Week 12 Reading Diary B: Rasalu and Hunter

Raja Rasalu and the Hunter: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/07/raja-rasalu-hunter-swynnerton.html

The king plays music in order to lure in game, and then shoots and kiils them? This sounds like an old-world version of a deer feeder.

It seems like in most of these stories, there is some type of condition. And it is this condition that makes the entire story so interesting – let’s see what is in store here.

And now all of the conditions set forth are being broken. I can’t say that I didn’t see this coming.

This scene of the dying buck is so terrible!

And now the doe wishes to take her own life??

And now the two fawn die as well?? Wow. This can’t possibly get any worse, can it?

This story of the hunter is not what I expected; it is much more somber.

 

                                                                         Hunter's Prize

Week 12 Reading Diary A: Prince Rasalu

Raja Rasalu: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/07/myth-folklore-unit-raja-rasalu.html

The King and his two queens: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/07/raja-rasalu-how-he-was-born-steel.html

The king has two queens? Hmm… polygamy.

Wow, this story went south very very fast ha ha.

And now the prince has the ability to perform miracles! Wow.

So now the Raja Salbahan is going to come face to face with the son he attempted to have massacred? This seems to spell for quite a dramatic ending.

Why would Lona eat the grain of rice if she was forewarned of the events that would ensue?

How Raja Rasalu Was Born: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/07/raja-rasalu-young-rasalu-jacobs.html

He and his equine must grow and develop some sort of special relationship. I can’t imagine growing up with a horse, a parrot, and no other children.

 

                                                                          Prince and Pal

See! That is what happens when kids are rendered in isolation.

Raja Rasalu: How He Killed the Giants: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/07/raja-rasalu-how-he-killed-giants-steel.html

Rasalu will serve as a tribute? This sounds familiar… Hunger Games?

The giants have the heads of… cows? Odd.

 

 

Week 11 Reading Diary B: Siddhartha's Conversion

Siddhartha Leaves: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/05/life-of-buddha-siddhartha-leaves.html

“…but companions and friends desert us when it is the path of holiness we would take.” This seems to describe some people who I know to the tee.

Siddhartha the Hermit: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/05/life-of-buddha-siddhartha-hermit.html

It is only fitting that Siddhartha takes the warrior horse to go and perform the noblest act.

 Does this have some connection to the power that humans have over animals or what? It seems like, for the most part, animals are gentle beings that are molded by the actions of their owners.

Gopa and Suddhodana Grieve: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/05/life-of-buddha-gopa-and-suddhodana.html

It is understandable that all wallowed at the news of Siddhartha’s departure.

Why is it that Kanthaka died? Could this be foreshadowing of more deaths to come?

The Tree of Knowledge: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/05/life-of-buddha-tree-of-knowledge.html

Hmm… five dreams? This must represent something significant.

Those were some STRANGE dreams.

Ahh – this describes the image that must associate with “Buddha.” He is seated with legs crossed and is facing towards the east.

Tree of Knowledge

Week 11 Reading Diary A: Life of Buddha

The Life of Buddha: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/05/myth-folklore-unit-life-of-buddha.html

Maya’s Dream: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/05/life-of-buddha-mayas-dream.html

I wonder what the significance, if any, is of the six tusks.

So was Maya always a queen? I didn’t see anything indicating that she was.

I find it to be a bit peculiar that king Suddhodana distributed food and drink upon hearing of the good news. Is this custom in their culture?

Well, it seems like the earth is certainly joyous at the impending birth of Buddha.

Asita’s Prediction: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/05/life-of-buddha-asitas-prediction.html

This collection of stories has been quite metaphorical – I suppose there is no better way to tell it.

Siddhartha at the temple: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/05/life-of-buddha-siddhartha-at-temple.html

It sounds like the land was quite merry in the land of Kapilavastu.

So prince Siddhartha was raised by his aunt? Interesting!

Siddhartha’s First Meditation: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/05/life-of-buddha-siddharthas-first.html

So there is a connection between Rama and prince Siddhartha – Visvamitra. This must have been quite a special teacher.

So, was it prophesied that someone would become “the Buddha?”       

The First Encounter: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/05/life-of-buddha-first-encounter.html

It was intended that Siddhartha would never see the infirmities of the world – this seems odd.

 

                                                                  A Young Prince

Week 10 Reading Diary B: Yudhistira Talks

Yudhistira opened up chapter thirteen with a statement that resonated with me, it was this: “Is it worth all this conflict?” Do these two mighty empires need to go to battle? What will they gain as a result? I think much in the same way with current events – why must violence be the ultimate resolve? One group will do the unthinkable to another – and all for what? It seems a tragedy that, even with all of our analytical cognitive ability, we many times decide on a whim.

It seems a bit unorthodox that many of the characters are given ample opportunity to pledge their allegiance to one party or another before the fight. I suppose this is similar to the events surrounding many civil wars.

Wow! It would be quite a sight to be present when all of the bad omens occurred.

So I must admit that I felt like the battle was strung out for an excessive period of time.

Yudhistira

Week 10 Reading Diary A: Dhritarashtra's Vice

Dhritarashtra needs to establish a council wherein he can get some sound advice – or a therapist.

It sounds like Duryodhana plans to go to battle against his cousins. I guess that every good book needs some type of a conflict.

The pompous Duryodhana was taken as a prisoner? I very much enjoyed reading this.

A deer drawing an unsuspecting man out into isolation? This sounds familiar! I wonder who it could be this time.

That must be some ridiculous H20 to kill all who come into contact with it… or could it be H202? That would sure do the trick.

It was just a yaksha, that explains it.

All of the pandavas are going to simultaneously appear within a neighboring kingdom AND continue to perform some of their uncanny feats? This sounds like nothing less than a bad idea to me.

It is nice to read that they’ll be participating in their favorite hobbies for the first time in twelve years. I do have a soft spot for seeing joy in others.

 

Dhritarashtra

 

Reading Diary B: Pandavan Exile

Okay, so a battle will undoubtedly occur – between who, though?

Based on the description of Khandavaprastha, I would say that it sounds like a modern day Palm Springs, California.

Narada is quite the character – he stirs up conflicts only to go ahead and resolve them? Hmm.

 What envy Duryodhana has towards the Pandavas. The war must surely be between these two groups.

Overall, I have found this book to be captivating. It has thus far been a much more pleasant read than the Ramayana.

Yudhistira succumbed to the power yet pitiful gamblers mentality. I can not believe that he bet absolutely everything he owned – and lost! Duryodhana has done quite a terrible thing here.

The loser of the second game of dice will have to go into exile for twelve years—what is the significance of this? Rama was forced to do the same in the Ramayana. Coincidence? I think not.

Yudhistira mentioned that he was not to act in anger; imagine what the world would be like today if that principle could be held by men.

 

                                                                         12 Years in Exile

Reading Diary A: The Banished Brahmins

I found a few of the events that occurred early on in the Mahabharata to be interesting.

How dare King Drupada turn his nose up to childhood friend Drona. I can say that I have seen the same happen to people I know – what a shame that is.

The house of joy – that was a great surprise. I found it interesting that the corpses of five men and a woman were found in the mansion.

I like the sliver of foreshadowing thrown in by Narayan when he spoke of Ghatotkacha’s ability on the battlefield; I now want to know just how this battle comes about.

How about that encounter with Vyasa? At times I feel much like the characters here when they are told by Vyasa, “Ahead I see victory for your principles.” I know that if I am patient and diligent, then I’ll finally accomplish my goals.

Draupadi requested to be married to all five men in a past life – quite interesting.

                                                                                Draupadi

Overall, I’m curious to see how the plot is going to unfold.

Extra Reading Diary: Moral of the Story

Fables of Bidpai: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/07/myth-folklore-unit-bidpai.html

The Rustic and the Nightingale: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/07/bidpai-rustic-and-nightingale.html

I appreciate the moral of this story. So often people become occupied with insignificant things that go wrong when there is much more of significance going well; I think that college student in particular fall into this category.

The King, the Falcon, and the Drinking Cup: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/07/bidpai-king-falcon-and-drinking-cup.html

Again, I appreciate the moral here. So many things seem to occur in our lives for seemingly unknown reasons. In retrospect, they are (for me, at least) typically the best things that could have happened.

 

Lucky Strike

 

Three stories about apes: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/07/bidpai-three-stories-about-apes.html

The last story about the monkey and the boar was applicable to me. I tend to think about businesses and government spending as excessive, my roommate, however, is a business major and tends to write it off as ‘the nature of the business.’ I find it quite comical when smaller, parsimonious businesses do well and the ‘big guys’ fall because of their own vices.

 

 

Reading Diary B: Words of Wisdom

Ryder’s Panchatantra: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/06/myth-folklore-unit-panchatantra.html

Right-Mind and Wrong-Mind: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/06/panchatantra-right-mind-and-wrong-mind.html

This idea of an acquaintance or friend who, although seemingly candid, will try and use others is something that I’ve come across a few times. I can see the striking similarities between those I know and “wrong-mind” glaringly.  

From my experiences, it always seems like the “wrong-mind” character ends up with the short end of the stick – maybe there is some divine intervention going on.

I can completely to relate to the proverb given by right-mind in his defense of wrong-mind’s accusations.

Wrong-mind went to the length of even having his father give a false statement and they were both compensated fairly for their works! What could they have expected to happen?

The Mice That Ate Iron: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/06/panchatantra-mice-that-ate-iron.html

I find the proverb in this section about no true “good” deed to be interesting. In some circumstances, it seems certainly true; however, I firmly believe that some deeds are done out of nothing more than benevolence.

I’m glad that they were able to resolve the issue with a sense of humor.

 

How Could It Be?

 

The Loyal Mongoose: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/06/panchatantra-loyal-mongoose.html

I enjoyed the moral of the story. It is quite true that people are quick to judge, and they often pay for it, too.

Reading Diary A: Attack on the Ocean

Ryder’s Panchatantra: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/06/myth-folklore-unit-panchatantra.html

The idea that those in power are not the wisest is very -- hmm, applicable-- to some instances today.

Numskull and the Rabbit: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/06/panchatantra-numskull-and-rabbit.html

I can’t believe that the rabbit is going to make an attempt at defeating the lion. However, I do believe in his saying that wisdom will prevail against all. This is sure to be interesting!

How entertaining it is to read the rabbit and lion to cite poems back and forth at each other justifying their reasoning; this is a metaphorical presidential debate!

What a masterful job by the rabbit to outwit the lion. He used the lion’s own arrogance to defeat Numskull.

Witty Wabbit

 

The Ungrateful Man: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/06/panchatantra-ungrateful-man.html

I enjoyed this story. The author did a fine job of incorporating multiple facets to make up a well-rounded fable.

The Plover Who Fought the Ocean: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/06/panchatantra-plover-who-fought-ocean.html

What a clever scheme on the part of the author to incorporate all of the ‘tributary’ stories to great one great piece. I was surprised at how well the stories flowed and connected so easily.

Extra Reading Diary: Indian Fairy Tales

Unit: Indian Fairy Tales. http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/03/myth-folklore-unit-indian-fairy-tales.html

The Lion and the Crane: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/03/indian-fairy-tales-lion-and-crane.html

I can surely relate to this. I’ve attempted to help people in sincere need who showed no true appreciation for my assistance. More importantly though, was the manner in which the crane responded – by leaving in humility.

The Tiger, The Brahman, and The Jackal: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/03/indian-fairy-tales-indian-fairy-tales.html

Ah, what a great job on the part of the jackal to solve the problem by using the same pity that the Brahman displayed to save the tiger -- in order to trap the tiger and save the Brahman.

 

                                                                       Justice Served

 Harisarman: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/03/indian-fairy-tales-harisarman.html

The seems to me like a 16^th century version of winning the lottery. How much more lucky could this Harisarman possibly be? By deception and dishonesty he built up a fortune; how could someone live contently knowing this?

Reading Diary B: Khasi Folktales

http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/07/myth-folklore-unit-khasi-folktales.html

What makes the lighting: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/07/khasi-what-makes-lightning.html

I found this story to be so unbelievable that it was very funny. I guess that I should have predicted what was coming from the title; however, it was quite a stretch for me to take this story very seriously. Maybe it was meant to be humorous?

The Legend of Ka Panshandi, the Lazy Tortoise: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/07/khasi-ka-panshandi-lazy-tortoise.html

This story of the tortoise reminds me of Cinderella. This turtle, however, is more like one of the sisters.

I suppose that this could have been plausible at the time given the anatomical features of the tortoise.

How the Ox came to be the Servant of Man: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/07/khasi-how-ox-came-to-be-servant-of-man.html

I appreciate how the idea of frugality is so very applicable to college students ha ha!

 

                                                                           Hollow Thorax

Reading Diary A: Khasi Folktales

http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/07/myth-folklore-unit-khasi-folktales.html

The Tiger and the Monkeys: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/07/khasi-tiger-and-monkeys.html

I’m going to predict that the poor workmanship on the part of the monkeys causes the head to fall off of the model.

I’ve enjoyed the vocabulary choice in this story thus far. It’s far more engaging for me than 100+ pages of the Ramayana.

The Legend of the lei Tree: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/07/khasithe-legend-of-iei-tree.html

I’m enamored with the way in which the author of this story described the scene – I think this could very well be a story to incorporate into my storybook.

I enjoyed this tale. It is very much like mankind to ignore the advice of one who lacks the appearance -- or degree in many cases – of one who wants to contribute.

The Stag and the Snail: http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/07/khasi-stag-and-snail.html

It looks reminiscent of the hare and the tortoise so far; could this be where the story originated? I find it amusing that all of these stories have depicted human pitfalls in animal characters – possibly serving as common entertainment when they were originally told?

Interesting to read that no deer possess a gall bladder. It makes sense because the organ (in the human body) serves as a reservoir for bile— and a herbivore would have no need for such.

 

Animal Tails

 

Week 5 Reading Diary B: The Search Begins

I find it interesting that in Buck’s version of the Ramayana that Surpanakha mentioned that when Rama defeated the Rakshasas in Dandaka that he was effectively making it possible for hermits to travel there safely once again.

Ravana is a truly a terrible character – raping a young, married woman.

I’m again impressed by the loyalty to Rama. Jatayu fought Ravana to his death in order to attempt to save Sita. In return, Rama performed a proper burial for Jatayu.

Vali may have uttered the most misogynistic phrase I’ve heard in quite a long time when he said, “… the only reason to consult a woman is to find out what not to do.”

I’m impressed with how Buck described the events concomitant with the rainy season. Providing depth and breadth mad it a much more interesting read as compared to the Narayana version. Consequently, Buck’s version of the Ramayana can seem a bit repetitive. It seems as if several pages at a time are dedicated to content that could be covered in only a couple.

I wonder what, if any, significance the one month carries in Hinduism. It was mentioned to each army as they ventured out to search for Sita.

 

 

 

Search and Rescue

Week 5 Reading Diary Post A: Rama's voyage

I think that Vasishtha’s proclamation of what will happen to Kaikeyi in her future life was awful. Although she did go through with asking the wishes of Dasaratha, it was Manthara who influenced Kaikeyi. Shouldn’t more of the blame fall on her?

Chitra is described as one of the most spectacular places on earth here. I wonder what it would be like to trek the same path that Rama and Sita did in this story. Buck is great at describing the setting of his stories.

I’m intrigued by the personification of Ayodhya. From what I remember, Narayan didn’t personify Ayodhya nearly as much as Buck. What is the significance of this city? Is this a custom in Hindu culture – affording great significance to a city?

Again, I find the commitment to Rama impressive. The city of Ayodhya chooses to live like him for the 14 years he is in exile just to honor the guy.

I find it commendable that Sita attempts to dissuade Rama from going into Dandaka looking for battles. She does a good job of keeping him grounded.

Why was it that Agastya was so eager to provide Rama with a new bow? Possibly foreshadowing the encounters to come in Dandaka?

                                                                  Well-equipped Rama

Reading Diary 4B: An Exceptional Exile

I found it surprising that Buck decided to include king Dasaratha’s expression of remorse and the attempt to keep Rama from leaving.

I can’t believe that the chariot carrying Rama ran over guards on its way out of the Kingdom. Rama was truly committed to carrying out his father’s wish. He 1) chose to ignore his father’s request to stay and 2) elected to barge through several rows of people who wanted him to be the heir.

Was it coincidence that the weather seemed to turn violent shortly after Rama left the gates of Fair Ayodhya? I think not!

It amazes me that Rama’s presence demands such respect from seemingly everyone he encounters – even in the forest. Great sleeping quarters are construed, feasts are prepared, and fine clothing is donated by seemingly everyone Rama encounters. These people speak of his great character and noble deeds; it would be quite the experience to spend time with someone who commands such veneration.

 

Home Sweet Home

 

 

Week 4 Reading Diary A: Ravana Reeks Havoc

I found it quite interesting that William Buck included all of the evildoings committed by Ravana. This paints a more vivid picture with which to evaluate him and allows the reader to better predict the outcome once he hears about Sita. I found it significant that Buck included just how Ravana came about obtaining all of the powers he eventually uses against Rama.  He was depicted as being quite ruthless and therefore it should come as no surprise that he fights Rama till the death.

I also appreciate how Buck includes a more thorough description of Rama. Although Narayana did mention the quality of his character, Buck provided clear-cut instances which provided an even better depiction of Rama.

Also, I think the attention Buck placed on the Rakshasas in the opening sections of this epic served an important purpose. In this story we have a better feel for their history and why they lived in Lanka, Mount Kailasa, etc.

 

The Birth of a King

 

Week 3 Reading Diary B: A Violent Encounter

I found it to be odd that Rama decided to allow Vibishana into the group even though he parted ways with his brother. He proved to be an ally—yes – however, they took on a great risk by allowing him entry in their group. He could have wreaked great havoc had he elected to.

I can’t imagine being able to allow an opponent of mine – someone who kidnapped by wife at that—to surrender even after the fight appeared to be tilting in my favor. Most would have sought to exact vengeance with their own fists after learning of Ravana’s acts. But then again, Rama is quite the exceptional character.

How could Ravana be so stubborn? Clearly, he was close to losing the battle and yet he refused to resign. His entire populace had died on the battle field and not even this dissuaded his efforts.

The battle between Rama and Ravana was epic (no pun intended). My only reservation would be that it would have done the epic well to have more visual descriptions of the battle and its unfolding.

I legitimately became upset at Rama for just a few lines as I thought he was going to let all of his work be in vain.

What a violent and wildly suspenseful happily-ever-after.

Superhumans Succumbing to Human Traits

Week 3 Reading Diary A: Search for Sita

Why did the author decide to choose monkeys as the animal of choice for this section?

What will transpire as a result of the encounter with the monkey named Hanuman?

Vali acted rather brash in his handling of Sugreeva following the conquest of Mayavi.

I don’t understand why Vali attempted to justify his actions to Rama on his death bed and question Rama for what he’d done.

Will Sugreeva honor his promise to help out Rama? It seems like he may end up betraying both Rama and Lakshmana.

Great! Sugreeva will indeed honor his promise and help Rama to find Sita. I’m glad that Sugreeva has committed to helping and I’m shocked at just how loyal they are to the cause.

How will the monkeys be able to scour all of the earth and possibly beyond in order to track down where Ravana has taken Sita? Their task seems formidable.

One facet of the characters is their inherent goodwill and intent to comfort all who have faced some trial. For example, the monkeys demonstrate great compassion by consoling Sampathi after the death of Jatayu.

                                                                 Cautious Encounter