Web Source
Image: Theon Greyjoy by Chris, Flickr

Story: The Blind Warrior

Although Bhishma stole two lovely brides for Vichitravirya, they bore no sons until after the king's death. Upon Vichitravirya's death, his mother, Satyavati, was desperately looking for someone to continue her line. Bhishma took an oath to never have children so she called upon her other son Vyasa to give her grandsons.

Vyasa complied with his mother's wishes, but because he had lived as a hermit in the woods for so many years he was not the most attractive to the young brides. Ambilika actually turned pale from fear while she lied with him, causing her son, Pandu, to be born with a very pale complexion. Ambika closed her eyes the entire time she was with the sage, so her son, Dhritarashtra, was born blind.

Satyvati desired a son with no defect so she also sent Vyasa her handmaiden, and their son was named Vidura.

All three of these children were raised by Bhishma, the acting regent. They each were taught the laws and trained as warriors. Bhishma was an excellent and patient teacher, but trying to teach Dhritarashtra soon became a burden too heavy to bear.

One day during a particularly difficult fighting lesson, Bhishma became overwhelmingly frustrated with young Dhritarashtra and yelled at him, "Teaching a blind boy is pointless! You will never become anything. You might as well go wander through the jungle until you are attacked by a beast."

Poor Dhritarashtra fled away with tears in his eyes. He stumbled and bumped his way around the palace until he collapsed in the prayer room with his head in his hands, crying and pleading the gods to either cure his deformity or end his life.

"Oh please! If you will not heal this crippling affliction, then do my family the favor of easing their burden for I will never be able to accomplish any honorable feats in this world. I will remain a disgraceful hardship on my mother, uncle, and brothers throughout my entire life!"

Durga, the warrior goddess, heard this young boys cries and pitied him. She decided to help him and spoke gentle words to calm his fit.

"Dhritarashtra, I have heard your pleas for healing and death, but I will give you neither. You have a strong heart and shall to prove to be a brave warrior with my help. From this day forward I will be your eyes. At any moment you are on the battle field facing your foes, I will serve as your third eye, looking over your shoulder and whispering in your ear."

Durga kept her promise and helped Dhritarashtra become a legendary warrior. Initially, Bhishma and his brothers were doubtful that such a fierce goddess would ever bless a blind man with such a powerful gift. They were shocked at his sudden improvement during lessons, but soon came to admire his talents. He never lost a battle nor a war with Durga's celestial guidance, and was feared by all his enemies. Yet the memory of that day on which he felt most broken, only saved by the mercy of a kind goddess, always kept him humble.

Author's Note: As I mentioned in my reading notes, my grandpa was blind so Dhritarashtra's story particularly upset me. I thought he actually made a great king until he was corrupted by his son. While reading about his early life, I just wondered how cool it would be if he became a powerful warrior despite being blind. Googling Hindu warrior gods and goddesses led me to learn about Durga, and I thought she would be a perfect match for the yound Dhritarashtra.

Bibliography: Public Domain Mahabharata, Web Source
Image: Durga Mahisasuramardini, Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: Public Domain Mahabharata, Section B

The amount of forgotten wives in this section is a tad repulsive to me. First, you have Bhima who is pretty much forced to take a beautiful wife, Hidimba, even though she is in the form of a goddess and is praising him. Then, as far as I know, he just leaves her and their son one day to help his mom and never comes back. What's up with that???

Then there's Arjuna just collecting girls for an entire year and only returns with one of them, the only one who actually forced to marry him. This kidnapping happens with Bhishma too, and I find it very alarming. When Krishnu actually goads Arjuna by saying how honorable it is to steal a bride, I'm shocked. The whole idea comes off as hypocritical. Why is it okay for you to steal someone else's bride, but considered evil when they steal yours?

This cruelty is especially seen between Draupadi and Duhshasana. I can't wait until the Pavanas get their revenge. The story of Draupadi is also very interesting though, and I begin to wonder if her five husbands are truly a gift or a curse.

Bibliography: Public Domain Mahabharata, Web Source
Image: Draupadi, Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: Public Domain Mahabharata, Section A

I really enjoy the story of Shantyavati, the mother of Vyasa. It seems a funny fable that has a happy ending, something I'm starting to realize is unusual for the Mahabharata. I like that Kunti also has a son in the same fashion, and could only imagine if they ever had a conversation about their experiences. Kunti's story does seem eerily similar to the biblical story of Moses except that Karna is born in royalty yet sent to live away while Moses was sent to live with royalty to escape his death from being born into poverty.

The story of Pandu's death curse is very amusing and tragic, although it does give Dhritatashtra a chance to take the throne. The shunning of Dhritatasthra really peeves me for personal reasons. My grandpa was blind so growing up I was always taught that blind people could still accomplish anything that someone else could. Frankly, I'm glad that Pandu dies so Dhritatashtra could prove himself a worthy king... until he lets that punk Duryodhana corrupt him. I think a story about a great blind warrior led by the gods would be quite interesting.

The story of Ekalavya is more disturbing to me because it reminds me of the harsh caste system that India lived with for so long (even into the 19th century!). Drona treats him so cruelly at the end, but this story seems to serve as more of an explanation for a certain region's bow technique than anything else.

Bibliography: Public Domain Mahabharata, Web Source
Image: Ekalavya's Guru Dakshina, Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: Hanuman to the Rescue (Ramayana Comic Book)

This is my first time reading the comic books on reserve at Bizzell and truly love them. I selected this one because I found Hanuman to be an interesting character in the Ramayana. He always seems to come through when Rama needs him, but appears to be a more behind the scenes helper. I learned from the reading last week that Hanuman is actually a reincarnation of Shiva born solely to help Rama defeat Ravana.

This comic book told the story of Hanuman saving Lakshmana's life in more detail than the other versions I have read. I really enjoyed when he set the celestial dancer free from her crocodile body. I pity Kalanemi because he got all caught up in this when he wanted nothing to do with him. Hanuman's strength and ability to grow were also quite impressive as he transported an entire mountain and fought many enemies with only one arm and a tail! I wonder where his powers come from. Are they just part of being The Son of the Wind? Or were they gifted to him at some point? The other monkeys don't seem to be able to do the same feats.

Bibliography: Hanuman to the Rescue: Hanuman Brings the Sanjeevani

Image: Hanuman fetches the herb-bearing mountain, Wikimedia Commons

Story: A Cautionary Tale

Sansa had found herself again in the Queen Cersei's chambers. She always disliked these odd little meetings, but had no choice in the matter. This one had begun like many others: with the queen drinking. She often required that Sansa drink with her and tonight was no different.

As Sansa entered the room Cersei was seated at her table, back turned toward her visitor. Before Sansa could give a formal greeting, the queen commanded her to sit and have a glass of wine. Sansa obeyed, and no words were spoken for a minute while Cersei stared silently through the open balcony doors, out over King's Landing.

"How are you this evening your grace?", Sansa asked meekly.
"Have you ever heard the story of Rama and Sita?", Cersei retorted.
"No, your grace. Those names sound foreign. Did this story take place in Westeros?"
"You are a smart girl", Cersei said smiling and looking at Sansa for the first time since she entered the chambers. She then took a long sip of her wine, looked back out to the balcony, and continued.

"The story is from the far eastern islands. This place believed in other gods and reincarnation. Rama is the reincarnation of one these gods. He was destined to be king of Ayodhya, but the night before his coronation he was banished by his own father, exiled from his home for fourteen long years. His wife and brother were so loyal that they followed him into exile, vowing to return the day that his banishment was lifted.

This group of three encounter many different people during their time in the forest, and eventually word spread that Rama was roaming with his beautiful wife, Sita. This news reached a powerful demon, Ravana, who was said to have ten heads and ten sets of arms, if you can believe that. Well, Ravana saw this as an opportunity to kidnap Sita and make her his own wife.

The love story of Rama and Sita is an enviable one. You see, Sita was the reincarnation of a goddess, the lover of the god Rama was reincarnated as, so their love is divine, straight from the heavens. Sita was so beautiful and had many suitors, but in order to win her hand in marriage, Rama pulled back the string of a celestial bow. So, you can imagine how strong the couple's bond was and hard Rama fought to find and rescue Sita from the evil Ravana.

However, once she was freed Rama wanted nothing to do with poor Sita. She had been trapped at Ravana's palace for years while Rama tried to locate her and rally an army strong enough to defeat the demons who tormented her. Although he was happy to see her safe from harm and restore his reputation as a great warrior, he could no longer guarantee Sita's purity.

Of course Sita had remained loyal to her husband, body and soul. Yet, only after she proved her loyalty through a trial by fire did Rama reluctantly allow her to stay with him. It was at this time that the fourteen year exile was completed and they returned home to Ayodhya.

Alas, once the couple returned and Rama was crowned king, more trouble arose. The people of Ayodhya were still unsure of Sita's loyalty while living such a long time in another man's house. They were quite disapproving of an impure queen, causing them to look down upon Sita and Rama alike. So, Rama banished his own wife to live the rest of her days in the forest, away from any home, lover, or family. "

At this point Cersei looked back at Sansa and asked, "What is the lesson of this story?"
"I'm not sure, your grace", Sansa replied.
"Without purity, a woman is nothing. By losing her purity, Sita lost her husband, her power, and any hope of happiness in this world."

With that the queen dismissed Sansa to return to her own chambers. Sansa leaves wondering if this simply a cautionary tale or if the Queen Cersei is trying to confess to some mistake of her own.

Author's Note: For those of you who don't watch Game of Thrones, Sansa are main characters in this television series. I took this storytelling idea from the list of writing styles Mrs. Gibbs has listed for us. I really enjoyed telling the story from this perspective because it helped me think about the characters for both Game of Thrones and the Ramayana more in depth than I normally would have. I chose Cersei to be the narrator for this story because she has a pessimistic view of love, views men as the only holders of true power, and has a history of impure acts. I appreciate any comments on who would also make a good narrator for this story (PLEASE no spoilers, I'm on season 4).

Bibliography: Sita Sings the Blues by Nina Paley, Web Source
Image: The Rains of Castamere_Cersei Lannister by Alessia Sagnotti, Deviantart

Reading Notes. Sita Sings the Blues, Part B

So this second part just mainly focused on Sita's suffering. I was surprised by how harshly the videos portrayed Rama until I noticed a crucial detail about the San Francisco story line: the main character's name was Nina, same as the creator of this film. When I realized that the story was about her personal life, my reactions to this movie was drastically different. Now I understand that she is only emphasizing the parts of the Ramayana as well as certain interpretations to create a more sympathetic story for Sita. She does this because it is nearly impossible to include every detail in an hour and a half movie, but also because those are the stories that she identifies with most.

As the San Francisco story moves forward, it becomes more and more about Nina's heartbreak over David and you see how she relates to Sita. Nearly everyone goes through a breakup like this in which you question everything you know about love. When this happens we often seek out information from friends, family, and media about love and what it truly means. This film is an excellent way to explore those ideas in the Ramayana. The discussions that the shadow puppets share over Sita's love for Rama embody the arguments different people have about love. Is it always unconditional? What are the exceptions?

That being said, my interpretation of Rama is not nearly as harsh as Nina's. I do think his decision to banish her was more political than personal, and only when he sees his family growing without him in the forests does he realize that his power means nothing without love.

Image: Nina Palye by PAN Photo, Flickr
Bibliography: Sita Sings the Blues by Nina Paley, Web Source

Reading Notes: Sita Sings the Blues, Part A

This animated film is so ingenious and fantastic. I really enjoy how Nina Paley incorporated many different animation styles into this musical. The opening sequence is my favorite, so I added an image of it below. I also love the various Indian styled music in the background and I love how the jazz music was incorporated into Sita's story. It's so funny that the image I used in my reading notes for Part D of the Public Domain Ramayana is a still picture from this movie! I especially like the three narrators telling their version of the stories. You can tell that this is an unscripted retelling full of individual interpretations and discussions of the literature. It shows just how varied the Ramayana story can be and that there is a tradition of passing the story down through different verbal and written versions. I particularly enjoyed the discussion of why Sita didn't simply return to Rama with Hanuman. Also, I had no idea that Hanuman was a reincarnation of Shiva! His character just becomes cooler and cooler the more I learn about him.

The parallel story line with the couple from San Francisco is interesting and shows the applicability of Sita's tale, but I'm wondering where it's heading. It seems that a majority of the Ramayana was covered in this first part so I'm very unsure of what is even in the second part. The only thing I can think of is that they have ignored some large parts of the story, including Vali's war with his brother and how the couple met. I will be quite upset if these aren't mentioned by the end as I'm already annoyed that the narrators didn't know that Ravana couldn't rape Sita because she was cursed. However, it would make Ravana's character more complex and fascinating if he was able but chose not to force Sita into lying with him.

Sita by Fred Miller, Flickr

Bibliography: Sita Sings the Blues by Nina Paley, Web Source

Feedback Thoughts

I am not always the best at receiving criticism, especially if it is from someone I don't know very well, like a coworker or a classmate. Winch's article on why rejection hurts so much really helped me understand why I was feeling this way and how to correct it. I'm also in a period of my medical school applications where I'm constantly asking friends to review my essays for me, and I want to be more open to their critiques in order to create the best presentation of myself. This entire application process has made me more self-conscience I think because I am constantly comparing myself to others who have better test scores, GPAs, and stories than I do. However, I shouldn't let that get in the way of allowing others to help me grow and improve my skills.

As far as giving feedback goes, I found NPR's article on narcissism vs healthy self- esteem to be the most interesting. I think this is a common problem among parents and friends. We don't want to harshly critique each other because we don't want them to feel bad, but at the same time you want to encourage those around you to grow and challenge themselves. Apparently, in the end it shows through.

Image:Mistakes provide the next lesson, Growth Mindset Memes

Reading Notes: Public Domain Ramayana, Section D

• The story of how Rama crosses the ocean to Lanka confounds me. First, he receives help instead of punishment after threatening the gods, actually launching weapons into the sea. Then, the vanar chief, Nala, constructs this magnificent bridge with so unexplained ease. The story ends with Rama praising and worshiping Shiva instead of thanking the King of the Sea or Nala.
• Garuda is such a mysterious character. He comes and goes so quickly and with little explanation of his relationship to Rama. I wonder how he even heard of the battle.
• I think it's very funny that Kubhakarna is only awoken by the caresses of women. I can only imagine what the rakshasas were thinking as they tried every way to wake him up. The painting that accompanies this story is also amusing.
• Ravana's Lament allows us to see a more human side to the evil demon. I also think it's interesting that the rakshasis protect Sita to save Ravana's reputation.
• Hanuman is always there to save the day, but not as a warrior. He first acts as a scout to look for Sita, then heals many of the leaders numerous times. If I could be any character in this story line, I think it would be Hanuman. This also makes me excited to read more about Hanuman later since I chose t read one of the comic books about him.
• Rama's reaction to Sita actually angers me. It is one thing to question her fidelity, but he didn't even give her a chance to explain that she was faithful. Even if she wasn't, the circumstances that she was under would have been enough today to reject any stigma. I understand that this is part of the culture of the time period, but it still upsets me that this discrimination was ever a common ideal.
• Ugh! Now the people of Ayodhya treat Sita with the same prejudice as Rama! Near the end I begin to wonder if this part of the story is supposed to be a social commentary because it is this issue of virtue that ends up separating Sita and Rama  for the rest of their earthly lives as humans as well as separating Rama from his sons. This almost ruins their love story for me.

Bibliography: Public Doamain Ramayana, Web Source

Image: Bhavana Sita Contaminated, Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: Public Domain Ramayana, Section C

• The feud between Sugriva and Vali saddens me very much because I couldn't imagine being so violent against my own sister. It always breaks my heart to see families tear each other apart. I wonder how things would have turned out if Vali had listened to his wife, Tara, instead of fighting Sugriva and Rama.
• I also wonder what Rama must think of all this since he is so close to his own brother. What thoughts were going through his head when he killed Vali?
• Rama's Lament is very beautiful and moving. I don't think I could write anything to match it, but it would be fun to write a poem about someone I miss.
• Jatayu and Sampati's story also touches me ( and it seems like brothers are the theme for today). I might like to rewrite their story as if they were humans in modern times.
• I might also like to rewrite the moment Hanuman found Sita surrounded by all of the beastly rakshasis. A poem could capture the perfect imagery.
• Again, there is a fatal conflict between brothers at the end with Vibhishana and Ravana.

Bibliography: Public Domain Ramayana, Web Source

Image: Hanuman Finding Sita in the Ashoka Grove and Shows her Rama's Ring, Wikimedia Commons

Story: Manthara Hisses to Kaikeyi

There once lived young, beautiful queen named Kaikeyi. She was the third wife of to her husband, King Dasharatha of the exquisite garden city of Ayodha. In this luscious green city, the vines of the jungle were indistinguishable from the furniture of the palace and the mountains indiscernible from the royal palace itself.

The day came that King Dasharatha chose the heir to his kingdom, his eldest son Rama. Although Kaikeyi's son, Bharata, was not chosen to be the next king, the youngest queen celebrated just as much as the others for Rama had proven himself to be a great ruler.

Later that day Kaikeyi was bathing in the stream, as she normally does on hot afternoons, when she heard a faint voice calling her name. Thinking it was one of her maids from the palace, she rose from the stream naked to find who was searching for her.

"Hello!", she called out, "I'm down by the stream".

The voice replied softly, "Follow my voice. I want to show you something".

Kaikeyi didn't recognize this quiet whispering voice as one of her maids, but it did sound familiar, like that of an old acquaintance, so she did as she was told and followed the ominous voice through the trees. She began lightly treading in the direction of the voice when it continued to guide her, this time moving slowly away from her as it spoke:

"So what do you think of Rama being announced as the new ruler of Ayodha?'

Following the voice further into the forest, as if hypnotized to do so, Kaikeyi replied, "I think it's lovely. No one is more deserving nor fit to be king."

"You aren't the slightest bit disappointed that Bharata was not chosen? He is the only one who can secure your safety as well as your wealthy lifestyle."

She responded to this jest with laughter: "No, Rama will respect me as if I were his biological mother. No harm will come to me or my lifestyle because that is the responsibility of a good king."

"You are a foolish woman then. I have seen many good men rise to power only to become cruel kings. Rama will make you a slave and exile your son out of jealousy when he takes the throne. If you think you and your son are safe, then you are gravely mistaken."

Seeing that the mysterious voice isn't joking, Kaikeyi is just about to demand the identity of her unknown guide and the reasons for their treacherous accusations of Rama when, suddenly, the voice stops in front of her.

Kaikeyi comes into a clearing where she finally sees the source of the whispering voice, the slithering creature named Manthara lying in the shadows of the trees. She then notices that the serpent has led her into a section of the king's forbidden gardens.

"Oh you evil thing! Why have you led me here? I could be executed for such trespassing into these gardens", Kaikeyi cried.

"Look over there. Do you recognize that tree? I bet not. It is the wishing tree whose rare fruits grant any desire of the person who is lucky enough to eat it. Why do you think this tree is kept secret by the king? It is because he doesn't want anyone, but himself to have the power to be happy. This is true of your husband and it is true of Rama, but now you have the power to change that, the power to make your son a king and ensure your happiness for the rest of your life."

With that Manthara left the naked Kaikeyi at the wishing tree to decide her fate.


Author's Note: While reading the initial story of Manthara and Kaikeyi, I couldn't help but compare it with Eve and the snake. Here was Kaikeyi, happy and blessed, until along came Manthara, whispering deception in her ear. In the end Kaikeyi is banished from her home and everything that she loves the same way that Eve is. In my retelling of the story I simply plaid with that imagery and attempted to make the allusion more obvious.

Bibliography: Public Domain Ramayana, Web Source
Image: Free Stock Photo, Pixabay