Reading Notes: Epified 7 Secrets from the Hindu Calendar, Part F

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A PIcture of Brahma, Source: Maa Durga Wallpaper

All the above information can be found at this link:Epified 7 Secrets from the Hindu Calendar Reading Guide. 

Reading Notes: Epified 7 Secrets from the Hindu Calendar, Part E

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In today's reading we learned about Vishnu and Go-Daan, or Cow Charity. This helped us better understand why cows are of such importance to most Indian cultures. They are given importance through the culture's deities, and in this case Vishnu is the one that is discussed.

One of the most interesting things I found was about Kamadhenu, the magical cow who can fulfill any wish. It was a little reminiscent of Genie from Aladdin. I'm not attempting to make fun of the culture that is simply what came to my mind. I find that it allows me to better understand what I am learning about if I can relate it back to something I know very well. I think it would be a really good story to have the two of them come together and meet or to have a contest to see who is the better of the two. It could be a wonderfully comical story.

I also found it incredibly interesting how each of the Vishnu's avatars were that of animals. Almost every single avatar gave a certain animal importance whether that be the fish, the cow, the lion, or even the turtle. Loving and caring for animals is an important part of this culture from what I can see, and it should be an important part of every culture.

Moving along, I also enjoyed the comparison found between Krishna and Rama. I adore the two characters but never realized that they were shown in a certain manner to provide knowledge about various human traits. This is explained better in this quote.

"If Ram is about laws and appropriate conduct, Krishna is about love and affection. While Ram focuses on discipline and the head, Krishna focuses more on affection and the heart."

I enjoyed today's viewing very much and look forward to tomorrow's reading as well!

Kamadhenu sculpture, Source: IndiaMART

All the above information can be found at this link:Epified 7 Secrets from the Hindu Calendar Reading Guide.

Reading Notes: Epified 7 Secrets from the Hindu Calendar, Part D

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 In today's viewing, we learned all about Shiva and Devi.  I found the story of kanyakumari to be very interesting! Her story was heart wrenching, and it's outcome is incredibly unfortunate. I especially enjoyed the quote,

"The goddess is a symbol of the material world. We want this world to be like a mother so that it can feed us; we want this world to be like a warrior so that it can defend us. So, the Goddess and her many diminutive doubles, the goddesses of households and villages, are mothers and warriors, loving and fearful."

I think that this shows that we all have weaknesses in the material world. We try to overcome them but sometimes it isn't a possibility for us and we end up getting hurt. It is unfortunate,but it is a part of life.

Once again, I found that there was a stark difference in men and women as well as how they are depicted when it comes to deities. For example, for man this quote was used,

"A man's desire is fulfilled by engaging with the world. From the world come wealth, knowledge, and power. Man can take all this from the Goddess, but the Goddess also asks him to give some things in return. She may be the object, the observation, but she demands that the subject, the observer, engage with her not with the language fo domination, but with the language of love."


and for women, this one


"Man begs the goddess to allow herself to become domesticated and become a mother. But he knows she is wild and dangerous and can strike him down any time."

I don't understand completely why it is necessary for the women to be domesticated but the man can engage with the world? I find this to be giving men a ability that is being taken away from women. If I am wrong please do correct me, but if you agree please feel free to let me know!

Shiva and Devi, Source: Pinterest

All the above information can be found at this link:Epified 7 Secrets from the Hindu Calendar Reading Guide.
 

Reading Notes: Epified 7 Secrets from the Hindu Calendar, Part C

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 In today's reading, or viewing, specifics on Hindu ideas and values about their religion were discussed. I really enjoyed learning about the differences between males and females in Hinduism. I like that aside from being different they still are equally important, and one is not given superiority over the other. I especially enjoyed the following quote: 

"The male trinity is associated with verbs: creating, sustaining, destroying. The female trinity, on the other hand, is associated with nouns: knowledge, wealth, power. Wealth, knowledge, and power can be created, sustained, or destroyed."

This quote from the video clearly states the differences between the two trinities. The video then went on to discuss the different variations such as Maya, Ardhanari, Shiva, etc. Each of these was equated with a meaning and a detailed explanation. I was not aware that there was so much unique variation involved in Hinduism. They have managed to give each one the deserved homage and reverence which is endearing. Each one has its own place and importance in the faith. 

Shiva and Parvati, Source: Karma Kanda Puja Vidhi

I really enjoyed the story about Shiva and Parvati. I liked the one better where the two merged into one. I think that makes them very unique, although Parvati's jealousy surprises me. I believe that trust works both ways, and there is a certain amount of trust simply expected between two people. She did sit in his lap to keep it from happening though so she could have also simply been immensely offended.
  
All the above information can be found at this link:Epified 7 Secrets from the Hindu Calendar Reading Guide.

Reading Notes: Epified 7 Secrets from the Hindu Calendar, Part B

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This week's reading was over Narayan. I thought it was really interesting! I especially liked the part about discussing about how Hindu's don't have an urgency in this life because they believe that they will have many other lives unlike Christians and Muslims according to the videos. I have mentioned before on my blog that I really like looking up stories about Naags or Naagins because they are incredibly interesting and often enough I stumble upon one that is named Shesha. I finally know the origin of that name. I did not realize that was the serpent on whom Narayan was sleeping. I love that connection. I think it would be really interesting to write a story about a Naagin and her revenge! I find the entire concept of them truly fascinating and I can't wait to learn more about them. 

Narayan, Source: YouTube

I really enjoyed the story about the revelation of the Bhaghvad-Gita. I have never really learned about these things in that much detail so the story was very enticing to me. I thought it was really unique that he, "sang God's song" I never imagined that the holy book had been revealed in that manner. Most stories that you hear have the revelations being heard or spoken but this one was sung. Is it recited in the same manner? In song? I think it would be interesting to do some research on it and find out the details. 

All in all, I enjoyed the videos, or reading, for today and I can't wait to gather more information on the things that I am curious about. I hope that I get to learn more and more about this beautiful culture! Thanks for introducing it to me!

 All the above information can be found at this link:Epified 7 Secrets from the Hindu Calendar Reading Guide.

Reading Notes: Epified 7 Secrets from the Hindu Calendar, Part A

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I am still watching the "7 Secrets from the Hindu Calendar" on epified. I am curious to see what I think about this video section. I might end up choosing a different reading for next week, since I am prone to changing my mind often, but I still wanted to give this one a try. So far I find it somewhat interesting. It seems to be very informative, however, I am not sure exactly how long I would like to watch these videos. (On a side note the election was last night.... I am upset that the candidate I chose to vote for did not win, and that is all I feel best to say on the matter. Feel free to leave your comments if you would like to do so.)

For this specific reading the information was based on the Hindu deity Ganesha. From the knowledge that I have, I know that he is the one God who allows much leniency. I was once told that if you wanted to add a baseball cap to Ganesha, assuming that you enjoy baseball, you could do so and not offend anyone. I am not 100% sure about this information, but I do know that this is what I was told as a child. Please do correct me if I am wrong! 

Ganesha, Source: A2ua

I enjoyed the story of Bahucharas. I found it incredibly interesting. I thought that the concept itself of a hijra was interesting. I have seen them roaming the streets back home when I go to visit, but I never knew that there way a story or importance of them to such an immense degree.  I like that they talked about 2 versions of the story. I enjoyed the version about the young girl turning the thief into a hijra after he attempted to molest her. I feel that was a valid punishment right? I am curious as to why this is deemed more as a punishment as anything else.

  All the above information can be found at this link:Epified 7 Secrets from the Hindu Calendar Reading Guide.

Reading Notes: Epified Krishna, Part B

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I am still enjoying the Krishna epified stories. I find them very interesting especially since, like I have said before, they are stories that we have not yet read in class. I find Krishna's mischievous acts comedic and his innocent naughtiness endearing. I really like the idea that within the Indian culture they have such a variety of gods. From Hanuman to Krishna, I find that I am genuinely pleased with how each of the Gods has their own aura and personality. It is incredible that they have the ability to differentiate each God so easily by nature.

The thing that intrigued me most about Krishna was the love story of Radha and Krishna. It is a story that all Bollywood films, or really any Indian romantic story has taken inspiration from. I really enjoyed the story of Radha. I liked how they chose to challenge Radha's love and Krishna felt her pain while she felt nothing. I thought it was sweet how she was completely devoted to Krishna and could see no other. I think that shows how love can be so pure.

I also really like how Krishna is shown as down to earth. He finds it so easy to share his food or simply be an equal to those around him without any qualms. He is such an incredible character. He his humble, loving, and caring.

 

Lord Krishna, Source: SantaBanta

All the above information can be found at this link: Reading Guide for Epified Krishna
 

Reading Notes: Epified Krishna, Part A

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For this week I choose to keep the same format of videos since I do enjoy the Epified video, but I did not enjoy hearing the same story twice. I am now learning about Krishna, and I have to say I am enjoying the story. I really like that it is something new. 

 I really liked the story of the Goddess Durga. I admire that she brings forth the belief that women can be strong and fearless. I think that the Goddess Durga did a great job terrifying Kamsa. I think this would be a great thing to elaborate on! There are so many details that could be added into this specific scene. It would allow to open up a new story if modernized as well! 

One of my favorite stories that I have heard about Krishna is the Maakan Chor story! I think it adds a certain amount of cuteness and innocence to the entire story! It always brings a smile to my faced hearing about how mischievous Krishna is as a child. I think this is one of the only avatar's of  Vishnu that is so childlike and adorable. The entire story is so endearing. It is definitely something that I am leaning towards writing about.

The Maakan Chor, Souce: Beautiful hd wallpaper

 I am really enjoying this story of Krishna! I can't wait to see what else this cute but naughty child does! I am really happy with my choice of change in topic, and I can't wait to learn more about the story of Radha and Krishna. 

All the above information can be found at this link: Reading Guide for Epified Krishna

Reading Notes: Epified Mahabharata, Part C

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 This reading was a continuation of the Epified Mahabharata. As much as I enjoy this format of viewing the Mahabharata I found that I was getting a bit lost throughout the story. The story jumped around a bit in my opinion, and I found that it was difficult for me to keep track of the various stories that were introduced in the middle of the main story. It was the same with the readings as well, but at times it can be very difficult to keep all of the characters straight. 

I found that the story that I enjoyed the most was that of Bhim and Bakasur. I like the way the story goes, but I wonder if Bhim could have used a riddle or a rhyme to confuse Bakasur. It would add some form of a comic element to the story and stray from the normal form of the past stories as well. I also wonder how it would be if a different character had the fought the battle or if the battle had been like Harry Potter's battle with the Dragon in the fourth installment of the series. I think this would be a very interesting take for a new and unique story. 

Bhim and Bakasur, Source: Boldsky.com

I also enjoyed the Pandavas escape as well! I think it would be really funny if the tunnel had a hidden exit. Everyone would assume that they were stuck but someone could find the opening and that would change everything. It could be unnecessarily over dramatic to provoke some comedy. I suppose that I am in a comedic mood today!

As much as I enjoy these episodes I feel that I am starting to be incredibly bored by the monotonous tone in which they are presented. I am going to be on the lookout for any new material to read! Something completely different would be very appreciated. 
 
All the above information can be found at this link: Reading Guide for Epified.  

Reading Notes: Epified Mahabharata, Part B

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 For the reading this week, I decided that I wanted to continue with the Epified story of the Mahabharata. I enjoy these shorts that are quick and concise. I think that this is a wonderful format to be able to view. 

The part that struck me in this specific part of the episodes was the mantra that Kunti was given to summon any god from the sage. I liked that they showed how she found the true importance and ability of the power that she had received. I do wonder what it would be like if she had ended up being selfish and had chosen to ask for something that she wanted. Maybe she could have requested for another another mantra that would allow her to do as she wanted without requesting for anyone else's consent. 

I wish she would have kept the cute adorable baby. I wonder how she would be able to take care of him. I think that the sage she had been serving would have been able to help take care of him as well. I think that would make for a great story. 

Kunti and the Baby, Source: Epicology - WordPress.com

I do feel that it is a little difficult for me to have different opinions on the same material, but I have more a different view on the presentation of the same material. It is the same story almost exactly. It has the same characters and situations, but it is shown in video format.

All the above information can be found at this link: Reading Guide for Epified. 

Reading Notes: Epified Mahabharata, Part A

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For this week's reading, I have chosen to watch the epified version of the Mahabharata. I really enjoy choosing a new medium form when attempting to understand a different version of the same story. I find it interesting to see what the variations are when progressing from one form to the next. When watching the epified version I adored the animations. I found that I felt like I was child being told a story, and I enjoy that immensely so I am not complaining. I found that I needed to pay attention to the character list in this form as well. Especially since the animation was in black in white it was a bit difficult to differentiate the characters from just the outlines. I did enjoy that each video was short and sweet yet covered just enough information for you to keep wanting to watch. I feel that this may be a bit difficult for little children to pay attention to rather than older children.

Otherwise, I really like watching the episodes. It doesn't take up as much time for me as reading and annotating does, but it still allows me to understand the material thoroughly.  My only concern is how long the viewing is. It is 6 weeks worth of episodes to watch, and while I would love to continue watching it, I am worried that this will cause an issue with future assignments. 

My favorite part so far was Vasu and the servant girl. I felt it being played out slightly like "Beauty and the Beast" which is easily my absolute favorite fairy tale. It made me happy that she wasn't afraid of him, and honestly I am a person who cares much more about personality than about their looks. I am curious about how the news would have been received had Vasu been an incredibly gorgeous man. I feel like that would have resulted in a quick change in reaction from the females.

Beauty and the Beast, Source: nerdist.com

 All the above information can be found at this link: Reading Guide for Epified.

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)

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.