Week 7 Reading Diary Continued: The Five Tall Sons of Pandu

I will be reading The Five Tall Sons of Pandu, by Richard Wilson. This post will cover Part B. Link.

• I'm disappointed that part B does not open with the fighting, but I understand that having Krishna sue for peace builds the tension and lets us see the thought process of both sides going into the climax of the story. 

Krishna and the Pandavas, from Here Krishna Girl

• I like Krishna in this version. He advocates for peace, but still does his duty and fights in the war, while reminding others to do the same. If he dies, he would be a very tragic character, like something out of a Shakespeare play.
• The death of Bhisma is very sad, as he was just doing his duty like Krishna, and no on wanted to see Bhisma die. Bhisma also didn't want to kill anybody. I also don't know why Bhisma thought that telling Karna the truth about his heritage would clam him, he was the first born who was discarded and denied his destiny. 
• Duryodhana is going through a lot of generals. I feel like losing a general is the worst thing that can happen, it would be very hard to assume command in the middle of a chaotic battle. 
• I think Karna dying the way he did was all he deserved based on his actions that day, but I still understand his long term motivations to hate the Pandavas. 
• Duryodhana should take control of his own armies, he is left with far from his first choice of general. If the ending is anything like the other, it will not matter soon however. 
• I still think the Panadavas losing their sons is the most tragic element of this story. 

That's the end of my reading this week, check back soon for more. 

Week 7 Reading Diary: The Five Tall Sons of Pandu

I will be reading The Five Tall Sons of Pandu, by Richard Wilson. This post will cover Part A. Link.

• This version of the Mahabharata seems to be a grander in scale, more like an epic tale than the public domain edition. I think this could be because of the fact that one author wrote the entire story. 
• The fighting between Karna and Arjuna feels tenser to me than the previous version. 

Arjuna, courtesy of Wikipedia

• The plan of denying Karna the hand of Draupadi based on his birth and then giving it to Arjuna disguised as a hermit seems poorly thought out. 
• Draupadi becoming the wife of Yudhishthira is an interesting change, but I think it will still breed the same amount of animosity between the brothers. 
• Beheading King Shishupala at the ceremony seemed rash. Killing another King when he was not attacking you seems to be a bad way to start a new kingdom. 
• I think the changes so far make the story better. They are more realistic, and and tension to the story. 
• The section where Duryodhana comes to mock the princes but ultimately needs their help was satisfying to read.
• I'm always glad to see Hanuman mentioned again in a story. The conclusion to part A feels like a cliffhanger, I want to see if anything is different about the battle in this version. 

Week 6 Review

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

I thought this picture was very relevant. The creative writing in this class does not come easily for me, it takes a while for me to get into a writing mood. I thought I would share this picture in case anyone else has the same problems as me.

Learning by HEART: What Kind of Reader are You?

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

I am a monogamist reader. I can only read one book at once, whether it is for class or for fun and entertainment. I like to get into a book and absorb it all it once as opposed to reading many books at any given time.

Growth Mindset: Learning is Messy

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

Learning is often a literally messy process for me. My desk is often covered in eraser shavings and pieces of paper. However, it is also a mentally messy process. I often learn in leaps and bounds as I have epiphanies, it is not a constant flow of information into my brain. Additionally, not all of that information is neatly organized when it makes it to my brain.

Storytelling Week 6: Where Are They Now?

"One day I was lounging in the sun, when this guy named Bhima came up to me. He looks like a regular guy to me, and he keeps going on and on about how I'm laying in his pathway, claiming he is as strong as Indra and he will smite me, so on and so on. I was enjoying my nap, after all what else was I supposed to do? Rama asked me to stay behind on Earth to tell his story in return for eternal life. Little did he know, I was telling the truth about him to anyone who asked. That's why I took Rama up on his offer, so that I could set the record straight. Anyways, Bhima gets frustrated and tries to move me. I was getting sick of this guy, so I finally decided to tell him I was the 'Hanuman' and that I wasn't impressed".

Hanuman sneered and exhaled sharply, as if remembering a joke.

"So this guy Bhima gets all bent out of shape. He keeps asking me to recount my experience with Rama and reveal my true form and things like that. I decided that I didn't have anything else to do that day, so I start telling him the story of Rama. Not Rama the legendary embodiment of a God, but the cowardly and incompetent man. I told Bhima that Rama coming into my life was the worst thing that ever happened to me. Now, poor old Bhima looked pretty put down by the whole thing. I almost felt bad, and then I remembered how satisfied I was each time I told the truth about Rama to one of the naive people who believed in him".

Hanuman smiled to himself and then continued speaking.

"Still, this guy Bhima looked like he was broken. Big and strong guy like that, I figured his emotions would be rock solid. I was in a good mood after my nap in the sun, so I figured I could cheer this guy up. I balloon up to my true form, you know the one I use for moving mountains? Yah, that one. Bhima looked a little bit more cheerful after I did that. Bhima finally told me that he was also a son of Vayu. That one threw me for a loop. Who knew that poor old me would have a brother one day. I should start going to the annual family reunion".

Hanuman and Bhima, courtesy of KidsGen

Hanuman now looked like he was almost happy, like all his grievances with humanity and the Gods were forgotten.

"Bhima then said he had to be on his way, something about collecting lotuses for a Draupadi. I legitimately wished the guy well, after all he was my brother. I also hoped that he would remember the truth about that phony Rama, and tell everyone what he learned from me that day".

Author's Note: I have previously written a story about my favorite character from the Ramayana, Hanuman. He appeared again in the Mahabharata and I decided to do a follow up to my grumpy version of Hanuman when he is encountered in the Mahabharata. I figured I would have Hanuman give his version of the meeting with Bhima, his brother. This story is again written as Hanuman telling a silent audience a story about his life. 

Bibliography:

"Mahabharata: Public Domain Edition" by Multiple Authors, link.

"Ramayana: Public Domain Edition" by Multiple Authors, link.

Week 6 Reading Diary Continued: Mahabharata Public Domain Edition

This post will cover Part D of the Mahabharata: Public Domain Edition. 

• The battle that began in Part C continues to rage on. I am glad that the character list is getting somewhat shorter. 
• This battle is seriously dark and violent. More action and excitement than anything else in this reading thus far. 
• I think it is tragic that many characters are losing their sons and heirs, but it almost feels like that is their reward for dragging their sons into their own fights. 
• I think much as Rama killed Sugrivas rival in an ambush, The Pandavas killing Drona is meant to represent a low point where our heroic characters stoop to the level of their enemies. 
• I like how even though Arjuna has won, the story is not over. It would feel out of place if the good guys lived happily ever after when the battle ends. 



Ashwatthaman, from Wikipedia

• I think Ashwatthaman is exactly what the Pandavas deserve for killing Drona. 
• I like how Bhisma is trying to rebuild the kingdom after the battle, even though he has lost and is doomed to die. 
• I feel like a year is a long time to go without a king. Perhaps I am misinterpreting something. 
• I wonder why a God like Krishna would even have a weak spot. It must have been part of his plan to go back to heaven one day. 
• I find it interesting how similar heaven and hell are across cultures. 

Thanks for reading, I start another book next week. 

Week 6 Reading Diary: Mahabharata Public Domain Edition.

This post will cover Part C of the Mahabharata: Public Domain Edition. 

• I think it is interesting that so many epic stories, whether in Indian/Asian religions or the Abrahamic religions, have main characters go into exile. People at the time these stories were written must have seen a lot of value of surviving on your own in the desert or forest for a long time, or perhaps saw it as a time to learn and grow spiritually. I think the biggest difference between the Indian and Abrahamic religions are the fact that the characters in the Indian stories meet a number of people in their exile. 
• Once again unique weapons are playing a large part in these stories. I guess that some people preferred the idea of weapons giving these characters god like abilities as opposed to the characters inherently possessing them. 
• I am glad to see my favorite character Hanuman making a return. I am already thinking of ideas for a "where are they now" story about him. 



Arjuna and Karna, from Read Kushal

• I wonder why the writers of this story decided to have so many brothers, when it appears that the story mainly focuses on a few of them such as Arjuna and Karna.
• I wonder what happens when an unstoppable force like a deadly magic arrow meets and immovable object like earrings that make the wearer invincible. Something tells me I will find out soon. 
• The ability for the brothers to not be recognized by anyone is a great plot device. 
• I'm glad a large battle is finally occurring. It is great to see some payoff for the characters I've been getting to know over the last week. 
• I am familiar with the Bhagavad-Gita, I read parts in a highschool class. I had no idea there was this much backstory associated with it.

Look for more soon. 

Week 5 Review

From Laura Gibbs

As soon as I saw this image I knew I would use it for this post. I love watching horror movies (never alone of course) and I see a few classics, and some I should add to my list. Stay on this page for more next week. Thanks.

Week 5: Famous Last Words

Today brings me to the end of another week of reading and writing in this class. I began reading the Mahabharata Public Domain Edition this week. I don't like it as much as the Ramayana so far, there are too many characters and subplots to keep track of. Also, I can't decide whether it is a story about politics or mystical things like Gods and magic. However, I am only halfway through. I will be finishing the Mahabharata this following week, and perhaps my opinion will change and the story reaches its climax.

I have also added another weekly story to my portfolio this week. I finished my final edits on The Forest, and it was time to move on. I added It Ain't Easy Being Me, a story in which Hanuman airs his grievances with Rama, Sita, and Sugriva. I decided to add one of my more humorous stories to my portfolio this week. One of the great parts about doing the portfolio project is that I can write many smaller stories. This means I can have many more plots, characters, and themes. It also means that I can write whatever I am in the mood to, which makes it easier for me to write. Expect some edits to It Ain't easy Being Me soon, and then it will be on to another story after that.

As far as other classes are concerned, I am in the "eye of the storm" so to speak of my first round of testing in my major related classes. One down, three more to go. I think it has gone well so far, and I hope it only gets better from here.

Image from David Battrick

Thanks for reading the Mahabharata and writing your stories along with me this week, keep checking for more work from me soon.

Andrew

Learning by HEART: Every Morning

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

A big part of my morning routine is running through my daily to do list in the shower. I try and set realistic goals for myself, so that I don't leave necessary things undone for tomorrow me to deal with. This has become increasingly important as I move into my first round of testing over the next week. I encourage everybody to take a moment at the beginning of the day to set goals they are capable of doing, and take everything one step at a time.

Growth Mindset: Don't Force It

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

There have been times in this class where I just want to complete an assignment to fill out the declaration on time - not because I am in a mood to read or write. I usually work on this class in big blocks, which helps me get into a rhythm. In the future, I think I am going to try and work on the class when I am really feeling like it, even if that means working in smaller chunks. I think this could make an improvement in my writing.

Thoughts About Comments

Like most people, I really enjoy seeing a positive comment at the bottom of one of my post. However, I pay more attention to those containing constructive criticism, and take those comments to heart. For this class, I think comments should be a mix of both. Not many people in this class are aspiring writers from what I can tell, and it would be a downer to read critical comments all the time. However, we can help each other improve with critical comments. I try to strike the balance in all of mine. 

Let me know what you guys think. 

Week 5 Storytelling: Baka's Cave

I wasn't what would be called a popular person in my village. My parents had been chosen for sacrifice to the cannibal Baka when I was young, leaving me to grow up as a blacksmith's apprentice. I worked hard and kept to myself, and overcame all the obstacles set before me. I think the other village people didn't like me because I reminded them about a truly horrifying part of our lives, and its consequences. I reminded the men of their failure to protect our home, the women about their failure to protect their families, and my life was a nightmare for the village children. 

It was Monday morning again. The village square meeting. One "lucky" person would draw a short straw and be chosen for the sacrifice. They would then have to take a cart full of rice and two buffaloes to Baka's terrifying lair, where the sacrificial victim would have to lay down their own life to keep the village safe. As it turned out, much as my parents had both had their days, I was about to have mine. I stood silent in the square, clutching a short piece of straw. I got a few looks of pity and fear from the people standing around me, as it dawned on them that Baka was about to end yet another bloodline in our village. I knew, however, that there was no way to fight my destiny. I thanked my master for the opportunities he gave me, and collected the rope to lead the buffalo hauling the cart. 

I did not turn around to look at my home again. It was a memory of the place where I had grown up. The toll that Baka had placed on us was draining all the energy from the village, and it was withering like a branch cut from a tree. I set upon the road that led deep into the forest. I had come out this far once, as a child on a dare, never realizing that I would have to walk this path again. The sun set around me as I approached the exterior of Baka's cave. I tied the buffalo around a hitching post and stared into the endless blackness that began at the mouth of the cave. As I looked on, a deep grumble rose from the cave.   

Cave Entrance, by Rolanet

"Enter," the voice said to me. Knowing that I could not overcome this obstacle and defeat this demon, I stepped into the cave and followed the only path forward. I came upon a room dimly lit by a torch in one corner, and as I moved towards the light I stumbled across a pile of dry and dusty bones. My heart pounded and my head raced as I stood looking at the ground in front of me, contemplating my short future. A figure stepped into the light in front of me, but somehow remained obscured. 

"Do you know your duty?" Baka asked me. 

"Yes" was all I could meekly reply.  

"Good", he said to me as he plunged a knife deep into my heart. "You should know that even in your last moments, your lives belong to me." 

Life continued on back in the village.

Author's Note: 

I was inspired by the story of Baka during my reading this week. A village chief demanding regular human sacrifices in return for protection from other dangers seemed more like a Stephen King novel than something out of an ancient religious story. So, I decided to style my story exactly that: a horror story about a villager chosen for the blood sacrifice, that is more about tension and dread than jump scares. I was torn on whether or not to have a happier ending, but I decided not to. I wanted to keep my story simple. 

This was a different style of storytelling for me. I had never tried to write anything that was "scary" or tense before I attempted this writing this story. I didn't make any major changes from the original story. I mostly did this because I wanted to explore this setting more because I thought it was so interesting. I chose the image I did because I felt it represented a cave where a creature such as Baka might actually live. I didn't think a cave decorated with bones and paintings of blood would fit with the atmosphere I was trying to create. I also could not find any pictures of Baka himself that I also felt fit with the theme. 

Bibliography: "Mahabharata: Public Domain Edition" by Multiple Authors, Link.

Week 5 Reading Diary Continued: Mahabharata Public Domain Edition

This post will cover Part B of the Mahabharata: Public Domain Edition. 

• This story reminds me more and more about Game of Thrones. The idea of children not being eligible for succession, but still influencing royal politics. 
• I like that this story again illustrates the fact the Rakshasi can be good, not just evil. 
• I can't tell whether this story is about royal politics and succession, or if it is a more supernatural story. It almost feels like the politics is the ancient reality, and the supernatural elements are the exaggeration. 
• I feel like the five brothers sharing one wife will inevitably lead to conflict. 



Arjuna, courtesy of The Unbounded Spirit

• The amount of characters introduced is quickly becoming too complicated. I feel like I should be keeping a notepad for this story. The amount of flashbacks and origin stories are also confusing me. 
• I feel like even though there are more named gods in this story, they intervene on a smaller scale than in the Ramayana. 
• I feel like the story is coming to a midseason climax, it makes it very interesting to read. It is turning into a great revenge story.

Thanks for reading along with me, keep checking for more. 

Week 5 Reading Diary: Mahabharata Public Domain Edition

This post will cover Part A of the Mahabharata: Public Domain Edition.

• The idea that the author is a character in the story is very interesting to me. I wonder if Vyasa was actually the author, or if it is a storytelling device. 
• The amount of characters in this story is confusing. I guess that is part of what makes it a truly epic story, almost like Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings. 
• A human being born with the powers of 8 gods is ever so slightly different from a god being born as a human. I think it will let Devavrata be his own character, separate from the gods whose powers he possesses. 
• Ancient curses, like the one placed on Bhishma, are a classic plot device. I'm interested to see how Bhishma defeats this curse. 
• I think Bhishma is showing a lot of honor by upholding his vow, and helping Vichitravirya get not one but three brides. Honor is part of what makes a heroic character I suppose. 
• I also think the idea of winning in combat as opposed to feats of skill is an interesting twist. 



Bhisma, courtesy of Hindutva

• The similarities between Rama and Bhishma continue, Bhishma is also a world class archer. I think it says a lot about what skills Indians considered important at this time. 
• I feel like a lot of the storytelling up to this point is buildup, and that many main characters and conflicts have yet to be introduced. 
• Pandu's curse is very similar to King Dasharatha's. I feel like this curse is not as severe, but that remains to be seen. 
• I feel like these two groups of sons living together under the same roof is going to lead to conflict soon. 
• This middle parts of the story with Drona feel like they would be a training montage in a movie
• This story of the battle feels very much like a medieval story about knights. 
• I like that characters like Drona are not necessarily good or evil - for instance, he trained the princes, but only so he could use them to take revenge. 

Thanks for reading guys. 

Week 4 Review

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

I decided to include this image in my weekly review, because it is a spelling error that I still very much struggle with. I don't think I have made this mistake in any of my writing for this class so far, but I wouldn't entirely rule it out. Thanks for reading and writing along with me for another week guys, looking forward to starting on the next one sooner rather than later.

Famous Last Words: Week 4

This week has been an interesting one. My regular classes are all currently building up to their first tests, which is of course very stressful for me. I don't know if this is a universal experience, but I sometimes feel that it is impossible to start studying very early for a test, even if I know that the test will require a lot of studying, because I don't have everything I need to study. I also took the Graduate Management Admissions Test, or the GMAT, for the first time this week. I made the score I needed, but plan on taking it again in the hopes of getting a more competitive score. I'm hopeful I can make it into the EMBA program right here at the good ol' University of Oklahoma.

As far as this class is concerned, I'm doing most of the work this week today (Sunday) due to a number of other important engagements I had this week. It has been pleasant in someways to spend my Sunday afternoon reading and writing, I think it is a nice break from some of my other classes where I have homework assignments that are designed to make you struggle in thought. In this class I can just sit down at my desk and start working. My storytelling this week was again more humorous in tone than serious. I think I like this style of writing more because it is more relaxing and fun both to write and read, at least in my humble opinion. The only thing about this class that has put me in a bad mood today is editing my first portfolio study, where I made an embarrassing amount of errors. Luckily I'm not trying to be a writer someday. At least, that's what I think so far.  

The desk I do all my work for this class at. Taken by myself. 

Learning by HEART: Caffeine Causality Loop

From Laura Gibbs

 I thought that this image was particularly relevant, because I found it while I was drinking my third cup of coffee today. The Caffeine Causality Loop is a new name for something that I often try to avoid, but I find that harder and harder to do as the semester goes on. Maybe I'll figure it out someday, but not today.

Growth Mindset: Rome Wasn't Built in a Day

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

The saying "Rome wasn't built in a day" is a quote that I need to keep in my mind more than I do. Sometimes I struggle with trying to do everything I want to do at once, and it keeps me from enjoying all of them. In the next few weeks I'm going to try and take things slower, and enjoy doing them ass opposed to just being happy that they are done.

Week 4 Extra Credit Reading: Indian Fables and Folklore

For this reading I will be covering Part A of Indian Fables and Folklore by Shovona Devi.

• The Man in the Eye is unsettling in a way that none of the other readings have been so far. The idea that death, as a person, is in all of us trying to kill us makes for a very creepy story. 



The Elephant and the Rabbit, courtesy of Whispering Books

• These stories, like the Hare in the Moon, seem to be morality tales. "No need for Strength when Wit prevails" is a valuable lesson at the end of this story, and it appears that this lesson carries through into other stories in this book. 
• I like how the author includes Authors notes before some of the stories, giving background and context. They also show some of the differences in these tales from traditional European ones. 
• I wonder why monkeys are portrayed as the stupidest animals in these tales, even though they are closest to humans. Perhaps the author is trying to make a point about humanity.  
• I like how some characters, such as the sage, have both smart and stupid moments in these stories. It makes them much more human than other storybook characters. 
• Dogs are compared to vultures. This is a very interesting change from European tales where dogs are often considered noble animals.  
• Human sacrifice seems out of place in Indian tales. It's odd that it shows up here. 
• I had never considered that the author of the original Ramayana would be a character. It makes for an interesting story. 
• I like how the stories teach characters to be balanced in religion and things like career. I feel like many old tales consist only of blood thirsty kings of hermits who spend their whole lives meditating in the forest. This is a more realistic look. 
• The idea of a mans dog entering heaven or hell with him is very interesting. 

Thanks for reading along with me this week. 

Storytelling Week 4: Rama's PR Crisis

Cubicles, courtesy of World News Stand

A phone rings in a busy and bustling office full of cubicles. In less than three rings, it was snatched up by an employee who appeared to be more frustrated with having to answer the phone than having his lunch stolen by the office thief. 

"This is James with Bawcom & Sons, how may I help you today" James spoke hurriedly into the phone. 

"Uhhhh... yah hi" said the seemingly distracted voice on the other side of the phone. "I'm Rama, and I think I'm about to have a bit of a public relations crisis, could you help me with that" Rama questioned. 

James quickly jotted down a few notes before saying "I'm gonna need a few more details about your situation sir, but I'm sure Bawcom & Sons can find a solution for you".  

"Well, everyone I know looks up to me as some sort of hero" Rama said boastfully. "But, as I'm sure you can believe, I don't have any problems with that. In fact, I'd like it to stay that way. That's what my problem is." 

James kept up with his not taking as Rama continued. "So I wanted this guy Sugriva to help me find my wife, and he agreed to help me if I could help make him King of the Monkey Kingdom again by defeating Vali". 

"Monkey Kingdom" James asked slowly. "I've never heard of any sort of Monkey Kingdom". 

"Neither had I" said Rama, before he continued with his story saying "That's not the point. The point is, I had to go fight this guy Vali. I hid in the bushes while Vali was fighting Sugriva. It was pretty clear Sugriva was going to lose, there was a reason he wasn't king in the first place. Now, Sugriva was a big guy and a good fighter. I didn't like my chances against Vali if Sugriva couldn't beat him. So, I shot Vali with an arrow instead of fighting him. People saw, and now I'm worried my reputation as a hero is going to be diminished". 

James sighed deeply. He didn't know who Rama was, or why he mattered. But, it was James' job to find a solution for Rama, whether it would be easy or not.  

"So" James started. "I think what you need to do is frame it as you saving the life of your loyal friend Sugriva. Tell anyone who asks you about what happened that you didn't have time to reach Vali and fight him, so you had to use your bow and arrow. Definitely don't mention that you had an enchanted sword, or that you were afraid to fight Vali". 

"Ok, ok" Rama said, already seeming like he was breathing easier. "I think I can do this. I still have to rescue Sita. But, to avoid any more embarrassing defeats, I'm gonna send Sugriva's servant Hanuman to weaken the enemy forces before I even get there". 

"That sounds great" replied James. "Now, be sure to contact us if you need any more help. As a last piece of advice, don't let Hanuman know your plan". 

"Alright, thank" Rama said, hanging up the phone. 

James sighed and shook his head. He wondered if any of the stories about Rama and other supposed supernatural beings like him were even true. Telling people how to manipulate the public could really take a lot out of a man. Just as James let his mind begin to wonder, the phone rang again. 

Authors Note: This story is based on my reading diary of The Divine Archer, written by F.J. Gould. I have decided to use the Public Relations Consultant storytelling idea. Rama kills Vila in what many consider a controversial way, he shot Vila with an arrow while Vila was busy fighting Sugriva. In the Public Domain Edition, Rama ambushes Vila, which is very unlike Rama's character.  

Bibliography: "The Divine Archer" by F.J. Gould (1911). Link

Week 4 Reading Diary: The Divine Archer Cont.

This post is my reading diary of The Divine Archer, written by F.J. Gould. I will be covering Part B.  

• Rama kills Vali, again it seems controversial. Rama is supposed to be a heroic character, not a man who is afraid of fighting an opponent.  
• Once again, Hanuman is the true hero of this story, in my opinion.  
• I know it is probably a plot device, but it seems odd that Hanuman is caught. He made it all the way to Ravana's most valued prisoner, but couldn't make it back out of the grove.  
• The fire caused by Hanuman in this story seems to be a bit more magical, in contrast to the darker tone the rest of this version takes. I find it hard to believe that only the grove in which Sita was hiding and Vibhishana's house are the only things that are not burned to ash. 
• If Rama can hit Ravana in the head with a surprise arrow, why doesn't he kill him and end the war. Some would say it would be cowardly and non heroic, but Rama proved earlier with the Vali incident that he would rather take the easy victory in what would otherwise be an unsure straight up fight. 
• I may be wrong, but in the Public Domain Edition of the Ramayana, I was under the impression that the war lasted for much longer than it did in this version. Maybe, it is because I am not reading this a pages from different authors broken up into chunks.  
• Rama really appears to care about his public image very much, he exiles Sita again in this version. Again, I can't decide which is his true character:  Cowardly or Brave. 



Sita goes into the Earth, courtesy of Spiritual Messenger

• Sita going into the Earth after she proved Rama wrong seems to be all Rama deserves to me.   

Thanks for reading guys. 

Week 4 Reading Diary: The Divine Archer

This post is my reading diary of The Divine Archer, written by F.J. Gould. I will be covering Part A. 

• Much like the original Public Domain Edition of the Ramayana I read, this story starts with the birth of Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, and finally Shatrughna. Rama is again the embodiment of Vishnu.  
• I don't understand why Dasaratha is reluctant to let his sons fight for Vishvamitra. It seems inconceivable to me that Kaushalya would keep secret the fact that Rama is a God from Dasaratha. 
• It seems weird that a different version of Rama (Parashurama, I'm assuming from the future or a parallel timeline) appears and doesn't know what is going on. If he knows Shiva's bow was broken he should know who broke it.  

Parashurama, courtesy of Mesosyn

• It is very storybook romantic that Rama and all three of his brothers get married on the same day 
• King Dasharatha's succession is also a pivotal moment in this story. I don't know what it is about the prose, but it feels much more serious and dramatic in this version to me. 
• I think Rama going into exile is designed to remind readers that they must be loyal to the wishes of their parents, even if it may not be in their benefit. 
• I wouldn't call Rama's exile the exact karma from Dasharatha's curse. King Dasharatha doesn't lose a son, Rama lives a long and happy in life, but he loses his own life while he thinks his son is going to die because of his actions. That seems much worse than actually losing a son to me.
• Shurpanakha is introduced and the main Rakashi plot begins again. Reiterating an earlier point, something about this style of writing makes it feel much darker to me. For instance, it is much clearer in this version that Lakshmana essentially tortures Shurpanakha. 

Thanks for reading guys, look for more soon.

Week 3 Review

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

I saw this while scanning through the announcements and instantly related to it. Today I have done a lot of work on my first lab report for Drilling and Production lab, which involves a lot of writing. I also decided to work on this class, which involves a lot of writing. Safe to say, my brain is completely fired now. Thanks for reading this week guys, keep checking for more soon.

Famous Last Words: Week 3

This week I finished reading the Public Domain Edition of the Ramayana. I thought the story was interesting, but the actions of Rama and Sita at the end confused me. The story lost my interest in the very end, which I think is a shame. I am also halfway done with the first half of Eastern Stories and Legends by Marie Shedlock. I am enjoying these collection of stories. There is no large overarching plot that I have noticed, but most of the stories are about the various lives that Buddha has lived. In these lives, Buddha always seems to be learning or teaching a lesson unique to his position in that life, sometimes both.  

Buddha, from Fractal Enlightenment

I had a fun time writing my storytelling this week. It was more humorous than my week two storytelling. Less morality tale, and more unique take on the possible attitude of one of the characters who is often saving the day in the Ramayana. From what I have experienced so far in this class and others, I like writing about funny things instead of serious things when I am not doing technical writing like lab reports.  

This week I also decided to switch from the storybook to the portfolio assignment. I think I'm going to prefer working on perfecting all of my weekly writing instead of spending creative energy on a broader story over a new topic. The portfolio assignment fits more with my perfectionist attitude. 

My other classes this week have been long and boring for the most part. Petroleum Engineering is still in that first part of the semester where they just review old topics. I have covered very little new material this semester, and I'm disappointed by that fact.

Thanks for reading and writing along with me this week guys, I am looking forward to the rest of the semester. 

Week 3 Extra Credit Reading: Eastern Stories and Legends Cont.

For this reading diary I will be commenting on Part B of Eastern Stories and Legends by Marie Shedlock. Click here for the link. 

• Just looking at the titles of these short stories I notice a lot of them involve animals again. I have been thinking about this recently, and I can't recall many stories from Abrahamic religions that involve talking and thinking animals. 
• I like the story of Bodisat. It's a great story about how far a compliment can take you, and how much damage an insult can do to your relationships with others. It also teaches you to demand fair treatment from others. 
• Bodisat is born as a bull who is fed on rice and gruel again. If he does it once more you could call it a habit. 
• The second story about Bodisat as a bull is another story about being a good human being. Much as children should respect their parents and take care of them, Bodisat shows gratitude to his owner. So far these Bodisat stories strike me as stories told to children to impart early lessons about morality. 
• The story about Buddha as the horse is about loyalty and perseverance. Buddha gives his life to accomplish the task given to him by his King, even after being gravely wounded once in battle. 
• Buddha is reborn as the King of Monkeys. From what I understand, Buddha has lived all the possible lifestyles, but clearly some are more outlandish than the others. I know that it may have something to do with the fact that there are other outlandish characters like ogres involved in this story, but even if Buddha was a human in this story I am just as likely to believe there was actually an ogre.  
• I think the story of the ogre also tells readers not to be greedy, since someone smarter will always come along. The story of Buddha as the mallard accomplishes the same task. 
• I'm not sure what this story of Buddha as merchant accomplishes except reminding those that are born in a lower caste that the people born in the higher caste are smart and successful. 



Buddha and an Elephant, courtesy of What Buddha Said

• The next story about Buddha and the elephant seems to remind those in higher caste to still treat those in lower caste with respect. Life is all about balance.

Thanks for reading guys, look for more on these stories in the upcoming extra credit readings. 

Growth Mindset: Errors

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs

Seeing this I was reminded about how many times I have discovered something very wrong about a problem on a test or homework assignment when I was fixing a smaller error. I've come to realize that I should always check even the smallest parts of my work, even when I'm confident they are right. By doing so, it helps me ensure the entire problem is correct.

Learning by HEART: Empathy

Courtesy of Laura Gibbs, link

I had never seen this quote from MLK Jr. before and I thought it was especially poignant. I think a lot of people today get caught up in all the negatives about life, and forget that only positive attitudes counteract negative ones. So, I figured I would share this with you guys, and maybe I could encourage someone to be positive today. Thanks for reading.