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