Reading Notes: Mackenzie. Nala and Damayanti Part B

***Nala having power over fire because of Agni’s gift saves the serpeant King Karkotaka who was cursed by sage Narada waiting for Nala to save him. He promised to be his friend and shrank down to fit on his finger like a ring.

Karko bit his finger!! On the 10^th step, causing him to be an ugly dwarf, but for his own good. He told him that his poison would make Kali hurt and leave him(Nala still didn’t know he was possessed). Then he told him what he needed to do and where he needed to go – to Ayodhya – as the charioteer, Vahuka. Not to be scared because no one would know him and he would be reunited with family soon.

***He also gave him a magic robe to turn himself back into his normal form – Page in the storybook

He goes to Rajah Rituparna and becomes his horse master and has friends Varshneya(his old charioteer) and Jivala, but always sings for his Damayanti.

***Jivala asked who he was singing about and he told the story as if it was a tale of some guy. Might be a page in the site.

***King Bhima(Dama’s dad) has people looking for his daughter and son-in-law. A brahman(Sudeva) went to Chedi and found Dama because of the “dark beauty spot like to a lotus between her fair eyebrows” Per Brahma it is a sign of her beauty creating powers. The Queen asked him to clean her face and when she and her daughter saw it they wept. Weird.

Hey! It turns out Queen mother is her Aunt.Dama returns to her home town Ayodhya and her mom and dad promise to find her Nala.

***She sends a message for the Brahmans to pass along which I may include with the song that Nala sings as a back and forth kind of conclusion to their story or a don’t give up on me type of thing.

Brahman Parnada finds Vahuka and thinks it is Nala because of the story he tells. He relays this info to Dama and she knows its him so she cooks up a plan.

***Second Swarmy event is another story page

***Nala learns the dice from Rajah Rituparna and barfs up Kali, who begs Nala’s forgiveness. Nala forgives and moves on to get the Rajah to the swayamvara.

Damayanti has her handmaiden Kesini check out the “misshapen charioteer with short arms” – Story page about all the reasons Damayanti thinks Vahuka is Nala.

Dang! Just like in the Ramayana, Nala is concerned he lost her love(because of the second swayamvara announcement) and so Damayanti calls the wind, sun and moon to slay her if she was unfaithful or lying. Of course, she wasn’t. No big deal in this story though. He puts on his magic robe.

Damayanti reunited with Nala

A month later he heads back to his kingdom and beats his brother in a game of dice wagering his riches and Damayanti also, he tells him he originally won because of Kali, but that he wasn’t going to take vengeance. Instead he gives him a place to live, money, and his brotherhood. Nala is a good man.

  

Bibliography:

Nala and DamayantiPart B

Image Source:

Wikimedia

Reading Notes: Mackenzie. Nala and Damayanti Part A

PDE Version: Mackenzie. Nala and Damayanti.

4 Gods want in on action even though they were enamoured with Nala’s looks too
Indra of Heaven, Agni of Fire, Varuna of Water, and Yama of Death

Nala tells her of their wishes and to pick them so she will have a robe never sullied by dust

Damayanti picked him in a line-up of all 5 look-a-likes and so the Gods gave Nala gifts

Indra – Behold the Godhead Sacrifice, Power to walk unhindered by any obstacle wherever he wanted

Agni – Power over fire, Power over three worlds(Heaven Earth and Underworld)

Varuna – Power over water, Power to obtain fresh garlands at will

Yama – Subtle skill in preparing food, Eminence in every virtue

Demon Kali wants to marry Damayanti and is going there with Dwapara when they pass the Gods who told him if he tried to curse Nala it would backfire since he has been blessed by the Gods. So he plans to enter Nala’s body and have Dwapara enter some dice.

Kali entered Nala and challenged Nala’s bro – PushKara to a game of dice, which they wagered the kingdom, They played for months and Damayanti tried to stop it. The wagers got larger. She sent the kids off to live with her dad.

Final straw was a wager for Damayanti, Nala stood up stripped his last riches and left. Pushkara threatened kingdom if they provide for him it would be death. Damayanti followed him.

They drank only water for 3 days when he tried to catch some birds with gold wings with his last garment. They flew off with his clothing mocking him. Now their task complete since he was naked and left with nothing. Now Nala and Damayanti share her garment

Kali still inside Nala got him to leave Dama in the middle of the night

She awoke and wandered all over looking for Nala until a snake rose from the ground and coiled around her. A huntsman killed it then washed her, fed her, and asked what was up….Kinda weird that he washed her.

Damayanti in the forest after Nala leaves
Image Source:Web

She figured out his bad intentions and her anger killed him dead like lightning, then she wandered more. She kept saying how she was helpless and asking where he was because he promised to be there to protect her. There were many animals and demons alike, but her virtue protected her. A clan of holy men told her soon she would be reuinited and sin would be cleansed then they disappeared.

She came to a group of male travelers, boys, men, and sages. They thought she was crazy and were worried about their things. She told them her story and asked if they had saw Nala, which they hadn’t. She traveled on with them to Chedi to the King of Subahu.

The camp was destroyed on the way by crazed elephants and the survivors thought she was a witch and it was her fault. She ran and found Brahmans who lived, in the morning they headed toward the city. She met with the queen, set her terms of not eating scraps, nor doing menial service, or laying in bed with another man. She was set as a handmaiden of the princess Sunanda and they were happy friends. The queen set Brahmans in search of Nala.

Bibliography:

Nala and Damayanti Part A

Image Source

Reading Notes: PDE Mahabharata Part D

Public Domain Edition: Mahabharata

Amba is brought back to be the destroyer of Bhishma as once promised to her by her vows. Now, Shikhandin in the lead and Bhishma won’t fight so Arjuna is able to wound him enough to guarantee death. He still pleads with Dury to end war, but Dury refuses.

****Drona takes over place instead of Karna?? Why, Dury has wanted Karna to take over this whole time, I do not understand.

Eww, Arjuna’s son Abhimanyu dies a gruesome death, but due to Krishna’s trickiness Arjuna found Jaya and got revenge

Awe, Bhima’s son Ghatotkacha died by Indra’s special dart given to Karna

****Psyching out Drona by killing an elephant of the same name as his son

****Bhima seriously drank Duhsasana's blood!

Woah!!! Arjuna actually beheaded Karna with his arrow after Krishna reminds him of his misgivings of not being manly

****Drona’s son throws himself into a fire to appease and worship Shiva who was protecting the Pandava camp at night but he doesn’t die because Shiva accepts this as a good sacrifice, so now Ashwatthaman can attack the Draupadi’s sons

****Again, Draupadi wants vengeance even though Krishna points out other wives and mothers lost their sons and husbands, she at least hasn’t lost her husbands. So she asks for Ash’s family jewels.

Blind Rajah Dhrit smashing clay Bhima is funny to picture

Bhishma finally passes on the summer solstice and when all visit the water, Ganga cries but Krishna tells her not to sorrow for he lived a full life and is happy in heaven. She should know this, she is a goddess.

****How did the Brahma weapon held by Ashh kill Uttara’s baby in the womb?

****Land of women warriors on Arjuna’s adventure with the horse for the Ashwemeda, Arjuna just made peace even though their Raj detained the horse…They should be offended. Story?

****Hmmm, Arjuna’s other son, Babhruvahana, kills Arjuna because he doesn’t believe he’s his son and they have to fight because of the horse thing. However, he travels to the Nagas and gets a jewel to restore his life.

****The horse sacrifice is pretty fancy and can be expanded

****The gold mongoose, Yudi’s gifts of gold and wealth were not the same of the last bits of food the Brahmin shared with the hidden Dharma. What would have been?

****Peeps in the city of Dwaraka – no drinking wine! The one night party led to death and destruction!

****Balarama – World serpent

****Krishna is cousins to the Pandavas!!! His dad and Queen Kunti are siblings – finally figured it out.

****Awe, I teared up when the hound ended up being Dharma. Just the fact that Yudi wouldn’t leave him because he was his faithful friend on the way up the mountain made me smile.

Wow! Yudi still had to endure a test, like he was in the underworld. In the end it sounded like if you atone for your sins, you can still attain heaven.

Final note: Glad this one is over. I liked the story, dislike so many different characters, and the battle was too long and boring.

Bibliography

Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition

Image Source

Reading Notes: PDE Mahabharata Part C

Public Domain Edition: Mahabharata

Yudi was so sad about being exiled to forest crying to the Brahmin, and he sounds afraid of starving or being eaten by a wild animal. He is supposed to be a KING!!! The Brahmin tells him to call the SUN God who give him a copper pot with never ending food.

****They still don’t know that Karna is the SUN god’s kid and their half-brother. I think the sun god should tell them too bad so sad because you have been mean to my kid

Indra and Gandiva the special bow – expand the fight between him and the huntsman/Shiva

Urvashi cursed Arjuna barely knowing him just because he didn’t like her back, but he was there with his dad and after being gifted with celestial weapons and completing many austerities. “wilt for a season live unregarded among women as a dancer and musician.” WTH does that mean?

The evil giant women of Hiranyapura could be sirens

****Say What??!! Hanuman and Bhima are half-brothers? That Wind God is a busy guy. Way cool that he tells Bhima of his adventures with Rama, I didn’t know that one story knew of the other.

****Krita Yuga – a story of when there was always inherit goodness, no austerities needed to be completed. Kali Yuga, the last which has ¼ of virtue religious acts had a contrary effect – that is like the some of the Jataka tales I have read where the Bodhisattva explains what will happen if the next person performs the act

****Woah! Dury is favored by the daityas and danavas which Arjuna beat down as they were enemies of Indra his Dad.

Hmmm, Indra trading a special dart for Karna’s golden armor and invincible earrings

****Riddles?! Oh my goodness, how could he remember each one spoken in four at a time? What if he hadn’t asked for his brother’s to be restored?

****A story of the Pandavas in their disguises?

****The Dark Princess Draupadi – is called that because she must be in hiding and disguise, but the fact that she wanted to watch Prince Kichaka’s death shows that there is a sinister side. She always wants revenge. Story?

Dury did not know that Krishna was the divine being – Vishnu – do the Pandavas, Arjuna, know?

****So Kunti finally tells Karna he is her son. It is too late though. He thinks that Dury has befriended him, but in reality it is only because he saw that Karna is a good warrior. Something should be done with Karna’s story. Change it, expand it…?

****What?! Bhishma has to lead the Kaurava army in the fight against the Pandavas? He has to be torn over this!

Why is Ghatotkacha appearing as Hanuman? Yes it is Arjuna’s son appearing as Arjuna’s half-brother, but why?

Huh, Yuyutsu switched sides to the Pandavas.

****Arjuna wanting to give up on battle because of the upcoming destruction. Krishna urges him on because of reincarnation. Can I make this into laments terms?

Dury keeps asking Bhishma to give up his main spot to Karna, but Bhishma says he will lead the fight knowing Dury’s cause is dumb and a losing battle. This seems asinine.  

Bibliography

Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition

Image Source

Week 5 Storytelling: Bhishma's Bad Dream

Shantanu stopping Goddess Ganga from drowning Devavrata
Source: Wikimedia

I awoke drenched in sweat. It was that dream again. That beautiful woman, long dark hair, with fair and flawless skin. She was the one I knew as "mother." She took me walking down the riverbank. My heart was filled with joy at the touch of my mother’s hands. A breeze was lightly blowing the smell of the fresh air towards my face. The sun reflected off the ripples in the water sparkling so much that I couldn’t see how close we were to the river itself.

My mother had been bouncing me up and down so that I could feel like I was flying like the great Garuda while we stood on the banks. Children love the feeling as if they are flying through the air and I did too. Soon my mother lifted me up so quickly that when I was at the apex I was out of her arms; she no longer had her hands on mine or her arms around my small body! I was suspended in mid-air, but I was no longer on the banks and the once sparkling river had now turned to dark tumultuous churning waves waiting to swallow me whole!

Then I wake up…my reoccurring nightmare. My mother was going to drop me into the water of the Ganges river and let me drown. My father told me that she disappeared with me, but returned when I was trained and ready to serve with him in the Kingdom. Unfortunately, I do not have memories of my mother other than that day at the river.

Maybe that is why becoming “Bhishma” and taking that “terrible oath” wasn’t really that difficult of a choice for me. When my father, King Shantanu, wanted to marry Satyavati the fisherman would only give his blessing if their future sons could rule the kingdom. Without any second guessing in my mind, I vowed to NEVER accept the throne, get married, or have children.

I wasn’t thinking about my nightmare; I don’t even think I started having that dream until recently. However, I still knew of the story. I was only here as a baby, my life almost ended. Then one day I returned as a young man. So, maybe I feared to love a woman who runs off when times get tough or when she doesn’t get her way. Yet it might have also been the simple worry of picking a wife who might try to drown our future child.

Either way, it does not matter now, for I am Bhishma. I am dedicated to this cause. I did this for my sire, and his happiness, at least that is what I say. I live my life for others and although I did not marry or have children and do not hold the title of Rajah; I do help the Pandavas and Kauravas rule. I have done my best to teach them how to be warriors, leaders, and to follow the Gods, but they are still young, headstrong, and asinine. May the Gods watch over us all as I am afraid they will tear each other apart one day.

Author's Note: We all know that our parents do things that can really affect us throughout our lives, whether intentional or unintentional. Since Bhisma's existence is not explored very much in the beginning of the PDE version I thought it would be cool to introduce a little story from him. He never directly places any blame, because a good child understands that parents make the choices they do with the best of intentions most of the time. However, it doesn't change the fact that it still kind of messed his thinking up a little bit.

Bibliography:

Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition

Image Source

Reading Notes: PDE Mahabharata Part B

Public Domain Edition: Mahabharata

Bhisma’s half-brother Prince Vidura told the Pandava brothers of the plan, so they could escape. All worked out well, the bad captain burned but so did a mother and her 5 sons “accidentally” in the house which made it look like the Pandava brothers and Queen Kunti

***A story of Bhima and Hidimbi and their son Ghatotkacha

Japanese Paper Currency with Ghatotkacha Image on Front
Source: Coin Collector's Blog

***Bhima appears just in time to beat Baka, what if it is Queen Kunti that goes instead?

So Drupada had immaculate conception twins? A son, to conquer Drona, named Prince Dhrishtadyumna and the daughter who was said to marry a Pandava brother because many military and royalty would die because of her and the Kauravas would suffer because of her, Princess Draupadi.

The boys got in on the Swamy action as Brahmin beggars

***Karna the red-headed stepchild. He was about to shoot the fish but Draupadi denied him. However, when a Brahmin entered Draupadi didn’t intervene, all hell broke loose when Arjuna won the bride. Krishna knew who he was and said she was won in fairness. Who is Krishna?

***Dang?!!!! Five husbands?! Draupadi is now married to all five Pandavas's.

***Nalayani, bargain made to be born again virgin with each time she was with her different hubby

***Arjuna self-exiles and meets up with Naga Ulupi, daughter of King Naga – Vasuki, She gives him power of invisibility in water and they have a baby – Iravat

***Arjuna and the water nymphs good story

***Subhadra and Draupadi are besties, Draupadi has five sons, Subhadra(Krishna’s sister) has one

***Tell a bigger story of drunken Krishna and Arjuna in the forest fight

***Flames of wrath on Bhima’s forehead as he yells at Dury and his gang the threats of how he will kill them can be turned into a story. He is the son of the God of Wind so his father can quell the burn on his forehead.

Why does only Draupadi go on the expeditions with the Pandavas?

Bibliography
Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition
Image Source

Reading Notes: PDE Mahabharata Part A

Public Domain Edition: Mahabharata
Satyavati got together with the rishi Parashura and had a baby Dwaipayana or Island-born, also called Vyasa because he arranged the Vedas

Kings, Kings, and more Kings, King Shantanu’s first wife was the Goddess Ganga – the 8 elemental Gods of Indra were cursed to be born as a human because of Vashishtha’s temper

***I like that when Ganga agrees to marry King Shan, she tells him she will do as she will or she will leave. The story of their meeting could be expanded.

Shantayu Meets Ganga
Source:http://isha.sadhguru.org

Tell a story of what happened between her and Devavrata before she returned him to King Shan

King Shan wants to marry Satyavati but because the fisherman wants him to promise the kingdom to their future son, he doesn’t marry her. Devavrata becomes Bhishma due to his promise of no kids or marriage and renouncing the throne so dad could marry fish stepmom.

King of Benares wanted his daughters to be won by a fight? Bhishma stole Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika…like the namesJ Amba already loved and had promised herself to another king, though.

***Amba killed herself by fire after Shiva promised she would be reborn as a man and be the person to end Bhishma’s life. Doing austerities gets results…story of the Gods

No babies born from fish stepmom’s son so Vyasu was brought in to do the deed, Ambika and Vyasu had a blind son Dhritarashtra. Ambalika and Vyasu had a son who was pale named Pandu. The handmaiden of Ambika and Vyasu had a son named Vidura who was actually the God of Justice – Dharma – reborn.

Bhishma raised and taught them then placed Pandu on the throne.

Pandu had two wives – Chief wife Kunti and most loved wife Madri

Kunti had previous baby – Karna – she booted down the river, he was the son of the Sun God – Surya

***Pandu killed a Brahmin and his wife as a deer while they were doing it so he was cursed to die in the same act…Really? What a non- sportsman's like way to kill an animal.

Pandu’s sons the PANDAVA Brothers– Kunti mothered: Yudishthira from Dharma(G of Justice), Bhima from Vayu(G of Wind), and Arjuna from Indra(G of Heaven)

Madri mothered: Nakula and Sahadeva from Ashwin Twins(Sons of Sun God, Surya), but Madri dies because of curse

***Blind Half brother -Dhritarashtra took throne and married Gandhari – they had 100 sons!!!the KAURAVAS What about 101 Dalmations story?

Duryodhana oldest son cried like a donkey when born and King Dhrit was told he should cast him off or he would ruin kingdom, but king didn’t listen

***Dury hates Bhima, one time he poisons him, ties him up, and tosses him into the river Ganges. Bhima sinks below and fights off Nagas because their poisonous bite fixed the poison in him already. He meets the King of the Nagas, Vasuki who takes him to Naga chief - Aryaka and relative of Bhima. They gave him strength instead because the King of Nagas granted Naga Chief a boon.

***Drona a Brahmin and longtime friend of Drupada is asked to train the cousins, on his way he goes to Drupada who says he is not worthy of being his friend anymore.

Drona trains all the kids of the Kingdom as long as they promise to fight his enemy Drupada

***Arjuna is best student as expected since he is son of Indra

Karna arrives and bested Arjuna but Kunti didn’t intervene, Dury says Karna is King and no longer worries about Arjuna

The plan is set because the oldest son, not King Pandu’s, is named as successor. So Dury talks King Pandu into the burning house killing.

Bibliography
Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition
Image Source

Week 4 Storytelling (Based on Part D) PDE Ramayana: Sita's Untouchable

Image from "Sita Sings the Blues"(2008 DVD)

Excuse me?!!! Rama, what did you just say? What is this honor you speak of that says you split from your beloved wife because she was held captive from you? I know that you have got to be kidding right now! That doesn’t even make sense. If I had stayed in the Kingdom while you were in exile, would you have renounced me when you returned since we had been ‘away’ from each other for so long?

Why in the world do you speak to me like this in front of this audience? Why have Hanuman parade me here the way you did instead of telling me something like this in private? You are being rude, mean, and quite embarrassing. How dare you question whether or not I have been faithful to you! I have done nothing of the sort. Maybe you’ve been with women previously that have been unfaithful, but that is your own insecurity, not a trust issue you should be taking out on me.

When Ravana carried me away, he did not have my permission. I did not call his name. To think you were worried I enjoyed his lustful gazes and sitting on his lap is absolutely ridiculous. Did you even look at the Demon Ravana you laid to waste? He was a monstrosity, instilling disgust and fright. Must you think I have no standards?

I have always shown you my devotion and your importance to me. When you were exiled I begged to go with you for I could not bear to be away from you. I traveled with you in the jungle as far as you would allow me until that fateful day when the evil Ravana stole me away.

You do not know what it has been like for me. You have been fighting a war out there, while I have been living in Lanka, the land of the Rakshasas. They have threatened me with my own death. They have shown me your own death. I have been worried sick for your safety this entire time and when I finally get to see your handsome face, the accusatory look in your eyes burns a hole through my heart and you stab me with your words.

If you were so worried about this, you shouldn’t have gone to all the trouble. You could’ve avoided putting your friend's lives in danger and even saved those of whom you lost. Why would they want to help rescue your wife if you were just going to question her loyalty anyway?  

I am thankful for Sugriva, Vibhishana, and Lakshmana who helped conquer Ravana, and to Bharata for ruling while you’ve been exiled; but to think that I must live with one of them instead is absurd, for I love you. Instead I would rather burn alive to prove that I am right. You will see that Agni will show you I am free of sin, and stayed true to you in body and soul.

Please dear Laks, build a fire for I must prove my worth.

Bibliography:

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana.

Image Bibliography:

Sita Sings the Blues Review and Story

Author's Note:

This is a retelling of Sita’s conversation after Rama first renounces her in front of the Kingdom of Lanka. Originally I was going to go with more of the reaction I had in my head when reading the verses, but decided my snarky attitude would not be very becoming of the purpose of the Ramayana. My Sita is not such a pushover, but still virtuous in my opinion. 

Also, the Image Bibliography link is to a blogging Hindi movie enthusiast. I was able to get the image I wanted but also read a cool review of the DVD. Follow the link if you have time. 

Reading Notes: Ramayana PDE Version Parts C & D

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana

Vali = Bad elder monkey brother

Hanuman = Sugriva’s advisor, messenger, companion

Sugriva = Monkey King who Rama needs help

Sugriva shared same probs as Rama, cast away into exile and separated from his wife

The story of why Vila was mad at Sugriva and stole his wife was understandable, for him to cover the mouth of the cave with a mountain seems overzealous. However, Vila should have believed his brother if he loved him.

Tara wanted Vila to say sorry because she feared that Rama would win and she was right, poor Vila, he should have listened but he was too proud.

One verse of Vali and Sugriva’s fight describes them as like the sun and moon or like eagles in their fight, it would be cool to tell a story of discord between the sun and moon.

Rama only helped when Sugriva showed he needed it.

I didn’t realize that Rama’s exile was from any city, not just Ayodyha.

Sampati – Jatayu’s brother, gifted with sight directed them all in the direction of Lanka

All the monkeys were talking about how far they could jump, but not far enough until Hanuman who was the son of the wind-god. Hanuman can change size.

When Hanuman is searching the city for Sita and finds Mandodari he thinks she must be Sita, making Mandodari very intriguing…What else can I find out?

Might be cool to describe the she-demons guarding Sita more in depth

Trickster Hanuman

Graha = Hindu diety

Vibhishana is Ravana’s younger brother who allies with Rama because Ravana kicked him out thinking he didn’t honor him since he was advising against fighting Rama

Part D

Rama gets pissed and is told by God of Ocean to ask Nala to help build a bridge- really surprised that the story allowed Rama to act questionable

I had to look up why Rama would find out how he knew Garuda-Because he is Vishnu’s mount.

Why could beautiful women awake Ravana’s brother before his time?

Hanuman is awesome and carried a whole mountain top his story needs to be elaborated, or a poem of all his wow-ness put together in one.

Laks almost died and Rama was going to follow after, his lament would be good to put into normal words

Again, Hanuman saved the day with the medicine herbs Laks is alive!

Indra intercepted with help, because of the boon, only ape or man can kill Ravana

If the God’s are always going to intervene and go for the good, why ever grant boons?

Say what??? Rama cannot have Sita now because she was held captive by Ravana for so long? And to be offered instead to the brother’s, a monkey chief, or the now Demon King(even though he is honorable)? A woman scorned is a story to tell.

What if Rama had returned one day after his 14-year promise to Bharat?

Sita gets exiled because the kingdom doesn't believe she was pure. Again a woman scorned...Then when she comes back after Rama realizes she had twins the Earth swallows her to keep her in Heaven. 

Not much told about his sons...maybe expand a story about them.

When Rama decides his time on Earth is done, he tells Hanuman that he is to live forever as long as his story is being retold.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Bibliography:

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana.

Wikimedia - Sita Fire Test

Feedback Thoughts Week2 / Week 3

I read each of the receiving feedback sites and the best I felt in regards to receiving feedback were: Using Harsh Feedback as Fuel and Why Rejection Hurts and What to Do. They were both tailored to professional development for the most part. The story about rejection does offer insight into other types of rejection which is helpful for people of all ages access the internet. I felt the article on the Harvard Business Review was most beneficial to me because of how it made me look at school right now. I DO want an A in every class, however, in the real world, especially just recently leaving a career where we collaborated and built off of each other's strengths, it was a reminder that in reality, it's okay if I am not a superstar in microeconomics this semester; it's all right to be average. It also reminded me to be ok with not being a perfectionist.

On to providing feedback websites, they were a bit longer, so I didn't read all of them. I watched a video for the feedforward idea in a previous class, so I didn't read that article, but I like the concept. The sites I liked best were Be a Mirror Give Readers Feedback that Fosters a Growth Mindset and The Difference Between Praise That Promotes Narcissism vs. Healthy Self-Esteem. I liked these because they were geared towards providing feedback to children versus adults. Although feedback in this class is for adults, it is something that we must learn about as a child. Since I am a parent these articles were helpful to me. Honestly, from being a working mom, I would say that my kids are probably used to a more adult style feedback. So I believe with the practice I have from my previous employment I can soften my approach. The Narcissism article is a very interesting read and makes me wonder if it also has any link to the current generational terms I hear are an issue, you know, helicopter parents and participation trophies.

If anyone has read my intro, I talked about taking Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace. There are two books we read, Daniel Goleman - Working with Emotional Intelligence and Emotional Intelligence 2.0. The second book has an online test for your EQ score. Both will teach you that feedback, both giving and receiving is part of your emotional quotient or EQ, and although your IQ can't change, you can improve your EQ. Several employers look for the right fit employee through their behavioral interview questions and your emotional intelligent responses. Long story short, feedback makes the world go round!

That part of your brain that reacts to rejection is the same part they discuss in emotional intelligence that goes haywire when you have a freak out moment and your emotions get the best of you. Hence why you get a dandy little picture below. Learn to keep this in check and rejection will be easier and less emotional hijackings will occur.

Image Source: www.oneclearmessage.co.za/beware-amygdala-hijack/

Week 3 Storytelling(Based on Part A&B) PDE Ramayana: Jabali and Rama Extended Cut

Hey, Ram, Jab said. Don’t you know that there isn’t a Hereafter, no Lala Land, Great Heaven above? Listen to your brother Brah. He doesn’t want to rule the land.

I get that your dad is dead and he kicked you to the curb for 14 years, but what’s it matter now? Especially since Brah told you that it was because that ugly Man-thera was still holding a grudge against you for snubbing her one time when you were young. Obviously she isn’t good with kids, but she brought out Queen Kai’s true ugliness too.

Don’t you see that Dash’s decree was only because he felt he owed it to Queen Kai, but it bothered him so much that he died of a broken heart afterwards. That means he didn’t want to do what she asked of him, it is strictly because of the silly favors so many people in our land call “boons.” They give them away never thinking of the repercussions they can cause. Even those close to the Monarch are lying down right now with broken hearts, working on ten days long. I fear that there will be no court for any of the Raghu family to return to if you do not step up and life your life in the here and now!

Hey Ram, said Brah. Let me trade you places. The sight of you will change the Kingdom and they will rejoice in your early return.

Jab said, See Ram, Laks left with you, Sita went too, now Bram wants to trade places so everyone can go back to the place they belong. We all know that Dash didn’t want to exile you, but did so because of the wiles of a woman whom he thought truly loved him. Sita and your brothers truly love you, that is something that is to be cherished and would be a good example for the Kingdom to see, how real love works. Please, please, leave these silly notions of fulfilling Dash’s wishes and live your life. He will not be around to see that you completed what he never wanted to ask of you.

Oh Jab, you poor man, said Ram. I thank you for trying to give me logic, but to me it is false. I believe in Lala Land and so do my family members so even though they would like for me to return they understand why I choose to stay exiled and dressed in bark. It is beginning to get comfy and is quite insulating anyway. I ask that you please try to believe in Lala Land again so that you will meet me there someday, but please do not speak these words to others as it is not what the Gods would want people believing. Lala Land exists because we believe.

Now Brah, I love you brother. Laks is with me and my beautiful Sita will not leave my side. I need you to fulfill your duty until my return and protect our father’s Kingdom. Just keep believing.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Labeled Jabali Upanishad - but this is how I see
his face after being turned down by Rama 

Bibliography:

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana.

Author's Note:

I like to shorten and change the character names. This is a retelling of Rama and Jabali's encounter when Bharata goes into the forest to request that Rama return. Jabali was a type of priest advisor to Dasharatha who shows that he does not have the same faith as most characters do in the story. I decided to turn it into a layman's term extended version.
 

Reading Notes: PDE Version Ramayana Part B

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana

I am so surprised that all the brothers never express jealousy of Rama, it is just accepted that he is the best and meant for the throne. Laks exiled with him, Bharata wanted to give up the throne or at least exile with him…but where is Shatrughna?

Dash’s broken heart death makes everyone important to his court so sad they lay down for 10 days, talk about overdramatic.

A japa is a mantra, and is done at Dash’s funeral, how about a rap?

I like that Jabali tells Rama to live in the here and now, don’t waste your opportunities and to come back and rule. However, telling Rama there is no Hereafter was not helpful and Rama refused saying the Gods would look down upon him. What if Rama agreed to go back and decided to believe there is no Hereafter? I think that is a bigger story at a later point, once I know his complete story.

Anasuya and Atri interaction with Rama and Sita could be longer and more detailed.

I think it is odd that Brahma grants demons favors or special requests also depending on their devotions.

Rama gets more fancy weapons, maybe turn a later story into more of their use or what happens when Laks tries to use them.

Rama has encountered several Rakshakas that just end up that way due to a curse, spell, or penance. 

He is usually able to give several characters their release to the Holy land.

Characters he has released in some way: Tumburu(Demon Viradha), Kabandha(Demon due to a spell), Shabari(normal person waiting for his arrival as  a promise to the saints)

I really think more of a back story of Jatayu the Vulture King might be interesting.

Image Source : Jatayu Nature Park website
Concept of Bird sculpture at park when completed 

Bibliography:

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana.

Jatayu Nature Park Website

Reading Notes: PDE Version Ramayana, Part A

This set of notes looks a lot like I am taking them to prepare myself for a test, but it is the way that I think. I have to logically assign out certain "facts" before I can get creative.

Basics to help me understand:

Hindustan = 2 kingdoms.

Kingdom 1 = Koshala whose King was Dasharatha(dad of Rama), Kingdom 2=Mithula - Ruled by Janaka(dad of Sita)

Capital city=Ayodyha full of rich and happy people…What if I flip this city, make it poor or ugly and everyone sad?

Kaushalya mom of Rama, Kaikeyi of mom of Bharata, and Sumitra mom of the twins Lakshmana and Shatrughna.

Chief baby mama=Kaushalya killed the horse upon the altar

Ashwapati- lord of horses, dad of Kaikeyi who is owner of Manthera

Brahmin – Vashishtha told Dasharatha that his son, Rama had marks of Vishnu

Lanka=island where Ravana(boss of all rakshasas) lives

Yama=God of Death (slave of Ravana)

Agni(Sun) Vayu(Moon) also subjects to Ravana

Story understandings:

Maharajah Dasharatha was sad because he couldn’t knock up any of his three wives(Kaushalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra.) with a boy, so they performed a horse sacrifice which is common in literature.

Those in attendance: Gandharvas, the celestial saints, the Siddhas, and seven Deva-rishis.

Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Indra (and his Maruts)

Total plot twist! Vishnu is going to be reborn as one of Dasharatha’s sons

Vishnu clued the other gods into who could hurt the Demon King(apes and men) and said that he would be reborn as Dasharatha’s sons

Maricha and Subahu were always causing probs at ceremonies - Vishvamitra, originally a kshatriya, asked Dash for help by sending Rama to intervene

Rama and Lakshmana went to the jungle to kill Thataka, but since she was a female there were hesitant. After maiming her by cutting off her arms, nose, and ears, Rama killed her while she was invisible.

Rama was given fancy talking weapons the next morning by the Vishvamitra. – A good place to be a butthurt and jealous brother.

While chilling with the brahmins at Vish’s house Subahu and Marichi showed up to ruin another offering. Rama thought of his fancy weapons and boom, they appeared casting Maricha to sea and consuming Subahu with fire. Then he killed all the other demons.

Rama and Sita meet in the King’s garden and is love at first sight…but for Rama, it is love at first sound due to her bracelet around her ankle.

ImageSource – http://nikitagoestoschool.blogspot.com

A side(God-like) test is to string Vishnu’s bow when it works, Parashurama knows that it is Rama avatar of Vishnu

All 4 brothers were wed into the Janaka family

Manthera talked Queen Kai into jealousy and to use her previous favors owed from Dash

Queen Kai is compared to an Apsara or a female spirit of the cloud and waters – beautiful

Dandaka – a jungle of importance. I will use in a story setting.

Wow!! Rama’s wife Sita, and even his brother who was always a sidekick went into exile so they could stay close to Rama.

Dash accidentally killed a hermit’s son due to carelessness when hunting. He was told that he would once lose his beloved son and Dash on his deathbed now believes that Rama’s exile is his payback/penance for his mistake as a young man.

The parents of the dead son threw themselves in the fire no longer willing to live. Dash dies of heartbreak just like Carrie Fisher’s mother.

Bibliography:

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana.