Reading Notes: Narayan's Mahabharata, Section C

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The part that I found really interesting in today's reading as the entire scene about the voice in the lake. I was honestly surprised by the fact that they three brothers died. I understand that it was a test by Yama and Dharma, but I was hoping that death wouldn't be the consequence of failing. I liked that Yudhishthira was the one who answered the questions which allowed for the three brothers to come back to life. I can't help but wonder what each of them would answer to the questions given by the voice. I wonder if their answers would have sufficed or if they would have met the same fate. I think it would have be very different to see if the situation could be tweaked a little, and the questions would be answered but not up to par with what was required. I think that would make for an interesting story. 

The Voice in the Lake, Source: allindiaroundup.com

Another part of the reading that caught my attention was Draupadi's rape. Something about it seemed very strange to me, but I can't put my finger on exactly what it is. I do know that it is important to the story, but I found it to be a bit abrupt. I wasn't even thinking about her when the entire situation came up in the book. I'm assuming that's why I seem to be at odd with the scenario, however, otherwise I enjoyed the "squeezing" to death part. I do wonder why Draupadi had to beg for her vengeance I assumed that it would just be natural for someone to want to avenge her for it. 

All in all, I felt that I enjoyed the reading for today. I did get a bit confused as to what exactly was occurring especially with all of the different characters we need to keep track of at all times. I enjoy these stories though. I like that there are things that we truly can learn from them and apply to our own lives. The lessons are up to interpretation in my opinion, and you can find a different hidden lesson each time! It's like a scavenger hunt!  

All information has come from Narayan's Mahabharata, (link to Reading Guide C)
 

Reading Notes: Narayan's Mahabharata, Section B

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This week we continued to read more of the Mahabharata as our assigned reading. I found that as I kept going I found that while the story was different from the Ramayana I felt the concept to be similar. This made it a bit difficult for me to keep reading the book to be honest. Especially since it all seemed a bit too familiar.

However, there was one part that I enjoyed thoroughly from the reading this week and that was the part about Yudhishthira's coronation ceremony. I have always imagined these ceremony's to be larger than life. I expected it to be transporting you to another place. It would allow for you to feel as though you were there. I was hoping that there would be a more intense description of the ceremony than there was, but I do understand that this was a small part of the story and not its main focus. This is why I am aware that I am asking for too much.

The Coronation, Source: indus-meetindus.blogspot.com

If I could take that part and add details to everything simply focusing on the ceremony and the traditions and culture behind it I would be happy. I wish there was a video clip or even a movie scene that would depict the scene so that it would be easier to imagine.

I was also intrigued by the hall of optical illusions! I enjoy optical illusions very much, and would have loved to be there. It would be like going into a house of mirrors and trying to find your way out! I am not great at it, but I do enjoy it.

All information has come from Narayan's Mahabharata, (link to Reading Guide A)

Reading Notes: Narayan's Mahabharata, Section A

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First of all, I feel that so much happened in the first few pages of the Mahabharata. In my opinion this is a pretty drastic change from the Ramayana. I found the Ramayana to be quite long and dragging at some points especially the beginning, but the Mahabharata so far has my attention. So many characters have been introduced that it is already becoming difficult to keep them all apart. I will probably have to keep a list, but I am hoping it will become easier to keep them all separate as the story moves along. 

The most interesting story I found was that of Draupadi. The part of her story that intrigued me the most was that of her husband and his five disguises. I think that's so interesting! I was curious to know what the five disguises were, and how she knew (if she did) that they were all him! I think that's really a unique story. I also like how the 5 Pandavas were told to share... I'm going to be honest I genuinely laughed a little at that. I'm not trying to be offensive, but it was not was I was expecting for sure!  

Draupadi's Swayamvar, Source: impulsivereflections.wordpress.com

The one character that was very interesting to me was Pandu. The whole making love death was also different. He definitely had some fun before his death. I couldn't believe that his wife, Madri, jumped into the funeral pyre. Did she not think about her children at all? I understand she was incredibly sad and she loved Pandu, but that was very unexpected as well. I am beginning to think that unexpected is the pattern here. Despite any of my views the story is already interesting, and I can't wait to see what happens next! 

All information has come from Narayan's Mahabharata, (link to Reading Guide A)

Feedback Focus!

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This post is about staying focused and not getting side tracked in order to provide reliable and constructive feedback to your classmates and others in general. There were many tips provided for this. Here are a few

1) Reading Out Loud:
 This first technique guides us to read out loud in order to not get distracted while reading this. In my experience I found that this allowed for me to stay focused and really pay attention to what I was reading! I also found my speech to be more clear when reading out loud which was a nice surprise. I also thought that this worked better when I was reading to someone, because if I knew that someone was listening to me I felt more responsible to stay on track.

2) Copy and Delete: 
For this technique you are required to post the article that you are going to be reading and delete each paragraph that you complete and in its place add a your comments about the said paragraph. I did not like this technique at all. For longer articles I could see myself easily getting confused. Especially since I like to refer back to the beginning of the article sometimes to help me really understand what the article is saying. This is especially important to me if I am reading a long argument. Also, I prefer annotating to with sticky notes and colorful pens!  

3) Use a Timer:  
For this last and final technique you set a timer for 10 minutes and read until the time is up. Once the given time has ended you will need to jot down some notes from your reading. I thought this was a fun technique, but I found that I was more concerned about how much time I had left rather than about what I was actually reading. This made it very difficult to concentrate. I don't recommend this if you don't work well under pressure. 

An Animation Emphasizing Focus, Source: socialanxietyinstitute.org

After trying out all three of these techniques, I think it would be best if you simply chose to read something that interested you. This way you will be more likely to stay focused. I think that this would allow for you to be able to give better feedback as well! My favorite technique was reading out loud though! I just like reading out loud to be honest. I hope that you try out these techniques for yourself, and let me know whether you enjoy them or not! Have fun! 

Reading Notes, Sita Sings the Blues Part B

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I think that the narrators are my favorite part of this short film. I really do enjoy their commentary, and most of the time they are saying exactly what I am thinking! For example when they debate on Rama's actions when he is telling Lakshmana to take Sita to the forest and abandon her. I don't understand why he is constantly questioning his wife? This truly does bother me even if it is an old and cultural book I hope that this doesn't showcase the current opinions of the people living there as well. First the agnipareeksha and now this exile. I don't understand how Rama finds this to be fair. 

Sita's Exile, Source: nirmukta.com

Another thing is, how is Sita still so devoted to Rama? Towards the end when she was singing to Rama's picture I almost started yelling at my computer screen. Personally, at that point I would be annoyed at my husband not sad that he had me left in the forest. ALONE. I could go on and on about these two parts, but it won't change a single thing. I suppose it all depends on the society and culture that you grow up in. After all, they play a huge part in the way that you think and the what your opinion is. I think that Rama is not being fair at all. Sita is constantly suffering for mistakes that she didn't make. 

Otherwise, I did really enjoy the animation film and I thought that Nina did a wonderful job! I am incredibly happy that she put the film on public domain for all to see, because it is truly a wonderful work of art. It can also teach us so much about Indian culture. That's it for this time! I'll see you guys next week!  

All Information has been from the video and notes on this link, Sita Sings the Blues. 

 

Storybook Announcement!

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I just wanted to let everyone know that I am starting my own Storybook website. I chose this option because I wanted to learn more about handling a web page and designing some of the images and things that I display there! I enjoy writing and hope that you will enjoy reading my stories! Here is the link to my page: Storybook Link! 

On a side note: Tech Tip: Google Site Website was incredibly helpful in completing this assignment! Especially since I am new to blogging and websites!  

Reading Notes, Sita Sings the Blues Part A

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I thought that it would be incredible to see the Ramayana from an entirely different perspective. I was impressed with how this movie looked, and once I began it was hard for me to stop. I feel that adding songs and variations through the story gives it an entirely new twist. I adore that it's presented in a way that captures you attention as well as your heart. I believe that it would also allow for more children to learn and appreciate the story especially since it is done in a kid friendly format. It would allow for them to learn from a young age, and that could very possibly leave a lasting impact on them. It could also go on to become something they would share and teach to their kids.

My favorite part of the movie so far is when Sita sings! That's right. She SINGS! I'll admit that it is an incredibly small part of the story, but I think that it is purely admirable to me how the Nina Paley chose a song that worked in Sita's favor. I also really enjoyed the narrators with their opinions! I never thought about why Sita didn't just escape with Hanuman! I think that would have changed a lot of things! It would be so interesting for Sita to not be waiting for Rama but to be able to find her own freedom with Hanuman. I wonder if she would still have to prove her innocence to Rama if that were the case. Would he still doubt her if she had found her way back to him? Maybe this would have made way for more focus on Hanuman instead, but would Rama be of any importance had Sita found a way to get out of the situation before Rama found her? The one argument brought up so many questions for me! I think it will be fun to explore them! 

Hanuman Gives Ring to Sita, Source: www.exoticindiaart.com

All Information has been from the video and notes on this link, Sita Sings the Blues. 

 

Testing New Stories for the Week

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Sita froze as she heard his refusal echo in her head. "I will not take her with me! I just cannot!.... NO! You need to understand!" Rama's voice echoed all around. She felt tears beginning to swim in her eyes. She couldn't even bring herself to look up at him. She had loved him with all her heart, and she would never betray him. Why didn't he believe that? Why was he treating her in this manner? She had done nothing wrong. She felt a tear sliding down her cheek as she felt herself begin to crumble. No. She refused to let this break her. She had been through so much recently. She had dealt with the kidnapping and worst of all with Ravana. This is what she was getting in return. She immediately composed herself as she reached up to wipe the tear. It was now or never. She couldn't take it anymore.

Sita walked up through the trees to Rama and placed her hand on his shoulder. He turned around and immediately stiffened. There was something different about Sita. Some new confidence about her. She had a sudden change in her demeanor. She seemed a bit different, although he couldn't put his finger on it. "Rama, I can prove that what you are thinking isn't true. Nothing has changed. However, I do have one condition which I won't be able to tell you until I prove myself," she said with clarity. He simply nodded and stepped back from her.

A Scene From The Reenactment of the "Agnipariksha", Source:theboldindian.com

She turned around and bowed her head in a prayer to the God of Fire. She prayed for him to keep her safe if she hadn't done anything wrong. She opened her eyes to a large, rectangular pit of fire before her and without any further hesitation she walked into it. She had made it to the middle when the she found a man standing in the middle of the fire beaming at her. It was  the God of Fire before her. He turned her around and presented her to Rama. She looked up to see his proud face filled with happiness. "I always knew you could do no wrong, but I needed to prove to everyone else this simple fact as well," he clarified. He walked over to her to hug her when Sita stopped him. All the people gathered around seemed even more shocked than Rama. "I believe we had an agreement," she stated.

 "Anything you desire my dear," Rama said.

 "You felt the need to prove to everyone that I had done nothing wrong, but if you had faith in me I do not understand how anyone else mattered. I believe that you did what you felt was right, but now I must do the same. I cannot stay with you any longer. I do not wish to have to prove myself to others or even you for the rest of my life. So, all I am asking for in return is for you not to stop me." She finished her declaration with a step away from Rama. She looked to see his heartbreak show in his face. He looked down at the ground and whispered, "As you wish." She turned around and began running. As she ran away, she felt herself free for the first time. She smiled as she continued running as far as her feet would take her. This wasn't an ending, but a new beginning for her.

Author's Note:
I didn't completely agree with this specific scene in the book. I don't find it necessary to worry about what other people think. We should do what we believe in and what our heart allows us to do. We shouldn't bother ourselves with ridiculous notions of how others will react. The only thing that should have mattered in this situation, in my humble opinion of course, is that Rama believed Sita was pure and that should have been the end. I don't believe that anything else should have mattered. This is why I chose to give Sita an ending that while proving her innocence allowed her to be free as well. She can now live life according to her terms without having to prove anything to anyone. I think that in this way she is standing up for herself and allowing herself to be happy and content.

This story is very special to me, because I have found myself fighting or what I believe in during various circumstances. It is unfortunate that even today there are many cultures and places that look down upon females. These cultures place men on a higher status above women. I think that it is important for a woman to show the people around her that she is in charge of her own destiny and is capable of taking care of herself. In this story I allow Sita to make that choice and empower people to make a choice for themselves.

Bibliography:
All information has come from Narayan's Ramayana, (link to Reading Guide A) 

Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana, Section D

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So, for this reading I have a bit of a rant. Once Ravana had been killed and Sita was safe Rama refused to take her home with him. REFUSED. Your wife was KIDNAPPED by someone and she spent the entire time entrusting you with all her faith, hope, and expectations, yet all you can do is refuse to take her home. 

I have always had a problem with this part of the Ramayana. It just doesn't make any sense to my why Sita was the one who had to prove her purity through the fire. She never asks Rama to give her any clarifications or prove his innocence. She TRUSTS him, yet still she felt the need to prove her purity and Rama even goes as far as to say that the test was necessary. I suppose being a woman of the 21st century I just cannot fathom the fact that he needed this test to convince himself. In all honesty, had it been me I would have just said goodbye and left. Trust is incredibly important to me, and clearly that was not present in this relationship. I do understand that this was a different time period and is written according to the culture of that time, but it still seems unfair to me. 

Sita's Test, Source: www.indianetzone.com

 
Other than that, I thought the story was a good read. It had numerous lessons and wisdom to bestow upon us, and I always love learning from books and cultures. I do understand today why this wonderful piece of literature is still relevant in today's day and age, and I find it endearing that people have such a fond attachment to this literature. I wish that my culture had such an interesting story as well that I could learn from. I wonder what it would be about?....

All information has come from Narayan's Ramayana, (link to Reading Guide A).

 

Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana, Section C

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I feel that as the reading continues, it is becoming more and more complex. It is a bit difficult for me to keep track of everything, and even more so than before. However, out of all of the chaos that occurred in this reading section from the search parties to Hanuman's entry into the epic, the one thing that stood out to me was how Ravana abducted Sita.

A painting of the Abduction of Sita, Source: fineartamerica.com

I can't help but wonder, if Sita's personality had been the opposite or if she had chosen to go with Ravana willingly how different the story would have been. I think it would have been incredibly interesting to see Sita turn out to be in love with Ravana and have made a plan to run away from Rama. I do realize that this goes completely against the entire story of the book and also changes the entire epic love story, but I'm just beginning to discuss the possibilities. What about after Ravana abducts Sita? Maybe there could be a scene where he chooses to show his affection with a romantic gesture? There is so much that could easily be tweaked to give a surprising twist to the current story.

I had the same thoughts about Sugriva. When she was taken by Vali, what could have happened next? Could he have been kind to her or been terrible to her? Would he have been willing to care for her as her husband had or would he have fallen in love with her? After all, anything can happen in a story if you're the writer.

Despite, all of the questions I am glad that we are finally getting to a climax! I have to say I felt that the story was getting a bit boring to be honest, but it's back to being interesting, yet again! I cannot wait to begin writing my own version of the story.

All information has come from Narayan's Ramayana, (link to Reading Guide A).

Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana, Section B

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As I continue to read the "Ramayana," it begins to get a little difficult to keep track of everything. It seems that the story is beginning to slow down. It's becoming a bit boring, but since I am still interested in figuring out what happens I am chugging through! One of the best parts so far for me personally, has been where Shurpanakha attempts to marry Lakshmana. I feel like that is something I would do my sibling just out of curiosity. "Well, I am taken, but she's single!" I would be interested in seeing what happened next. I would love to find out what would happen next. Also, I would probably try to get the whole thing on video, since it would serve a lifelong memory!

I do wonder, however, what would've happened if Lakshmana had ended up marrying her? Would he have liked her at all? I am sure that at this point she surely would have done a decent amount of damage to the entire family if not just Lakshmana and Rama. I wonder if she would have still tried  killing Sita? I feel as though she would have at least tried because Rama seemed to be the one she was smitten for. I am sure that the "Ramayana" story would have been pretty different had this occurred. I think this small detail could have changed not just the pace, but the entire concept of the story. If Ravana's sister had been married to Lakshmana would Ravana still have even tried to have kidnapped Sita? There is so much contrast provided by this one story. It seems as though this event is very important to the entire story. It's incredible how one simple change can bring about an entirely different angle to an old classic!

The Cutting of Surpanakha's Nose, Source: hindutva.info

All information has come from Narayan's Ramayana, (link to Reading Guide A).

Project Feedback Thoughts!

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When done correctly, given feedback can be incredibly useful to a person. It can help people to better their writing and correct their mistakes. I think that it is incredibly important to be tactful when giving criticism to others. You have to be very careful to not offend the other person, because creating tension among each other can be problematic. It can be extremely troubling if you are in the same workplace. The last thing you want is a band of angry co-workers conspiring against you! 

My favorite thing that I read from the given articles is the statement "Be a Mirror." This article mentioned that it was important to be a mirror when giving feedback. Be honest when telling people of their errors, but don't be rude!  If you are rude, you immediately become offensive without even trying. 

The Criticism Sandwich, Source: oldhatcreative.com

My favorite tactic to take criticism head on is the Criticism Sandwich tactic. It shows you exactly how to phrase criticism in a way that won't be rude or hurtful. When criticism is cushioned between two compliments, or even a few compliments, it makes it much easier to be able to take the criticism. This is the best way for the criticism to be taken as something that is helpful rather than something that is offensive. It allows for the criticism to be meshed into an overall positive comment so that it is tricked into not being negative at all! If you haven't given this method a try I highly recommend that you do! I am sure you won't regret it! Good luck to all those giving and receiving criticism! Remember criticism is almost always helpful when taken in a positive manner! 

The Act of Giving and Receiving, Source: www.pinterest.com

 

The New Story of Thatarka

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We had all heard of Thataka's story. We all knew not to cross into the region where she lived, but ever since I had been a little boy I had wanted to do nothing else. Something inside of me pulled me towards her. Something unknown. I had grown up in the world without any family, but was thankful to Saint Agasthya for taking me in when no one else would. He had taught me many valuable lessons of kindness, hope, and faith. Most importantly, however, he had taught me to listen to my heart, and my heart was telling me that I needed to go see Thataka.

I thought back to the dreams I had been having since I was little. The one with the three men who went about destroying things. One of the men looked older than the other two. Perhaps they were related to each other? Family? Who were these people? Why were they destroying everything in their path? I remember the shock on Saint Agasthya's face when I had asked him. I remember telling him I felt like I knew them. The man in particular. Every time it was the same thing, "It is all in your mind Aditya," he always said to me. I knew that it wasn't, and I needed answers, and something kept telling me that Thataka is the only way I would get them. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. The older man appeared in front of me. There was a woman with him. She was crying. She held out her hand to the old man.  My eyes snapped open immediately. The woman. She was in pain. I needed to help her. Maybe then I would be able to find my own answers. I needed to find her.  I sprinted to the Saint's room to seek his permission. 

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I was incredibly surprised that all Saint Agasthya had asked was if he could come with me. It was almost as if he knew something I didn't. I was surprised by the desert around me. I had expected it to look as it did in my dreams. The beautiful flowers and trees, but things were the exact opposite here. Everything encompassing us was dried up and dying. It was unbelievable. I had assumed these were just stories. I thought I wouldn't have found anything. I pulled out the bag of seeds I had brought with me and began to plant them in various places around me. "Child, what are you doing?" asked the Saint. 

"Trying to right was has been wronged," I explained. I walked over to a dead log which looked as though it had been uprooted.  I walked over to it and placed my hand on it. Suddenly I froze. It all came back to me. It was me. That man was me. Those sons were mine, and Thataka... tears began to pour out from my eyes as I dropped to the ground. I sat there on my knees hugging what was left of the log when I felt Saint Agasthya's hand on my head. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I was wrong. So wrong." I wept as he smiled down at me. "I always knew it was you, Sunda. I simply wanted you to learn the error of your ways," he explained. "I can only pray that it isn't too late for Thataka." We both stopped as we heard the stomping of feet. "I wish you the best," he said as he turned to walk away. 

Quote about love, Source: cathy4worldequality.wordpress.com

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 Thataka grabbed me up in her enormous hands and proceeded to lift me to her face. I stared at her in disbelief. "My dear wife, what has become of you?" I said as I bored my eyes into hers. I felt every inch of her freeze. I reached up and put my hand on her cheek. "Please, Please don't continue on like this." Her expression grew softer as she whispered, "Sunda. Is that really you? You're alive?" I nodded at her with a smile as she placed me back on the ground. Her grin grew wider and wider until suddenly it disappeared. "It is too late now. You must leave." she said with a deep pain in her eyes. "It is never too late to apologize, Thataka. You can also learn to change as I have! Just apologize with a clean and pure heart." I replied hopefully. She closed her eyes and bowed her head as she bellowed, "Please forgive me my sins and allow me to start life anew. Please give me a chance to rectify my mistakes. I vow to never hurt anyone or anything again. Just please allow me to live my life with my Sunda." Tears streamed down her face as she opened her eyes. "You are forgiven, my dear," echoed the Saint's voice. I looked over to see my beautiful Thataka once again. She hadn't aged since I last saw her! The curse had frozen the true beauty inside her. The curse that punished her husband through death, and her through pain. The pain of not having any life around. The pain of destroying everything around her as a result of the destruction her husband had once caused.  I ran to her and held her in my embrace. We looked around to see that the Thataka's tears had given water to the seeds, and the saint had enchanted them to grow big and strong. This would a be a new beginning. We would make sure that this time everything we touched was filled with life. 

Author's Note: 
I decided that it would be incredibly interesting if we could see the story from Sunda's point-of-view. I also wanted to give Thataka a chance at redemption as well as a happy ending. I have always believed that love had the power to heal as well as destroy and I wanted my story to demonstrate that. I thought that if her punishment had made her so terrifying and ruthless, then love coming back into her life would allow for her to become loving and caring unlike ever before! I do realize that my story is far from the original and not many people will agree with how there is now a happy ending, however different doesn't always have to be a bad thing! I really enjoy having hope for a new beginning and that is why this story is so close to my heart. I found that Sunda was punished very quickly, and I feel that if he had been given another beginning he would have chosen differently. It amazes me how much we ignore people telling us what we are doing wrong. Constructive criticism can be a good thing if it is taken in good spirit. Sunda had the ability to gain a second chance, but we don't have that ability. I feel that this story is a good reminder that we need to make good decisions and truly listen and be aware of what we are doing. Listen and learn!

Bibliography:
All information has come from Narayan's Ramayana, (link to Reading Guide A)