Week 5 Storytelling: Hanuman’s Birth

Week 5 Storytelling: Hanuman’s Birth

“Ravi, come home it’s time for bed!” Nihal yelled from the window of his home in the rainforest canopy.

A meek voice replied, “Dad, let me play with my friends a bit longer!”

“Don’t you want to grow big and strong like Hanuman? To that you must sleep.” Nihal shouted back. 

No sooner had those words come out of Nihal’s mouth than Ravi came swinging through the trees headed straight for their home. His face was visibly excited at the mention of Hanuman, and he quickly readied himself for bed.

“Will you come tuck me in and tell me a story about Hanuman dad?” Ravi asked.

“Of course son,” Nihal said as he began tucking Ravi tightly under the covers, “I want to tell you about Hanuman’s youth. He used to be a little monkey just like you Ravi.”

Hanuman as a child

Ravi’s eyes lit up at the thought of Hanuman being the same as him. He sat in anticipation as Nihal began to tell the story of Hanuman’s origin.

“Ravi, do you know the wind you feel that cools you off on a hot day? That wind is the god Vayu. Vayu is Hanuman’s father, and his mother is the most beautiful monkey woman on all of earth Anjana. Anjana was already married, so she had to keep Hanuman a secret so she left him alone in a cave. All alone in the cave Hanuman began to grow hungry and started looking for something to eat. He gazed into the sky and saw a beautiful orange shape. ‘It must be a mango’ Hanuman thought, so he jumped towards it.”

“Daddy no, it’s the sun not a mango! Hanuman can’t get hurt!” Ravi exclaimed

“Don’t worry son he’ll be safe,” Nihal continued, “Vayu his father cooled Hanuman to keep him from getting burned up as he approached the sun! The Asura Rahu was approaching the sun to eat it causing a solar eclipse, and Hanuman accidently kicked him in the eye. Rahu fled to Indra, complaining that another Rahu was attempting to swallow the sun, so Indra got aboard his elephant Airavata and came to investigate. As Rahu approached Hanuman saw his large round form and once more attacked Rahu this time thinking he was a mango! Rahu yelled in pain and Indra shouted ‘Stop this at once!’ The noise of Indra’s shout diverted Hanuman’s attention and he caught sight of Airivata. ‘The biggest mango of all!’ thought Hanuman as he lept towards Airivata.

Ravi was laughing hysterically at the thought of Hanuman trying to eat so many things because he thought they were mangos. “Daddy, Hanuman is so silly,” Ravi said holding back his laughter. “What happens next? Indra doesn’t hurt Hanuman does he?”

Nihal chuckled at his sons amusement and continued the story, “Indra cast Hanuman down to earth with great force. Hanuman was hurt badly in the fall, and his father Vayu saw it all take place. The wind left the earth as Vayu went to the aid of his son Hanuman. The entire earth was without wind. Men grew restless, and climates changed in unnatural ways. The earth was out of balance with out Vayu flowing through the lands. Brahma came pleading for him to return to earth, and as a sign of goodwill he granted Hanuman invincibility. Still Vayu was not pleased. Something was still wrong with Hanuman, but now one could figure it out.”

“He still hasn’t eaten! He is hungry daddy, they need to feed him,” Ravi interrupted.

“Exactly! Too bad you weren’t there to help the gods figure that out Ravi,” Nihal said as he patted Ravi on the head. “Soon though Surya, the sun, realized the problem and brought three mangos to Hanuman. This pleased Vayu greatly and he returned to the earth. Wind flowed once more through the earth, rushing around bringing balance at last to the wilderness and peace to men. The next morning Hanuman awoke and are his mangos and Vayu carried him away.”

Nihal paused briefly noticing silence from Ravi he said “I will tell you more of this incredible story tomorrow son. Sleep tight, and have wonderful dreams of Hanuman. I love you.” He kissed his son and went of to his room to sleep.

Author’s Note:
I really enjoy the idea of writing a tale as a bedtime story. Putting a child to bed is the ideal situation to tell a wonderful imaginative story! It gives them entertainment, helps put them to sleep and maybe even gives them some really neat dreams! I thought that Hanuman would be the perfect story to tell to a child monkey. Just like a young boy wishes he could be superman, a young monkey must wish he could be Hanuman! With such incredible strength and the inability to be killed the young monkey’s look at him with adoration. The father Nihal used this opportunity to draw Ravi home. I know I’ve done similar things to get little boys to go to sleep! Simply asking them if they want to grow to be big and strong and telling them they need lots of rest will work! I used that in my story to show how much Ravi admired Hanuman. It was fun writing like a father telling the story to his child, and I barely changed any of the original story. I simplified some details and left out some more “violent” wording since it was a story being told to a child, but overall the story remained unchanged.

Bibliography:

1) Buck, William (1976). Ramayana: King Rama's Way.

Week 5 Reading Diary B: Rama and the Monkeys

Week 5 Reading Diary B: Rama and the Monkeys

This reading began with the kidnapping of Sita, and Rama's desperate search for her. Ravana was madly in love with Sita and made some very poor decisions. He was nearly killed by Jatayu while taking Sita back to Lanka, and his carelessness allowed Sita to leave a trail of evidence to aid Rama's search. He quickly found himself in the company of Savari who told him of the monkeys Sugriva and Hanuman.
Hanuman is by far one of my favorite characters in the Ramayana, and I was very glad that Buck included an in depth story about Hanuman and his origin (as well as the origin of all monkeys for that matter!). I was curious why Hanuman stuck with Sugriva in exile and how he has such great power considering he was a seemingly normal monkey, but that is not the case at all! Savari tells how Hanuman is actually the son of Vayu, the wind, and a beautiful monkey woman. He was born to be a friend that stuck by Sugriva no matter what, and has a pretty humorous story from when he was born. He actually tried to eat the sun because he thought it was fruit! As a result of the events that unfolded he was granted immortality by Brahma. It was wonderful to be given such a deep background behind Hanuman.

Baby Hanuman attempting to eat the sun!

I also enjoyed reading about the kingdom of Kishkindhya, and how the king of the monkeys also ruled over the bears! Vali caused a strained relationship with the bear due to his arrogance, and Sugriva was outcast due to Vali's quick temper. When Vali was killed by Rama and Sugriva became king he restored the relationship between the monkeys and bears and promised Rama help after the rainy season. At the end of the rainy season Sugriva was slow to respond to Rama due to drunkenness, but eventually the leaders of the animals got together and began planning to search for Sita. It was fun imagining the massive leaders of the bears, the elegant Sugriva and powerful Hanuman all seated around a table along with Rama and Lakshmana as they strategized about how to find Sita. Overall I enjoyed the many details that were added in this section of Buck's Ramayana as compared to Narayan's. There was much more imagery, and even added characters that I enjoyed reading about.

The leaders of monkey's and bears planning the search

Week 5 Reading Diary A: Bharata’s Plea and Surpanakha’s Mutilation

Week 5 Reading Diary A: Bharata’s Plea and Surpanakha’s Mutilation



One episode that grabbed my attention was Bharata finding forgiveness for Kaikeyi. When Bharata was called back to Ayodhya he knew something was wrong, and rode swiftly back. He learned that his father had died and was absolutely devastated. When he learned that Kaikeyi was the cause he grew furious and wished the worst upon his mother. His reaction was certainly justified considering her wishes caused Dasaratha’s death and Rama’s exile, but turning against his own mother was difficult I’m sure. He struggled with forgiving her due to the pain she had caused, yet he still loved her and didn’t wish ill will upon her. I think he asked Vasishtha what her punishment would be to push him over the edge with sorrow so that he could seek forgiveness. Vasishatha knew that Manthara deceived Kaikeyi and that she was to blame, thus he probably told Bharata all the misfortune Kaikeyi would face to urge him to forgive her. It was very touching to see Bharata find a deep love for his mother after his anger at her actions.

The character I enjoyed most in this reading was Rama because of his honorable character. Bharata and the Kosalas traveled great distances and overcame many things to reach Rama. Bharata and all the people of Ayodhya pleaded Rama to return as their king, yet Rama declined simply because he wished to uphold his fathers word! He didn’t want to disrespect the promise his father gave and therefore turned down the people he loved greatly and chose to accept fourteen years of exile. That takes such incredible character to willingly turn down the easy option to respect your father and uphold his word. No wonder the people of Ayodhya respected Rama so much!

Baharta pleading Rama to return

The final episode that really grabbed my attention was the mutilation of Surpanakha. In Naryana’s Ramayana the episode played out a lot more. Surpanakha took a beautiful human form and tried to deceive Rama. In Buck’s retelling she did not change forms, but rather demanded Rama as her husband! Rama refused because he was already married. Surpanakha then rushed at Sita, but Lakshmana intercepted her and cut off her ears! Lakshmana’s reaction seems more justified because Surpanakha obviously meant to harm Sita and he was simply protecting her. Naryana’s retelling the mutilation of Surpanakha seemed more unwarranted and brutal, so I certainly like Buck’s version better!

Lakshmana defending agains Surpanakha

Week 4 Storytelling: Ravana's Prayer

Week 4 Storytelling: Ravana's Prayer

I am Ravana, the son of the great sage Vishrava and the rakshasa Kaikasi. Because of my father I should be of great power on earth, yet I have nothing. I am hideous. People look at me in fear, and cower away when I draw near. I desire wealth and a kingdom. I wish to be respected and loved. I have been on this earth a short time, but I have seen what it means to be respected and loved. I have seen the happiness that comes from such wealth and respect. I saw my brother Vaishravana, the The Treasure Lord, and was envious of his brilliance. His wealth was incredible. He possesses vast amounts of treasure, the beautiful kingdom of Lanka, and the respect of all those that inhabit it. Even a hideous demon such as myself would find happiness with such great wealth. My ten heads would finally smile in unison. My brother Vibhishana witnessed Vaishravana as well, and desires the same as myself. We will find a way to achieve such great wealth.

Ravana and Vibhishana

Who could grant such a wish, but Brahma himself? The same god who brought wealth up Vaishravana, and whom my father Vishrava worships will certainly bless me if I devote my life to him. I wish to no longer be of this hideous form, and I desire a means of acquiring great wealth and respect. If I cannot have these things my life is not worth living. I will devote my days to meditation and prayer over Brahma and every thousand years I will offer one of my heads as sacrifice. If I must endure ten thousand years without what I wish my life is not worth living. I will certainly remove my final head thus ending my life. One thousand years has passed. My prayers to Brahma have been unceasing, yet I have not yet seen the lord of creation. Does he not care for my desires? Does he not see Vibhishana and I suffering? His creations live a meaningless existence, yet he does not intercede. I will continue to pray, with great hopes that an answer will come. Even if I wait nine thousand years it will not be in vain, for I will finally die in peace knowing I would never have achieved such great wealth. It has now been five thousand years with no answer. The pain of removing my head for sacrifice is nothing compared to the pain I feel living my worthless life. Brahma, please I beg you to come and bring an end to this suffering! Give me the wealth I desire, or a means to acquire it! My brothers and I are suffering, and I have sacrificed so much! Why will you not answer Brahma? Nine thousand years have passed. I have but one head remaining, and am weak from such great sacrifice. Brahma has surely noticed my devotion, yet he does nothing. I vow that if I am given the chance to receive a blessing from Brahma I will choose something that will cause pain to all his creation and give me the wealth I desire. The lack of response from Brahma has driven my heart to great bitterness against him an all his creation. His lack of attention to the Rakshasa will be paid for if he ever answers my prayers. Neither gods nor demons will harm me, and I will take all I desire by force. I will ravage all the land, killing any of Brahmas creation that seeks to stop me. My life will end in one thousand years, but I will continue praying in hopes that I can seek revenge against Brahma and his disregard of my brothers and I.

Ravana sacrificing a head

It is time. Ten thousand years have passed and I must end my life. My hope is gone, but the bitterness remains. As I hold this knife to my neck I do not regret devoting these ten thousand years to Brahma. My life was not worth living in its current state, and without the hope of something more I would surely have ended my own life. Now that hope is gone and it is time to end my life… Now he has arrived! Brahma is here at last! As a started to remove my final head he arrived yelling “STOP”. As I contemplate the boon I should request the bitterness in my heart remains. How can I achieve what I desire, and still destroy the creation that Brahma finds so dear with out fear of death?

Author’s Note:

I chose to write the story from Ravana’s point of view in order to convey his thoughts and emotions. Although Ravana is obviously evil, it is clear that he has some humanity to him, and experiences emotions similar to a human. Narayan’s Ramayana didn’t go into the character of Ravana much, but he did fall in love with Sita, and showed obvious signs of love and desire. There were also subtle hints that he cared for his family, and the Rakshasas. Reading Buck’s Ramayana made me see that not all Rakshasa are inherently evil, and therefore I found it hard to believe that Ravana started out evil. Although his appearance was fearful he very well could have had a kind heart. It’s likely that he was driven to evil through greed and desire for wealth and glory. Brahma was the lord of creation, yet he made Ravana born as a hideous creature with nothing to his name. It also seemed like the gods had it out to get the Rakshasa considering that Indra killed a great deal of them and cast them out of Lanka. It seemed like Brahma had neglected Ravana and the Rakshasa altogether. This seemed like this could be a cause for he grew bitter and desired to cause pain to Brahma and still obtain the great wealth he desired.


Bibliography:

1) Buck, William (1976). Ramayana: King Rama's Way.

Week 4 Reading Diary B: Rama's Exile

Week 4 Reading Diary B: Rama's Exile

I found myself frustrated much more with Kaikeyi's actions in Bucks retelling of the Ramayana. Kaikeyi was initially excited at the decision to crown Rama king even when Manthara was trying to convince her otherwise. With so much love and excitement for Rama it was incredibly selfish of Kaikeyi to decide it was better for herself that Rama was exiled and Bharata be king. Her actions in the anger room seemed even more dramatic and deceptive, and only Rama saw that it wasn't her true nature to act as she did (pages 68-70).
Once Rama was exiled he made his way into the forest and was met by Guha. I don't recall Guha being in Narayan's retelling of the Ramayana, but he is a character that I grew to like a lot. He seems extremely manly, as the lord of the wild trees who can't be conquered by anyone. Yet he is calm, kind and full of joy even as a rugged man of the forest! He comforted Lakshmana, drank wine with him,  and told him stories of how he came to be king of the forest. I enjoyed reading of Guha and his conflict with the brahamans, his encounter with death and rescue by Shiva (pages 89-94).

Guha washing Rama's feet

The end of the reading was heart breaking as Dasaratha told the story of how he killed an old couples son and was now reaping the consequences of that moment. He was dying from the loss of his dearest son, and finally the god of death, Yama, came and took him away. I have enjoyed the added details and stories in Buck's Ramayana, and am excited to continue reading on!

Week 4 Reading Diary A: The story of the Rakshasa and Rama's Youth

Week 4 Reading Diary A: The story of the Rakshasa and Rama's Youth

This writing style of Buck is much different than that of Narayan. I enjoyed reading about Valmiki and how he came to write the Ramayana. I was amazed how he meditated for so many years that ants built a hill around him. Valmiki wrote a poem about the tale of Rama, and it inspired everyone that heard it. Buck then moves from Valmiki going straight into the tale of the gods and Rakshasa.

Valmiki in an anthill

The history behind the Rakshasa is very interesting, and more details about Ravana, and the conflict with the gods was great to read. I enjoyed learning how the Rakshasa came to be, and was surprised seeing that they started out as good natured creatures. After they were given the glorious city of Lanka they began devouring innocent humans, which led to great conflict. Vishnu attacked and wiped out many Rakshasa, and the survivors fled to the underworld. Finally Ravana was born. Hearing how he came to be, and came to obtain his powers was cool to read, and it quickly brought him to power as the ruler of Lanka. I was confused by Brahmas decision to grant Ravana invincibility from gods, rakshasa and yakshas! Why would he give a creature that was so violently inclined such great powers? After receiving these powers Ravana went on to terrorize all of mankind and the gods! It makes perfect sense why Brahma decided to help Indra devise a plan to destroy Ravana and the Rakshasa.

Ravana in his throne in Lanka

When the story about Rama finally begins I was disappointed to find much of the stories I enjoyed in Narayans retelling were either absent or lacking details. The story of Thataka being killed wasn't even mentioned, and the battle that took place while Viswamitra performed a sacrifice was very brief and not very detailed. Even the scene in which Rama and Sita first see each other seemed watered down to me, as well as the wedding. I still enjoyed reading this, especially the deeper stories about the gods and demons, and I hope that as the book goes on it gives more detailed accounts of Rama and his endeavors as well!

Elephants of Indian Epics: Styles Brainstorm

Elephants of Indian Epics: Styles Brainstorm

Topic: My Storybook will be about Elephants in Indian Epics. My goal is to look into four different elephants in Indian Epics and write stories about each. I know that I want to write about Ganesha, Airavata, and perhaps about some elephants from the Buddhist stories known as the jataka tales. One story from the jataka tales I would like to use is The Patient Elephant, and perhaps The Kings White Elephant. It should be easy to find stories about different elephants considering how important they are in Indian culture. I believe the Mahabharata is another source I can use to find such stories. The stories I choose will be the ones that I find to be most interesting.

Bibliography: 

1. Narayan, R. K. (1978). The Mahabharata.
2. Buck, William (1973). Mahabharata.
3. Stories about elephants from Bhuddist Jataka tales

Possible Styles:

1. Animals as storytellers - I think this would be a great style to write the storybook in because it gives access to the elephants thoughts (especially if they cannot speak). It would be very interesting to peer into the minds of the various elephants.

2. Bedtime stories told to children - I think there is something powerful about a bedtime story heard by a child with an open mind. Perhaps I could even have some commentary from the child interrupting the story as it's being told! The stories could have morals to them that help the child, or could just simply be for entertainment.

3. Written by Ganesha - For someone else to tell the stories about elephants, it seems appropriate that an elephant headed God do the telling. If I end up choosing this style I could give Ganesha's point of view on the specific elephants and their actions, but I wouldn't necessarily be able to choose a story about Ganesha.

4. Adventure/Journey - A neat storytelling style would be to devise a journey that takes place involving several different elephants. The elephants I choose could all end up crossing paths and partaking in an epic journey. The central character of the journey would most likely be Ganesha, who would encounter other elephants along the way!

Ganesha, the elephant headed god