Week 10 Reading Diary A: The Brink of War

This reading was very interesting as the Pandavas approach the final moments of their exile. Dhritarashtra hoped to cause trouble in the Pandava's exile and potentially even defeat them! To start this off Duryodhana attempts to humiliate the Pandavas in a plan that completely backfires. I think this was a silly decision considering the fact that the Pandavas obviously have Karma on their side considering all the events that have taken place thus far. After the attempt at humiliation fails the Pandavas came upon an interesting trial. Tired, hungry and thirsty they came upon a lake. As each brother approached a voice began asking questions warning them not to drink until they answered. One by one the brothers ignored the voice and died when they drank the water! I found this a little odd considering each brother probably saw the bodies of those who had already drank the water. I feel like they should have been a bit more cautious after the first brother!

Yudhistra answering the questions the voice from the lake asks

Finally Yudhistra comes along and doesn't ignore the voice. He answers the questions and all the brothers come back to life! As a reward for solving this task the brothers receive the gift of disguise for their thirteenth year of exile. I was wondering how the well known Pandava brothers were going to survive in the city without being recognized for an entire year, so now it's all starting to come together! They thirteenth year approaches and the brothers enter the city disguised as average citizens. After an unfortunate chain of events, Bhima kills one of Virata's generals. Duryodhana hears of the generals death and one of his allies proposes a raid. The raid ends and the Pandavas and Duryodhana begin preparing for war! Krishna gives each side the option of one million soldiers or Krishna himself. The Pandava's wisely choose Krishna who is an avatar of Vishnu. I have a feeling I know exactly who will win this war!

Week 9 Reading Diary B: Yudhishthira's Gambling Problem and the Pandavas' Exile

Week 9 Reading Diary B: Yudhishthira's Gambling Problem and the Pandavas' Exile

I have really enjoyed reading the Mahabharata thus far. This reading really gave me a view into what a few of the different Pandava brothers are really like. Firstly Yudhishthira was crowned as king after the Pandavas recieve the great city of Indraprastha, which showed me that he was the most respected of the brothers. This made me see him as a man of great honor which really caused the next part of the story to surprise me. After Duryodhana was embarrassed at Indraprastha he began plotting his revenge on the Pandavas. His uncle Sakuni, a cunning gambler, invited Yudhishthira to play dice. The part that surprised me the most was that Yudhishthira was sucked in and staked everything the Pandavas owned including servants, women and even their shared wife Draupadi! I don't understand how a man could so clearly lose his mind and stake everything like that, but what confuses me even more his how his brothers stood by and watched! They very easily could have intervened after they lost all their treasures, or all their servants, or all their livestock. Yet they simply stood by and watched all their wealth, and even themselves, get staked!

Yudhishthira gambling

It seemed odd to me that the brothers stood by and watched, but it also made me a little frustrated with Sakuni and Duryodhana. They clearly knew Yudhishthira had lost his way and they continued to take advantage of him. They were very deceptive and were obviously seeking an end for the Pandavas. I was relieved when Dhiritarashtra returned everything Yudhishthira lost, it made me truly see him as a man of honor (even though he returned everything based out of fear!). Sakuni was annoyed that Dhiritarashtra restored everything to the Pandavas and once more held a gambling tournament. Yudhishthira agreed once more, and ended up causing the Pandavas to be exiled for twelve years! I truly don't understand how one man can essentially stake the lives of his brothers and they just stand by and agree. It seems so foolish, and immoral! After losing that stake the Pandavas are forced into exile, and I grew to admire the brothers Bhima and Arjuna because they are mighty warriors and possess great skill with weapons. My favorite part of this reading was actually when Arjuna went to receive weapons from the gods because it is such an incredible thing to imagine! I really enjoyed this reading and can't wait to read more into the Mahabharata!

Writing Review Week

Writing Review Week

I have never been a strong writer, so initially I was dreading how much writing I would have to do in this class. I took it on with the mindset of "I can't get better unless I write more," which helped me keep trying. Initially I felt like the content of my stories was pretty good, but my writing style wasn't. I also knew that I had trouble with grammar, and big issues with punctuation and quotes. The biggest eye opener for me was the proofreading assignment as well as my introduction for my storybook! I sent in the email with my intro and got a response that showed me a mistake in almost every other sentence! My biggest accomplishment thus far would be the huge improvement between my introduction and my first story in my storybook. I had far fewer mistakes, and the content was still very rich. I have really grown to enjoy writing and storytelling from this course.

I have always had a fairly active imagination so coming up with ideas isn't usually a great struggle. For story telling posts I would just choose a topic that interests me and then place myself in the characters shoes. If I was in their mind how would I think, what actions would I take, etc. That helped me write several interesting stories from the view of a certain character through their mind, or a diary entry. If I chose to write a story in third person it was a bit different, and perhaps took a little more creativity. I would simply take the story and mold it into my own by changing details I thought would benefit by being altered from the original story! This was simply my opinion though, and may not have reflected what others would have written. 

Picture from my storytelling about Maricha (Written in diary form)

The feedback I have received has been incredibly helpful to my writing. I have learned a lot about integrating quotes into my text, and writing in a style that flows much better. All of the experience I've gotten from writing for this course has really helped my creativity as well because I have to continue coming up with new stories each week! I am very exciting for the storytelling posts based off of the Mahabharata, as well as the next 3 stories for my story book.

Reading Review Week

Reading Review Week

Overall I have really enjoyed the readings each week! The Ramayana has been an extremely interesting book to read from both Narayan's point of view as well as Bucks. I preferred Buck's version of the Ramayana overall. I felt like he did a great job making the story more interesting and bringing in a great amount of details. I also enjoyed the background stories he gave to many characters, which helped me relate to them better. In both versions I really admired two characters in particular: Rama and Hanuman. Rama was extremely honorable, possessed great strength and character and overall just seemed like an amazing person. His devotion to his wife and family made me respect him even more! Hanuman on the other hand seemed like an extremely humble creature and the the perfect friend. He devoted himself to Rama and would do anything for him. He stuck by his side through every circumstance and fought valiantly to keep him safe. My favorite passage in the readings was the one about Hanuman's origin in Buck's Ramayana. I found it funny imagining a monkey trying to eat the sun! I also had a good time reading about the battle between the Rakshasa and Rama's army. It was such an intense section of the book, and it was certainly hard to put down!

Baby Hanuman attempting to eat the sun! (From Reading Diary B Week 6)

Doing the reading diaries really helped me to get more engaged in the reading. I focused on what characters I enjoyed, as well as which stories really stuck out to me. They were a huge help to make sure I actually read the assigned pages, as well as something that made it more enjoyable than simply reading quickly to get the assignment done! Looking at my reading diaries helps me recall the readings from earlier in the semester and helps bring back my sentiments about certain characters and events! I ended up using my reading diaries to help with most of my storytelling assignments because I would end up choosing to write my storytelling over something I enjoyed in that weeks reading. My reading diaries helped me recall my favorite events and made it far easier to write my storytelling posts.

While I did enjoy the readings I did find them to be fairly long many times! Perhaps having 3 reading diaries to split the reading up further would be helpful although that would make more work for students so I'm not sure how good of a tradeoff that is! Overall I think the reading assignments are well organized, and the reviews that are posted on the course website for the readings are extremely helpful. I'm enjoying the readings so far, and can't wait to start the Mahabharata! I haven't read for fun in my spare time in many years, but this course is certainly making me begin reading other books for pleasure which is awesome! 

Week 7 Storytelling: The Treasures of Lanka

Week 7 Storytelling: The Treasures of Lanka

It's over at last. I am finally King of Lanka. What a great battle Rama fought against Ravana! Rama's entire army fought more valiantly than I have ever witnessed, but no warrior fought with the passion and strength of Hanuman. Seeing his great strength as well as his deep love for Rama has given me a profound respect for him. He is truly the most loyal creature on this earth, perhaps the most loyal creature in all of creation. Surely Hanuman can be trusted above all others! Yet here I stand questioning with whom I should share in the delights of the treasures of Lanka. 

For thousands of years the treasures of Lanka have only been shared with the most powerful Rakshasa. Never has any creature but a Rakshasa laid eyes upon them., not even the Treasure Lord himself. Is Hanuman so worthy as to disrupt this? I cannot know... I once viewed all creatures as inferior other than Rakshasa. Not even the gods compared to our greatness in my mind. Yet after witnessing the corruption that ran deep through many Rakshasa's veins I have begun to see differently. Rama, Lakshman, the animals; they are friends. Hanuman the most honorable among them. Perhaps creatures other than the Rakshasa are worthy.

Then there is the matter of the overwhelming greed that consumes many who have seen the treasures of Lanka. Within one room there is more wealth then anywhere else in the world. Perhaps more wealth than the heavens themselves! Many Rakshasa have seen this room and gone mad with greed. They become obsessed over the thought of possessing even a portion of such vast wealth. Does Hanuman possess a heart pure enough to resist this greed? Surely a monkey that has devoted his life to serving his friends is not concerned with material possessions. 

I have not only seen Hanuman's great loyalty towards Rama and Sita, but all those whom he calls friend. After recent events I am certain that Hanuman sees me as a friend. With this friendship he will be loyal to me until death. Seeing such great wealth could turn anyone against their closest friends; even family. Yet Hanuman is different. He has fought through the greatest trials simply to honor those he calls friend. I know it is safe. I am certain he is worthy, but I also know that no other being could possibly enter the room and see of the treasures. Surely Hanuman will be the only non-Rakshasa to ever enter the room that holds the great treasures of Lanka. And I trust that he will tell no one of what he sees. It is decided! I will take him to see because I care deeply for my friend Hanuman. I wish for him to witness the greatest treasure that exists on this earth!

Hanuman the loyal friend

Author's Note:

I chose to write about Vibhishana's decision to show the treasures of Lanka to Hanuman. I wrote this story as if it was in Vibhishana's mind and he was making considerations about why to allow Hanuman to see the great treasures. I thought about several reasons that would make one weary to let a friend see their closest treasure. I thought Vibhishana would consider several things: Letting an outsider (a non-Rakshasa) see the treasure, the greed that comes with seeing such vast wealth, and Hanuman's loyalty (perhaps due to fear that he would betray Vibhishana). I touched on each of these subjects, and gave reasons why Vibhishana thought they wouldn't be a problem with Hanuman. Overall, I think Vibhishana admires Hanuman and sees him as a dear friend, and that is what ultimately led him to reveal the treasures of Lanka.

Bibliography:

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

Week 6 Storytelling: The Sentry of Lanka

Week 6 Storytelling: The Sentry of Lanka

We have been standing guard at the gates of Lanka for an entire day without sleep. This war has put an intense strain on the Rakshasa, but it is finally over. Today for two hours Indrajit bombarded Rama’s forces and wiped out countless warriors. Moments ago it was discovered that Rama himself was among the fallen, which means an end to this dreaded war. Among the fallen a few animals remains, but there is no hope for their army. The Rakshasa are finally safe.

It has now been several hours since Indrajit's attack. Ravana is asleep, but I will surely be rewarded for my service when he awakes. Perhaps I will be promoted from the simple position of sentry! Wait... What is that? There is a faint glow, and steam is flowing through the air. Is that a shooting star? No, that is medicine hill flying through the air! How is this possible!? Hanuman survived Indrajit's attack. Now Trijata is approaching with Sita and several Rakshasa. I must stop them from seeing this sight. Ravana cannot hear of the fallen rising through gossip. I must tell him directly.

Hanuman carrying Medicine Hill

"Let me pass to the edge of the wall," Trijata yelled as she and Sita walked towards me.

My efforts to block them were in vain. Sita slipped past as Trijata grabbed my shoulders, holding me in place.

"I see him! I see Rama! He is standing up as if from a deep slumber," Sita said. You could hear the joy in her voice. It is clear how deep this woman's love is for Rama.

Trijata, who also managed to get past me, now sees the scene unfolding. She was shocked by the great deeds that Hanuman did saying "how can Hanuman perform such incredible feats?"

Sita replied simply, "His love for Rama is great. With such great love nothing is impossible."

Word of the army being brought back would spread quickly through the city. I had to tell Ravana myself, no matter if it costs me my life.

As I rush towards Ravana's palace I begin to grow fearful. He finally slept peacefully knowing Rama was defeated. How can I be the one to end that peace? How will he react? The guards to Ravana's chambers look at me knowing I bear bad news.

"Ravana woke up moments ago, he will be out soon. We will leave to give you privacy with him Sentry," the guard said.

Both walked off. I can't help but think they are escaping a fate worse than death; disappointing the king of the Rakshasas. Ravana emerged from his chamber and saw me. I must have looked as if I came bearing bad news because his expression immediately became grim.

"What do you report sentry?" Ravana said. His voice boomed like a roll of thunder, even when speaking normally.

"King Ravana, it's Rama. He.. He lives," I managed to get the words out.

Ravana's expression did not change. He was silent for a moment and he simply turned around and returned to his room. Soon he emerged wearing armor as if he was ready to go to war. I couldn't let him act irrationally. I have brought him bad news, but I refuse to be the cause of his death.

"Ravana, I urge you to command a force against Rama once more, but please do not fight." I pleaded.

"Sentry, do you not understand?" He replied. "Sita will never love me as long as Rama lives."

Then an idea struck me. Perhaps I can use his love for Sita to dissuade him from going to battle. I replied, "Yes sir, but Sita may never forgive you if you kill Rama. Surely Indrajit can repeat his incredible feat and slay Rama once more."

"Perhaps you are right," Ravana said as he walked off.

His silence is worse than any reaction I could have expected. I fear for him. What thoughts race through his mind? How will he react? If Indrajit cannot defeat the army, surely Ravana will lead an attack. I will return to my post, but I fear the worst for this war and our king.

Author's Note:

I felt that the best way to show this chain of events was to tell the story using one of the sentries. By doing this I was able to use the sentry's thoughts, as well as dialogue from other characters such as Sita, Trijata and Ravana. In the original story Trijata and Sita simply see Hanuman carrying Medicine Hill, and when Ravana wakes up one of the sentries tells him that Rama is alive. There is no dialogue between Ravana and the sentry, and no reaction from Ravana. I used this opportunity to fill it in with my own idea of what could have happened. Ravana seems like one who doesn't become visibly angry, but instead internalizes and simply acts irrationally, but in a seemingly calm manner. His silence when the sentry reports the news is very important because it shows that Ravana is simply taking it in, and is so angry inside that he cannot say a word. He resorts to action, and immediately dons his armor to go kill Rama himself. Obviously in Buck's Ramayana, first Indrajit attacks again, so I had to use the sentry to speak some sense into Ravana. Surely the Rakshasas wouldn't want their king to go into a fight in which they had lost so many great warriors, so I used the sentry as a voice of the Rakshasas. He then convinces Ravana to go to Indrajit once more rather than attack Rama himself.

Bibliography:

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

Week 6 Reading Diary B: Ravana's Army

Week 6 Reading Diary B: Ravana's Army

The first part of the reading was about the animals building a giant bridge over the sea (page 270). This part wasn't exceptionally exciting to me, but it was great to see all the animals working hard to accomplish the impossible! I found it rather odd that Nala's special skill is to make rocks float on water! That seemed pretty random, but it turned out to be useful! After Rama and the animals reached Lanka is when I truly began enjoying the story (page 283). 

The battles between the animals and several powerful Rakshasa were intense and dragged me right into the story. My personal favorite were the encounters with Indrajit. I was impressed by Indrajit's skill as a warrior and illusionist. He summoned all the boons that Brahma promised him, which I thought were awesome: a dazzling chariot pulled by four tigers, an intricate war car, and a bow an quiver with special arrows. Indrajit had quite the arsenal at his disposal, and I was wondering how he could possibly lose! It turns out he didn't. He managed to kill nearly all the heroes of the story: Rama, Lakshmana, Nala, Angada, Sugriva, and Vibhishana (pages 310-311). This certainly didn't happen in Narayan's retelling of the story! I was really curious how things would turn out considering most of the main characters were killed, but Hanuman remained. Hanuman ended up using medicine from a hill and reviving all of the fallen soldiers, which led to a second battle with Indrajit since Rama was once again alive.

Indrajit using the boons from Brahma

The second battle with Indrajit is much less intense and I was actually a little sad to see him slain after the conversation he had with Ravana before. Indrajit knew it was a poor idea and that the odds were against him. Since Rama was brought back from the dead he knew that Dharma was on Rama's side and there could be no victory over him. After realizing he couldn't speak any sense into Ravana he ended up going off to his death. His honorable devotion to his evil brother caused his end, and the Rakshasa lost their most powerful warrior. Vibhishana revealed Indrajit in the midst of his illusions and Lakshmana battled him eventually killing him. Ravana wept at the loss of his son, and decided that he would go to war himself. I can't wait to hear Buck's retelling of the battle between Rama and Ravana! Narayan was detailed in his retelling of that battle, but so far I have enjoyed Buck's retelling overall and have high expectations for this battle!