Reading Notes: Narayan's Mahabharata, Section D

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This week we completed the Mahabharata. There was an incredible amount of bloodshed in the last bit of this book. The entire book had some violence, but this specific part definitely had an extreme amount in my opinion. I was incredibly amazed by how each of the characters were killed of one by one. In all honesty, I was aware that certain characters were going to die but I didn't think that all of them would meet the same fate. I was particularly upset about Krishna's death. I had always heard the story of Radha and Krishna, so I suppose that it was a bit of a shock to me when he was killed. 

The part that seemed the most cruel to me was the entire scene with Drona. I didn't think that someone could be so manipulative. I knew once I had read that Ashwatthaman, the elephant, was dead that there would be a twist in the story. I felt so terrible for Drona. I can't imagine what that would have felt like. I'm sure I would have had the same reaction. I can't believe that he was killed while he was still in shock and mourning the death of his son. I can't imagine the kind of heart it would take to do something like that. 

Drona's Death, Source: dronasdeath.wordpress.com

 In all honesty, while I enjoyed the Ramayana this story became a bit more than what I could handle in this last little bit. I enjoy quite a bit of guts and gore, but I felt like this was much more extreme. It was a significant contrast in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. In my opinion the Ramayana was a love story while the Mahabharata was more about war. 

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

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!