Reflections - Week 15

Ah the nostalgia.
Just kidding, currently in a the middle of a mental breakdown since finals are upon us. But, here I'm going to take a look at what I did for this class.
What can I say, it was a lot of work. But, for what it was worth, I took away a lot from this course. Above all I enjoyed the assignments. I would have never thought that I would create a portfolio like the ones we did this semester and it is still weird to me to see the stories and know that I wrote them. Oh, especially the ones I based off Harry Potter. I didn't think those would be decent at all but, I am a little proud of them. Nerd alert.

I loved the freedom this class gave me in terms of just work schedule. That was something that made it so easy for me. Oh, and the constant feedback I was able to get from Professor Gibbs was especially helpful. She was always there to answer questions and just give good advice. I have never had a professor be so involved in the course to the point where it doesn't even feel like it's an online course. And that is something I really feel stood out to me.


Word of advice to you future kiddos...
WORK AHEAD. I cannot stress that enough. There was a week or two where I was ahead and it hit during a busy time for my other classes and it was awesome. ALSO! That little tidbit of advice Professor Gibbs give you to set a schedule for yourself to sit down and work on your assignments...do that too.
It will save you a lot of time and grief! :)

Reading Evaluation

Personally, I really enjoyed the Ramayana the best! Especially the modern prose version I opted to read by Narayan. I downloaded the Kindle version of this book and it worked for me since I'm always on the go. Plus the modernized version helped me understand the story a lot better. I have a really crazy life schedule you could say, with work and school full time, so my readings were very sporatic. It really helps to have a set schedule and have set days where you focus mainly on this class. I find that it would be way easier and managable if I was able to do that instead of going day by day like I've had to. It is a smart plan and I recommend it.

Advice for students next semester?...


WORK AHEAD! You will be glad you did! Trust me.

Week 14 Review

Here's my favorite little gem from this week's announcements!

It can be found here!

Growth Mindset Meme
Image Source: Blospot

 

Week 13: Growth Mindset

Determination Quote
Image Source: Flickr

I had noticed that I wasn't too good at writing stories with lots of dialogue in them. It was a bit of a challenge for me to try to incorporate that aspect in terms of rules of punctuation and such. Actually, my earlier stories didn't have much dialogue at all! So these past couple of weeks I have tried to add more dialogue and that was a challenge in itself! I did need some help revising my stories when it came to where I placed by periods and learning the rules when it came to quotations. But, I think I did learn something from trying this new writing style. Hopefully this will carry with me and help in the future with my writing in general!

Reading Feedback: Week 13

Encouraging quote
Image Source: Flickr

I initially decided to read another version of the Ramayana for my free choice readings. But, I had not taken into consideration the wide array of comic books available at the Biz. I found myself really short on time so they became a huge help! I found them to be extremely cool and condensed the stories into a nice and short comic without taking away from the essence of the original stories. The comics were obviously illustrated as well so it gave me another look into the stories and helped me picture them in my mind a lot better than when I just read the books. These past few weeks you could say I've been in the Bizzell on Monday and Tuesday more than usual but these comics and having the option of using them as a reading diary option have really helped me and they were enjoyable to read on top of that!

Week 13 Review

Yet again, growth mindset kitties putting me back on the right track!

Growth Mindset meme
Image Source: Blogger

My most favorite and preferred part of the weekly announcements! It's almost over!

Famous Last Words - Week 13

My current state
Image Source: Flickr

I find myself struggling to keep up with my school work now a days. Which is very frustrating but, I knew it would happen around this time of year. I am severely lacking sleep and now have to catch up a study for two exams I have in a few days! Terrible, just terrible. Thanksgiving break didn't feel like a break to me. It only set me behind with all the preparation and on top of that I had to work on Thanksgiving due to holiday rotation. So now, I'm scrambling to save my GPA!

Was barely able to enroll in my Spring and Summer 2016 courses. Let me tell you how much of a headache that was! I'm just looking forward to winter break! I get to go to California to visit my best friend who is stationed there for a couple of weeks. So, I'm trying to get through this semester and just keep swimming!

I'm doing decent in my biz calc class. I have an exam for that class in a couple of days so I'm hoping and praying it all goes well. I'm on the borderline of a mental break down. No biggie. Let me just go cry and whatnot. I'm trying to handle this all the best I can, because I know it will all be over soon.
This week we had to nominate our favorite portfolio's and storybooks. Of course I already had a great idea of which I really liked. So, that wasn't too hard to do. Everyone has grown so much and their writing skills have improved as the semester progressed. It is kind of cool to see the growth everyone was exhibiting.


On a brighter note, that Bedlam game! PHEW!!! How freaking exciting was that! That was one of the main reasons I didn't get much done last night! Boomer!

Portfolio Index

The Tale of Roman and Sophia - Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fall in love with a stranger at first glance?

Padma and the Black Lake - Even in the wizarding world, childhood tales find a way into Padma's mind and in a way she didn't imagine...

Shikhandi & Bhishma: A Tale of Revenge: Revenge is never instantaneous. It can always come in the most unexpected of ways.

A Telling of Tales in Gryffindor Tower: A cold winter night can bring us close to the fire for some much needed bonding.

Parvati: Hopelessly Devoted to Shiva - The feeling of unrequited love can hurt more than anything, but the heart wants what it wants.

Week 13 Storytelling -- Parvati: Hopelessly Devoted to Shiva

Parvati and Shiva
Image Source: Flickr

*Below there is a video embedded to kind of add to the ambiance you could say. :) *


   This couldn't be happening to her, not after she felt some sort of spark with him. That look he gave her was unmistakable, and it wasn't just her imagination running wild. Lord Shiva looked at her with a tender love when their eyes met, and it was magical. But, just as quickly, that look vanished and was replaced with fury and Parvati could not understand why. Did she offend him? Was he upset for setting his eyes on someone that he felt was below him? She desperately wanted to know why he wouldn't let her in. Why did Shiva push these feelings away if they were in fact there? So many questions ran through Paravati's head as she stood rooted to the very spot where Shiva stormed off without saying a word to her. She stood there until her father came to the grove for his daily visit and asked her why she looked so defeated and confused. Without a word, Parvati simply embraced her father with such sadness and vulnerability that he simply brought her home. She ran to her room and sat in her favorite spot, the window sill overlooking the beautiful mountains. They were bathed in moonlight and the stars seemed dim, mirroring her spirits. Parvati began to softly sing, her voice full of longing and sorrow,

"Guess mine is not the first heart broken

My eyes are not the first to cry

I'm not the first to know

There's just no getting over you

You know I'm just a fool who's willing

To sit around and wait for you

But, baby, can't you see

There's nothing else for me to do?

I'm hopelessly devoted to you

But, now there's nowhere to hide

Since you pushed my love aside

I'm out of my head

Hopelessly devoted to you

Hopelessly devoted to you

Hopelessly devoted to you

My head is saying, "Fool, forget him."

My heart is saying, "Don't let go.

Hold on till the end."

And that's what I intend to do

I'm hopelessly devoted to you."

   After a few days of self-pity and much needed venting to her dear mother, Parvati was struck with a huge sense of determination. She would win his heart if it was the last thing she did. It didn't matter if it took years, she would find a grove and win him with her everlasting devotion and penance. Parvati realized that it was not her exceptional beauty that would win Lord Shiva's love, but her inner beauty and devotion. She spoke with her father and asked him to give her a grove in which she would fast and pray without end. Her devotion to Lord Shiva would win his love. And she set off on her mission, which would last her for years, but would most defiantly bring her the reward she was seeking.

"Hopelessly Devoted to You" by Olivia Newton John

From the movie "Grease" 

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Author's Note: Not going to lie, I had a serious case of writer's block. Seriously. It wasn't until Hopelessly Devoted to You by the amazing Olivia Newton John came on my Pandora station at work. Did I mention I absolutely love the movie Grease? It clicked! In the comic Parvati Shiva, Parvati shows unwavering devotion to win Shiva's love and eventually it does work after being put to the test by Shiva in disguise. Parvati goes into deep prayer, penance and fasting until Lord Shiva comes disguised as a hermit and begins to bad mouth himself to Parvati and asks her to stop her prayer and penance. Parvati becomes annoyed and offended that this stranger would speak ill of her love and asks him to leave at once. Shiva reveals himself to Parvati and proclaims that she has won his love. Although a love like theirs was destined to happen, since it was foretold by an old sage that Parvati would belong to Lord Shiva eventually. Her father was told this shortly after their initial quest to find her a husband. Of course Parvati's father wanted nothing but they best so he decided to wait until the prophecy came true. Eventually, the King got tired of waiting and decided to take matters into his own hands. Parvati and a couple of her friends were brought to Lord Shiva and were offered into his service while he prayed. That is how Parvati began to fall in love with Lord Shiva and this story began to blossom!

Check out the comic at the site here!
It can also be found at the Bizzell for check out!

Reading Diary B - Ganesha: The Remover of All Obstacles

Comic Book Cover
Image Source: Blogger

• Parvati,Shiva's wife ordered an attendant to stand guard at the door of her palace while she took a bath.
• Shiva walked in and disregarded the attendant's pleas.
• Parvati was very annoyed that the attendant did not listen to her but Shiva was amused by her annoyance 
• Parvati spoke to her friends and the suggested that she get her own attendant so they may be loyal to her unconditionally.
• Parvati gathered a saffron paste and sculpted a boy out of it. She was pleased and blessed it and it came to life as her son, who promised her loyalty. 
• Parvati put the boy to watch the door and let no one in without her permission.
• Shiva did not know the boy and demanded to enter the home. The boy did not let him in and Shiva was furious after he smacked him in the shoulder with a staff. 
• Shiva called upon his own attendants to get the boy out of there. Parvati heard the ruckus and sent a friend to find out what was happening. 
• Parvati remembered that while the boy was now her son, Shiva was still her husband. But, still questioned why he was trying to force his way into the home and ordered her son to NOT stand down. 
• The attendants then began to wonder what to do, since Parvati was the wife of their lord they must also obey her orders. They reported to Shiva to ask what they should do. Shiva decided to have his men attack the boy, since he did not want to look like he was subservient to his wife. 
• With an iron club, the boy fought bravely and effectively. Many of Shiva's men fell and the rest ran away for their own sake. They boy took his place at his mother's door once again. 
• The gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Indra heard the commotion and went to help Lord Shiva. Brahma volunteered to go disguised as a brahman with sages in tow. As soon as the boy saw Brahma approach he went for the attack even though Brahma swore he came to make peace. 
• The sages told Shiva that the situation is too out of hand and the boy must be destroyed. Shiva sent for his son Kartikeya and Indra to lead men in war against the boy. The boy fought again bravely. 
• Parvati was furious that they were attacking her son in such a manner. In her anger she created two shaktis, Kali and Durga, whom she ordered to help her son. 
• Indra and his men were exasperated 
• They went back to Shiva and only had good things to say of the boy and his skills. 
• This angered Shiva and along with Vishnu they plotted to distract and kill the boy
• Kali and Durga gave him all their strength so Vishnu's weapons would not affect him. Shiva saw this battle and charged with his trident. but was blocked. 
• Shiva got his bow and was conquered yet again by the little iron club. 
• Vishnu came back and managed to fling his discus to cut the iron club in half. But the boy flung what was left at Vishnu. His flying bird caught it though. 
• Shiva came from behind as this was happening and beheaded the boy. 
• Shiva then remembered that he was Parvati's son and therefore his own son. 
• Parvati declared that her son's death was unjust and that they all would die 
• In her rage she made hundreds of thousands of Shaktis and ordered them to attack the gods and Shiva's men. 
• Fearing for their lives, they decided to appease Parvati
• She demanded her son be brought back to life and given a dignified status among the gods. 
• Vishnu and Indra told Shiva her conditions and he agreed, ordering them to bring back the head of the first animal they see and fit it on the boys body. He then would come back to life. 
• Parvati was only partially pleased with her new son until Shiva came forth and claimed him as his own as well. And with that, Shiva placed his hand on the elephant head and renamed him Ganesha. Ganesha would be worthy of worship forever, he proclaimed. 
• He will also be called "Vighneshwara", the queller of all obstacles. 

Reading Diary A: Shiva Parvati

The reference page for the comic, Shiva Parvati, can be found here!

Comic cover art
Image Source: Blogspot

•  Shiva's father in law was very rude to him, insulting whenever he got a chance
• Sati, Shiva's wife was so embarrassed that she ended up giving up her body
• After Sati's death, Shiva returned to the Himalayas to meditate. 
• Near where Shiva meditated lived a mountain king who married a beautiful nymph named Menaka, and they were very popular among their subjects
• The King and Queen had a daughter they named Parvati
• But, in reality Parvati was just Sati reincarnated. This time she could have a dad who was proud of her and not embarrass her like in her previous life.
• Parvati grew to be a gorgeous young lady, and her parents were already looking for a husband for her. A sage (named Narada) visited and told the King and Queen that Parvati would belong to none other than the mighty Lord Shiva
• Her father, Himavat wanted nothing but the best for her so he decided to not pursue Shiva and wait for the sage's prophecy to come true. 
• Himavat got impatient and decided to hurry the process by taking Parvati and a couple of her friends to attend to Shiva while he meditated and help him with his rituals. 
• Shiva gave his thanks for the thoughtful gesture and accepted the girls' help. 
• Parvati began to take care of many things for Shiva in great detail and went above and beyond to make sure he had all he needed. She began to fall in love with him. Her friends did the bare minimum. 
• In heaven, there was trouble. The gods led by Indra came to Brahma, and Brahma asked why they looked so saddened. 
• Taraka, the wicked asura, has become a big threat.
• terrorizing their people, seized heaven, destroyed gardens and have taken their women as slaves.
• The gods want a chief to lead them against Taraka and defeat them.
• Brahma could not find a way to help, because Brahma had given him a boon in the past so he could not be destroyed.
• He remembered that Shiva was destined to marry Parvati, so he promised that the first son born to them after their wedding would be their war lord and kill Taraka
• Brahma went to Kama, the God of Love and asked for his help in rushing the process of Shiva falling in love with Parvati. 
• Kama and his wife Rati went to try to get Shiva to fall in love with Parvati
• As soon as Kama approached Shiva he had seconds thoughts, then saw Parvati's beauty and got his confidence back
• Overcome with thanks, Shiva proclaimed that Parvati would be blessed with a husband that loves no one but she
• Kama shot an arrow and it hit Shiva, he momentarily had loving thoughts of Parvati, then composed himself. 
• Full of rage that someone dare disturb his peaceful soul. He looked upon Kama and he was burnt to ashes.
• Rati fainted with one look at him. 
• Shiva left without looking at Parvati and she felt grief and shame. She saw her father approach and she ran to him.
• Parvati and her father returned home with sadness. Rati awoke in great sadness for the loss of her husband. A voice told her that Kama would return to her on Shiva and Parvati's wedding day. 
• Parvati was determined to win over Shiva in penance and devotion if he did not appreciate her beauty. She asked her parents to grant her permission and a grove to spend her days in penance and prayer. They consented. She shed any fine material belongings and went to the grove. 
• She ate very little or next to nothing and slept on the cold damp ground. Hermits would come to watch and marvel at her. 
• "She is aparna" *lady of the unbroken fast*
• She would sit in a pool of icy water and preform her rituals. This happened for years and eventually a hermit came to see her, questioning how someone with such a small frame could handle such dedication. He dedication and penance had enhanced her beauty. 
• The hermit promised her half his merits if she would just give up and go home. He said that only the lonely and torn by grief take on such a life. If only she would explain her reasoning. 
• Parvati had her friend explain to the hermit why she led such a life. 
• "Oh holy one it is true! I adore great Shiva. I am sure that I will win his love by penance and devotion."
• The hermit went to speak ill of Shiva, and Parvati's anger flared until she could no longer keep it in.
• "It takes a great soul to know a great soul!"
• "Low creatures can never understand lofty motives. Your tongue gives away your evil mind!"
• "Shiva neither impresses no is impressed by outward appearances. His values are different from yours."
• "His failings may be many and his virtues few, but I love him"
• She asked her friends to make the hermit leave. Before Parvati turned to leave he blocked her path and revealed himself to be Shiva
• Shiva declared that she had won him with her words and devotion and Parvati stated that her father must be asked for her hand. Shiva called upon the seven Rishis and acknowledged that his first born son would be their war lord, and to call upon Himavat for Parvati's hand in marriage. 
• The wedding took place. The gods requested that Kama be restored to Rati, and it was so. The gods reminded Shiva, after a few years, of their need for a son to be born to both he and Parvati. Shiva gave them a seed and said that when the seed was ripe a child emerge and give them what they want.
• The seed was so hot it was unbearable and had to be taken to the Ganga river to be cooled off. As soon as the seed was in the river it made the river bubble and the seed was thrown to the shore. Nymphs found it and placed it near some Shara grass. 
• Kartikeya was then born at that moment. The nymphs, Ganga (in the form of a woman), and the gods appeared to try to claim the child with six faces. Shiva and Parvati appeared and picked up the child and carried it back to Mount Kailas.
• Fast forward a a few years and Kartikeya grew up and led the gods in a fierce battle against the evil Taraka and defeated him. 
• Indra was restored to the throne and happiness came to heaven yet again. 

Reading Diary A: Pattanaik Video - Ganesha's Secret

I have watched one of the suggested videos for this reading diary! 

7 Secrets from Hindu Calendar Art - Chapter 1 Ganesha's Secret (Video Link)

There is also a reading guide and that can be found HERE

Ganesha Painting at Temple in Bhadrachalam
Image Source: Wikimedia

• Shiva - a mountain mentacant
• Parvati - Shiva's wife, a mountain princess
• Ganesha - Son of Shiva; head of an elephant
• Kartikeya - Son of Shiva: holds spear, rides peacock
• One day the family was visited by a sage, who loved to cause trouble and pranks
• He offered a mango to the best son
• Shiva could not decide which was the best so at Parvati's suggestion, he told them the first to race around the world thrice would be the winner
• Kartikeya traveled around the literal world while Ganesha did nothing. 
• When Kartikeya was close to finishing his third round, Ganesha hurriedly ran around his parents and declared himself the winner. 
• Ganesha traveled around HIS world, while Kartikeya went around THE world
• Ganesha asked "which world matters more?"
• "Myth is an idea churned in my world; mythology is a set of stories, symbols, and rituals that communicate a myth"
• To anyone who is not used to Hinduism or just Indian culture in general, images such a the above are dissected way to in depth. 
• Shiva is a god, not god
• When he shuts his eyes the world is said to end. 
• This is why he is called the destroyer. 
• He is considered  God because of this
• gods of lesser status are spelled with a lower case (g).
• "Parvati is a Goddess because she embodies the whole range of emotions from fear to love, from domination to affection, while Ganga, the river who spouts out from Shiva's topknot, is a goddess, her divinity restricted to the river she embodies"
• Vishnu - pan Hindu God
• a king who reclines on the coils of a serpent that floats on the ocean of milk
• Vishnu's wives
• Shri and Bhu - goddesses of wealth and Earth
• Vishnu came to Earth to look for one of his wives after a fight
• Ended up falling in love with Padmavati
• Princess of land located in the shadow of seven hills
• She agreed to marry him in exchange for a huge bridal prince
• Vishnu took out a loan from Kubera
• Kubera is the treasurer of the Goddess Shri
• As long as Vishnu is in debt, he cannot come back to his heavenly abode
• He stays on top of the seven hills in the form of Tirupati Balajii
• Devotees offer great wealth to help him repay his depth
• Parrot and lotus are associated with Kama - the Hindu cupid
• Hindu mythology is similar to Greek mythology, but Greek mythology is DIFFERENT form Hindu mythology.
• Greeks did not believe in God, but had gods and goddesses
• The gods of Greek mythology became masters of the universe by overthrowing the Titans, an earlier race of powerful beings, who in turn had become powerful by overcoming giants
• Ganesha again
• Removes obstacles and brings luck
• god worshiped before one starts a project
• Elephant is a strong animal with no natural enemy
• Fat belly implies an abundance of food and less work, prosperity affluence
• Rat is Ganesha's pet
• symbolizes the problems of life
• Ganesha represents a life full of power and prosperity

Storytelling Week 11: Hanuman Meets Sita

Hanuman and Sita in Ravana's garden
Image Source: Flickr

Hanuman was standing at the edge of the cliff. Across the turbulent grey waters was the vast island where the city of Lanka stood. Hanuman took a few steps back and made the mighty leap across the sea. The wind almost seemed to cradle his feet and prolong the leap until he landed on the rocky shores of Lanka. Once he entered the city limits he could not help but marvel at the beauty of the city and its inhabitants. How could a city ruled by such a ferocious rakshasa be so full of riches and glamour? 

Hanuman wandered the city until the found the palace walls. He was sure the lovely Sita was within those walls. He scaled the large wall and found himself in the garden. Being sure to stay out of sight he saw a raven haired maiden sitting under a large willow tree. He face was the epitome of sadness. 

Not to startle her he slowly approached her but stayed a safe distance away from her. She looked up at him and said "You can tell Ravana that I am not going to move from this spot. No matter how many servants he sends for me. I cannot sleep or eat while I am away from my dear husband. I refused any sort of nourishment until I am reunited with him once more. Go now! Leave me be."

Hanuman looked at her with sympathy and said "Dear lady, I am not one of Ravana's servants. I was sent here to assure Rama that you are safe within these walls. He will be coming soon to defend your honor. Do not worry any longer. Your beloved is coming for you. Here, this ring was also sent for you so you know my words are true. Do you recognize it?" 

Sita looked at the ring Hanuman placed in her open palm and let out a small gasp. Her eyes were filled with emotion and she whispered "This is Rama's ring. You must be telling the truth! How else could you have gotten this? Thank you so much for this small trinket that has filled me with so much hope."

With a small smile and a bow, Hanuman snuck out of the garden and into the city. He had another task at hand.  It was time to provoke his capture so he may be brought before the so called mighty Ravana to convey Rama's request for piece. If Ravana agreed to return what wasn't his then no war would come to this city. And if he didn't, then he would regret ever setting his eyes on the bride of Rama. 

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Author's Note: 

I was struck with the idea for this after reading the comic Rama: Retold From the Ramayana by Amar Chitra Katha. I wanted to focus more on Hanuman's trip into Lanka to make sure Sita was not harmed. It must have been a lovely moment for Sita to have some sort of reassurance in such a dark time. This story does follow the actual plot very closely I just figured it could use more dialogue and detail than the comic provided. 

Reading Diary B - Gandhari: A Mother Blinded by Love

For my second reading diary I chose the comic by Amar Chitra Katha

Gandhari: A Mother Blinded by Love (the reading guide is linked here)

Cover of the comic
Image Source: Blogger

• Princess Ghandari is the daughter of King Subala of Gandhara.
• Gandhari was VERY devout, always submitting to rigorous fasting and penance and prayer
• She is visited by Lord Shiva who promises her a hundred sons for her great devotion.
• Later the king receives a marriage proposal from Bheeshma on behalf of King Dhritarashtra.
• Gandhari's father contemplates the pros and cons. The only set back is the fact that Dhritarashtra is blind. 
• King Subala accepts the marriage proposal. 
• Gandhari feels it is unfair for her to not share in her future husband's lack of sight so she decided to tie a silk scarf around her eyes much to her father's confusion. 
• Gandhari's brother, Shakuni escorted her to her new home. 
• Gandhari and Dhritarashtra were married. Bheeshma and Dhirtarashtra's brothers, Pandu and Vidura were present at the ceremony
• Gandhari was an amazing wife.
• Vyasa came to the palace for a visit in need of rest and food. 
• He saw that Gandhari was an ideal woman and granted her one hundred sons. 
• Many months passed and Gandhari had yet to give birth. Eventually King Pandu's wife, Kunti, gave birth before she did. Her son was to be named Yudhishtira. 
• Eventually Gandhari did give birth but to a lifeless child with no form. 
• The king and queen were questioning why Vyasa would not keep his promise to give her a hundred sons
• Vyasa called for cool water and also sensed that Gandhari also wished for a daughter. 
• The lifeless child split itself into a hundred and one parts. 
• Each part was put into a separate jar and were not to be opened for two years.
• After two years Gandhari opened the jars and found all the princes and one princess. 
• The eldest son was to be named Duryodhana. 
• His cry sounded like that of a donkey, which was a very bad omen. 
• The King was warned that his child would be the death of everyone if he was not abandoned. Gandhari refused to do so.
• Later on Dhritarashtra's brother, Pandu, died so his widow Kunti came back with her five sons
• Yudhishthira
• Arujuna
• Bhima
• Nakula
• Sahadeva
• The cousins had a great hostility grow between them. 
• Duryodhana tried to poison and down Bhima!!! 
• Gandhari refused to believe this.
• Years passed and Yudhishthira was crowned heir-apparent
• the Kaurava brothers disagreed with this decision, but everyone else agreed for his father, Pandu had gained most of the kingdom.
• Duryodhana tried to burn the Pandavas house out of spite
• The Pandavas escaped and married Draupadi, the Panchala princess. Dhritarashtra gave the Pandava built a new impressive capital called Indraprastha.
• In a game of dice, Duryodhana and Shakuni took everything from the Pandavas and even tried to humiliate Draupadi by stripping her of her robes.
• Gandhari was in disbelief of what her son was capable of.
• Jackals and large birds cried out, yet again a really bad omen.
• Gandhari finally came to terms that her son is evil. She realized that love has literally blinded her to his actions. 
• Gandhari begged her husband to please let the Pandavas have their freedom. He agreed. 
• Dhritarashtra granted Draupadi a wish since she had been wronged. 
• Draupadi asked for her husbands' kingdom to be returned.
• The Pandavas' were challenged to another dice game, they lost and were forced to go into exile for thirteen years in the forest and the fourteenth year would be incognito. If they were found they would serve another thirteen years.
• After their exile, the Pandavas prepared to battle.
• After the fierce battle, none of Gandhari's sons survived. 
• Gandhari met with the Pandavas and asked them why they didn't even spare one of her sons. 
• The Pandavas asked her for forgiveness.

Reading Diary A - Rama: Retold From the Ramayana

Picture of the comic book
Rama: Retold From the Ramayana
Image Source: Blogspot

For my first reading diary I chose to revisit the Ramayana in this short condensed comic book version of the epic! It is available in the Bizzell for three hours at a time.

The reading guide for this comic can be found HERE.

• Rama, Laxmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna are the sons of Dasharatha, who rules over the city of Ayodhya.
• Rama's mother was Queen Kaushalya
• Bharata's mother was Queen Kaikeyi
• Laxmana and Shatrughna were born from Queen Sumitra. 
• The skill Rama has with his bow and arrow gained him a reputation across the land
• This drew the attention of Sage Vishwamitra
• Demons have been disturbing him during his prayers
• With their father's permission, the brothers were allowed to venture out with Vishwamitra to help him tackle the demons who have been disturbing him. 
• In the jungle they see the demoness Takata.
• After a long battle she was defeated by Rama.
• After her death, more and more demons came to battle
• Rama's sea of arrows slayed them all 
• After a few days it was decided that they would go see the swayamvara of Princess Sita, daughter of Raja Janaka
• King Janaka proclaimed that whomsoever succeeded in stringing Shiva's bow will win his daughter's hand in marriage.
• A great number of men attempted but failed
• Rama lifted the bow with ease and broke it with his great strength.
• Princess Sita was very pleased that Rama won her hand
• The news of Rama's upcoming nuptials reached his home city of Ayodhya and his father had a great procession arrive to see the marriage to Sita
• After a while, Rama's father felt it was time to hand over his kingdom to Rama, for he was getting too old.
• Everyone was happy except Queen Kaikeyi's maid Manthara, who decided to put dangerous idea's in Kaikeyi's head making her turn on Rama. 
• She now believed the crown should go to HER son instead of Rama, for fear that Rama will convert he into a slave
• Kaikeyi recalled that the King promised her two wishes and she thought that she should use them to have the King exile Rama into the forest for 14 years and make her son Bharata King in his place
• After seeing he dismay the King asked Kaikeyi why she was so upset
• Kaikeyi made her wishes clear to the king
• The king fell to the ground in agony, hurt by Kaikeyi's wishes
• Rama heard of his father's (really Kaikeyi's wishes) and promised to honor them with out a doubt.
• Sita and Laxmana came with Rama during his 14 year exile.
• Back home in Ayodhya, Dasharatha died remembering his son Rama.
• Bharata was was his uncle's when this all happened and demanded his mother tell him all that happened
• Kaikeyi spills the beans and Bharata is VERY upset. Sets out to find Rama and try to fix the mess that his mother made
• Bharata brings an entourage with him to try to convince Rama to come back.
• Rama refused t break his promise to his father. 
• Bharata states he cannot rule the kingdom is Rama refuses to come back. He takes Rama's sandals so they may represent him while he is gone in exile
• After this, a beautiful woman named Shoorpanakha saw Rama and sought to marry him and win his love
• Rama kindly refused and stated that he was married, but offered up his brother.
•  Shoorpanakha transformed into a horrible demon and rushed to attack Sita
• Laxmana chopped off he nose and ears in Sita's defense
• Shoorpanakha ran to her cousins, Khar and Dooshan for help.
• They came with an army of demons but were easily defeated
• Later Shoorpanakha came to Ravana, the ten headed demon king of Lanka, her brother for help
• Ravana had his uncle morph into a golden deer to lure Rama away from Sita so he may kidnap her.
• The plan worked and Sita asked Rama for the golden deer. The deer assumed a human voice and faked being Rama calling out for Laxmana's help. 
• The plan worked, with Ravana coming to kidnap Sita after Laxmana went off to "help" Rama.
• Sita cried out for help and Jatayu, the vulture, came to help her. He was struck down by Ravana and found by Rama
• Rama found Surgreeva, brother of the monkey king Vali, and his minister Hanuman.
• Rama promised that with their aid in finding Sita, he would help Surgreeva overthrow his brother Vali, who has stolen his wife.
• Rama killed Vali and Surgreeva was now on the throne
• Surgreeva commanded Hanuman to go search for Sita; Rama gives him a ring to give to Sita so she will know who sent Hanuman
• Hanuman eventually found Sita and gave her the ring. Hanuman explained that Rama would be coming for her soon.
• Before leaving Hanuman killed demons and brought to the attention of Ravana that Rama would be coming to proclaim his bride
• They tried to set fire to his tail but he escaped, after using the burning tale to set fire to Lanka.
• Rama came to Lanka with a huge army of monkeys, bears, and others. Rama ended up defeating Rama and taking back Sita
• Previously Rama sent Hanuman to speak with Ravana about returning Sita and making peace. Ravana obviously refused, which lead to his downfall. 
• After this, Rama was to rule over Lanka and went back to his home city to rule as well. 

Storytelling Week 10: A Telling of Tales in Gryffindor Tower



"Lava and Kishu engage in battle with Lakshmana"
Image Source: Wikipedia

It was a snowy winter evening and everyone was returning to their respective common rooms after dinner. It was a tiring day for the Patil twins. They had spent their entire Saturday in the little town of Hogsmead which lies within walking distance from the castle. They made their way up to the Gryffindor common room and after changing their clothes for more comfortable pajamas they went to sit in the big red armchairs nearest the warm flame.

In the chairs across from them sat Harry and Ron. It seemed as though they were discussing children's tales from both the magical and non-magical world. This piqued their interest and both Padma and Parvati looked at each other with a small smile. They've had their fair share of epic stories told to them since they were small children.

"...But you must have heard about Babbitty Rabbity and her Cackling Stump! That one was one of my favorites from the Beedle and the Bard. Mum used to read that book every night. I mean when I was a little kid of course!" Ron blushed slightly at the last remark.

"I haven't heard of that story. Hardly any to be honest. Just whatever I heard in grade school. Muggles have this book of tales by the Grimm brothers. And of course my aunt and uncle weren't going to read me stories. They liked to pretend I didn't exist at all," Harry said with a smirk.

"I bet you boys have never heard about the sons of Rama, Luv and Kush," the twins interjected in unison.

"Who asked you, Patil! We were having a private conversation!" Ron huffed and looked away.

"Don't get your wand in a knot, Weasley. You were speaking loud enough that I'm sure that we could be heard up in the dormitories!" Padma rolled her eyes.

"Are these magical tales?" Harry asked with curiosity.

"No, these are just traditional Indian epics that play a huge part in our culture. Padma and I would listen to them since we were small. As a matter of fact, our Mum sent us a few books that contain a collection of the stories. Of course our favorite involves a pair of twin brothers for obvious reasons." Parvati smiled at Harry after shooting Ron an annoyed glance.

"Go on! Let's hear it then!" Ron muttered under his breath.

"Okay, well, there was a king named Rama, who ruled over the kingdom of Ayodhya. All his subjects were very happy and prosperous under his rule. He was a gracious king who always sought to fix problems that any one of his subjects may have. He had a lovely wife named Sita, who ruled at his side."

As Padma began the story more and more of the occupants in the room began to listen attentively, some even coming closer to the twins and sitting on the huge rug by the fireplace.

"One day one of Rama's men came to report something that he had heard while on patrol. He heard a man berate his wife and state that he could never be a fool like Rama and allow his wife to stay after she had lived with another man. This news troubled Rama. Did his subjects see him as a fool? Should he send his wife away into exile even though she was to give birth soon? He decided that it would be for the best interest of his subjects and sent his brother Laxmana to take Sita far away. Laxmana did as he was told with a heavy heart. Sita eventually found her way through the jungle to a hermitage occupied by a man named Maharshi Valmiki. He took her in and she lived peacefully. Here she gave birth to Rama's twin sons, Luv and Kush. Maharshi Valmiki educated them to the best of his ability. They grew up incredibly strong and healthy. Maharshi Valmiki told the twins of all the adventures of Rama since they could speak, of course without revealing that their mother Sita played a large role in many of these tales. Instead they replaced her name with 'Vaidehi' since Sita is from a place called Videha. After hearing that Rama sent his wife into exile only because of some town gossip, the twins grew sad and always wondered what happened to this poor woman.

One particular day, the twins captured a pristine white horse that belonged to Rama. This horse was to be used for the very important horse sacrifice that took place every year. Laxmana saw the horse and demanded the twins return it at once. After they argued back and forth, a group of Rama's men confronted the twins in battle and clearly Kush and Luv were the victors. Rama then sent Laxmana to personally battle them. Laxmana fell to Luv and Kush's bow and arrows. Eventually, filled with curiosity, Rama went to see for himself these children who could defeat so many men. Once the twins were in front of Rama he demanded to know who their parents were. Kush and Luv only spoke of their mother, Sita. Rama blanched at the name and asked the twins to lead them back to their mother. He could not believe it! Right in front of him was his wife. The wife he sent away because of mere gossip. Humbled, he realized that these incredible twin boys were his own sons. He begged Sita to forgive him, but she was overcome with humiliation and grief and pleaded with Mother Earth to take her back into the Earth from which she was born. Saddened yet pleased to have met his sons, Rama took them back with him to Ayodhya to take their place as princes of the land."

Everyone in the room looked as though they were hanging onto every word that came out of Padma's lips.

"Bloody hell, that was alright!" Ron said sheepishly.

Padma and Parvati were flocked with questions from the other students about all the tales they knew. It was a very good way to end their night to say the least.


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Author's Note:
Phew! I had been playing around with the idea of the Patil twins kind of being storytellers and decided to use a comic book to bring it together. Of course the tale of Rama's twin sons has a little more detail in it but in order to meet the word limit (I finished at 999 words!) I had to kind of make to where I didn't delve into a lot of detail. Some things in the original tale also had a lot of background information as we all know. It was very difficult for me to try to do the story they were telling any sort of justice all while keeping the integrity of the plot. There is a lot more dialogue between the characters which makes gives the story more depth. The comic is most definitely worth the read and will give you another look at what became of Rama's twin sons other than what told in the Ramayana. I personally read the condensed modern version by Narayan and it didn't go into very much detail pertaining to the twins after Sita's exile.  Or, I should say, as much as I would have liked.

I based this story of a comic book that can be found in the Bizzell!

The Sons of Rama: Luv and Kush -- The Invincible Twins (Volume 503) by Amar Chitra

Reading Diary A: The Sons of Rama: Luv and Kush — The Invincible Twins

I decided to read one of the comic books available in the library --
The Sons of Rama: Luv and Kush — The Invincible Twins

This comic book is available for reserve in the Bizzell!

"Lava and Kusa, the sons of Rama"
Image Source: Wikipeda

• Rama was the king of Ayodhya.
• His citizens were happy and very privileged under his rule
• Rama along with his brothers, would visit his subjects and help them with their troubles or just listen to them.
• Every morning his men give his reports
• One morning though one of the men brought embarrassing news to Rama
• A man was beating his wife and compared her to Sita, saying that HE would never allow a woman who lived with another in his household like Rama did.
• Rama felt embarrassed and was conflicted about sending Sita away since she would give birth soon but he did it for his "people"
• Rama sent his brother Laxmana to take Sita into the jungle and abandon her there
• He did as he was told, with a heavy heart
• As Sita was left alone she encountered a snake
• Maharshi Valmiki appeared and told her not to worry about the snakes for they were his. 
• He took her to his hermitage
• Sita stayed there and even gave birth to her twin sons there.
• The twin brothers, Luv and Kush grew up strong and healthy
• Maharshi Valmiki personally made sure they were educated properly
• they were taught to use arms in the best way
• They were also told the story of Rama without revealing that his wife was infact their mother Sita
• Sita's name was replaced with "Vaidehi" and the twins could not help but feel sympathy for her once they were told that Rama banished her because of what a launderer said.
• They always wondered what became of Rama's wife not knowing that it was none other than their mother
• Back at the palace Rama was getting ready for the Yajuna (Ashwamedha Yajuna)
• Rama, saddened that Sita couldn't be there contemplated having his brother go look for her but feared what his people would say so he used a golden statue of her instead. 
• The horse to be used was magnificent, and there were many armies that came to watch and prepared to fight for Rama if need be
• The horse was let loose after having the golden leaf placed upon his head
• No king dared to stop the horse and and accepted Rama's conquer. 
• The twins saw the pristine horse and decided to catch it 
• One of Rama's soldiers came up to the boys and demanded that the horse be set free. They refused and a battle broke out
• One of the generals raced back to Rama and spoke of two invincible children who have fooled them. 
• They ended up defeated one of his strongest soldiers
• Flustered, Rama sent his brother to capture the two boys and bring them back to him
• Laxmana took a whole army with him and declared his loyalty to Rama 
• Kish shot an arrow at Laxman's helmet and knocked it right off.
• Kush amd Laxmana went into deep battle 
• Kush was wounded eventually.
• Luv challenged him to a duel since he was pissed
• Laxman had fallen at Luv's hands
• Rama was very upset when he heard that Laxman had fallen. 
• He sent his other brother Bharata to go check up on the boys along with the monkies for battle.
• Hanuman also joined the fight
• An arrow from the twins struck Hanuman's mace and the monkey army went wild. 
• Their armies also fell and they raced back to tel rama
• Rama arrived and asked their origins
• Luv and Kush said they dont know their father but know that Sita was their mother
• RAMA FAINTS
• Luv and Kush was the rest of the army at their mercy, they took Rama's crown while he was passed out
• They took the crown to Sita to show her what they had done and Valmiki brought Luv and Kush to meet Rama and explain that they are his sons
• Valmiki asked Rama to take Sita back, and Rama did not look to certain.
• Already embarrassed, Sita pleaded with Mother Earth to take her if she is pure
• The Earth opened and swallowed her whole. The twins were distraught.
• Rama hugged his sons and brought them back to his kingdom

Reading Feedback Week 9

Scene from Peter Brook's stage play Mahabharata, circa 1985
Image Source: Wikipedia

For this week I finished up watching Peter Brook's film adaptation of the Mahabharata. A couple weeks ago I chose the option of watching the first two and a half hours of this movie. I thoroughly enjoyed it for our free choice I opted to watch the second half of the movie. The film itself is five hours long. It is available for viewing at the Bizzell or it can also be viewed on YouTube, which I found to be very convenient. I opted to watch it on YouTube. It does seem long but I did some more research and found that the original version of this adaptation was a screen play that ened up being a total of NINE hours long. I highly recommend watching this film if you want to have a broader idea of the imagery for the Mahabharata. I couldn't really imagine how the war scenes played out so watching it in film really helped me out and I feel like I understand the story a lot better now. The film gives more detail on certain episodes of the tale so that was a plus. I really enjoyed this film and I feel like everyone else will too!


The film can be seen on YouTube here

Week 9 Review

Growth Mindset Meme
Image Source: Blogger

I always enjoy the weekly growth mindset cat memes posted on the announcement blog page! So here is one I found from this week! 

Enjoy and chive on! 

The growth mindset meme blog post can be found here

Storytelling Week 9 -- Shikhandi and Bhishma: A Tale of Revenge

Bhishma refuses to fight Shikhandi
Image source: Wikipedia

     It seemed everyone was in a deep slumber after the exhausting battle earlier that day. And a cloaked figure moved within the camp in the dead of night. No sound was made. Not even the rustling of leaves or the low howl of the wind disturbed the night. One lone man was awake during this eerily quiet night. He felt the dark figure approach his tent and he already knew who was coming for him. Without turning around he addressed the lurking shadow.

"I knew you'd come for me again, Amba. You've been hunting for me in every nook and crevice of the Earth. I've been waiting for you every night since you swore to destroy me."

The small cloaked figure stopped and removed her hood. Amba slowly walked towards Bhishma and stopped in front of him. Her eyes were downcast and void of any emotion. 

"I have wandered this Earth for years now. I've survived on nothing but air. I've stood still on a mountain top for over a decade on one toe, waiting for the voice of  a god to give me guidance. I became brittle and hard like rock. Eventually I became ice and snow upon that mountain top. I heard a voice advise me to gather wood and start a fire, and so I did as I was told. Once the flames looked like they could graze the tops of the clouds I submerged myself into the flames. I felt the flames burn my skin until I could feel no more pain. I no longer pertain to the living, Bhishma. That is one of the things I came to tell you. I am dead."

Bhishma looked at Amba with curiosity. After a few seconds curiosity turned into amusement. With a smile Bhishma said, "Does that mean that your desire to destroy me is extinguished? Have you finally done away with that resentment you hold for me? Will you finally allow yourself to be at peace?"

Amba's eyes momentarily showed a spark of anger as she looked up at Bhishma. She shook her head and with a small smile said, "I can never be at peace until I get what I desire the most, Bhishma. And as you know all I want is to exact revenge for what you have done to me. I may be dead but I will return to battle you in this great war. I will be reborn and return as a man. I will drive Arjuna's chariot and battle you until you are no more. My name will be Shikhandi and I will be your downfall. Remember that name, Bhishma. Shikhandi!"

As soon as the last word left her lips she faded away and with that the eerie silence of the night went with her. A soft breeze returned to graze Bhishma's face and the rustling of leaves could finally be heard and the chirping of crickets softly filled the night. He sat contemplating his encounter with Amba with great concentration until the rising of the sun. 

----

Later that day, amidst the chaos of battle the thought of Amba left his mind as he fought against the Pandavas' soldiers. It wasn't until he saw a chariot coming towards him that he recognized Arjuna and another man in it. He couldn't recognize this young man but he looked an awful lot like...Amba.

"Shikhandi", he whispered. 

Everything around Bhishma seemed to move in slow motion. He couldn't bring himself to raise his arms against someone who once used to be a woman. To him that was Amba and he wouldn't dare strike her in battle. Bhishma saw Arjuna yell at Shikhandi to strike him with an arrow. With no will to defend himself or even deflect the incoming arrow, he saw Shikhandi shoot the arrow that would bring him his death. 

"This is it....." he uttered as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

And with that he felt the arrow piece his very heart and the world faded into black. 

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Author's Note:

What I liked about Peter Brook's film Mahabharata is that it goes a little more in detail about Amba's role in Bhishma's death in comparison to Narayan's Mahabharata. Perhaps in the online version of the Mahabharata it went into more detail but in the shortened modern version that I decided to read it didn't. Amba set out to seek revenge for Bhishma's refusal to marry her. She sought to marry him after the man she really intended to marry turned her away after she was won by Bhishma for Vichitravirya. Her true love felt like he would see Bhishma's wrath if he married Amba, even though Bhishma had set her free to do as she pleased. With Bhishma's refusal to marry her due to his vow of celibacy, Amba was destined to roam the world as an unmarried woman. She traveled the world for years and attempted to get many kings to champion her cause with no success for they feared having Bhishma as an enemy. In the film she comes to him in the dead of night during the war to tell him that she would be reborn as a man and be the death of him. I decided to expand on this scene and made a story out of it.

Peter Brook's film Mahabharata was released in 1989 can be seen via YouTube here.

Fun Fact:
The film was originally a stage play which circulated in 1985 and was a total of over 9 hours long!