Week 7: Reading Diary B--Silence and the End of All Things. . . For Now

And now for the final installment of Buck's Ramayana!! Alas, we shall read your beautiful prose no longer!

This time we get a much more detailed tour of various lands and kingdoms as Rama and Sita head back to Ayodhya.  It's pretty and all, but gets a little long and tiresome--perhaps even more so because it lies after so much action and acts like an ekphrasis, keeping us from the happy conclusion we want so badly at this point. . . Or at least that's what I'd say if I was to get all technical and stuff, haha.

Oh, weird and outrageous Guha, how I missed you!

I love how everyone in Ayodhya dresses like Rama and Sita did in their exile; it's as if they are in exile simply because Rama is present.  I can't decide if this is touching, or codependent and worrisome.  Either way, it's definitely interesting.

Celebrations abound, for the rightful king of Ayodhya is restored!  Yada, yada, yada. . .

Also, on a side note, it is interesting that even though Kaikeyi's act to install Bharata on the throne was purely selfish, she ends up being credited with helping to save the world from Ravana's tyranny.  I'm pretty sure that goes against any morals this story is trying to instill, but whatever.

Awake for fourteen years.  Let me repeat, fourteen years!!  Damn.  That is some loyalty, Lakshmana.  Perhaps now you can sleep for at least seven.

Woo coronations and more celebrations and feasting!  Etc, etc. . .

I really love the single line of poetry at the beginning of the last book; "at the end hear the first words. . ."  This really emphasizes the fact that this is a frame tale, and that the entire time we were heading towards not an end, but a continuation of a beginning.  At least that's what I think, so it must be true, haha.

People leave.  Rama rules. People doubt Sita's purity.  Apparently surviving the test of Fire isn't enough to prove your virtue.  And so, Rama abandons Sita to the forest, not even having the balls to do so himself.  But if Rama says something shall be done, than it must be done, and it must be the right thing to do.  Bahh!!  Like, what the heck?!  After everything you went through to be together, you just abandon her because of some gossipy city-people?  For shame!!

Even Lakshmana thinks Rama's acting like a coward.  Gah, I am just so frustrated right now!

And then we get the backstory of how Kaikeyi won her two boons from Dasaratha.  Random, but I guess the story just needed to be told.  Plus it gives Valmiki a chance to excavate himself from the anthill before Sita is left to commit suicide. . .

Kaikeyi a brave warrior woman?  An amazing charioteer?  A strong individual?  I'm in shock!!  o_O  Haha.

So Sita is abandoned because of a curse; *sigh*.  I guess it's slightly more acceptable if the act is Dharma's doing.  Still sucks for the end to a love story, though.

We return to the festival occurring and Rama and Sita's twin boys singing Valmiki's Ramayana.  And then we return shortly after to the "present," where Saunaka is being told the tale of the composition and recitation of the story of Rama and Sita in the same forest where that long-ago festival occurred by Sauti.  How's that for a confusing, over-simplified summary of a multi-layered frame tale. . .

And then for some reason we return back to the festival.  Just when I thought we were nearly done.

Now Buck is just jumping around for fun.  He probably wrote this last section this way solely to annoy me, knowing I was going to read this one day.  He irks me; he's irksome. <-- (I apologize if no one gets the reference.  I obviously remember random lines from too many TV shows.)

And finally, finally, Rama recognizes his sons.  Thank God!  Rama and Sita get their happily ever after at long last!!!  =)

There is a literal Mother Earth in this story; absolutely fantastic!!

Okay, maybe they don't get their happy ending.  What is happening?!  Sita disappears underground and Rama just accepts that he won't see Sita again as long as he lives as a man?  AAAAGHHH.  Kiss and live together and die together of extremely old age, I am begging you.

Janaka continues to bewilder me.  I have absolutely no idea what he is talking about in any point in time.  But he seems okay with that, so I guess I am too. . .

"Rama ruled in Fair Ayodhya for a thousand years more, alone without Sita, keeping her golden statue by him in her palace rooms"  Wow.  That is somewhat romantic and entirely depressing.  Can we please change the ending?

Lakshmana dies simply because he sees Time; I would be angry/annoyed, except the whole scene of his death is gorgeous in his acceptance of his fate and the imagery.  I love it, and I hate it.  So many feels, to use internet lingo, haha.

". . . if you want a high road to heaven, just say Rama. . ."  Rama.  Rama, Rama, Rama.  Ramaramaramaramarama.  Did it work? . . .

"This is the world's first best poem."  So humble.  Especially since if it is to be believed it is the first poem ever, so is by necessity the first best poem.  Okay, so then I guess by that argument it's just stating a fact, not bragging. . . What was I saying?

I kind of don't know what to say about the end of Buck's version.  I would have been happy with Sauti shouting Rama to end it, but then he added another two lines.  "Again the Players come./Love to all men."  And I don't know what to make of the whole "players" part. Who are the players he's referencing?  Why is this a good ending?  I mean I get the whole "love to all men part"; it's just like an "amen," lol.  But who are the players, and what does it mean that they are coming again? . . .

In any case, goodbye, Ramayana!  I shall remember you always!  Namaste.

Week 7: Reading Diary A--Among Other Things, the Defeat of Ravana and the Reunion of Rama and Sita!

Last week of reading the Ramayana; alas!  But soon we shall move on to new tales and find new beloved characters.  But first, back to Ravana, and Time. . .

So, as Ravana gathers his army in the cloak of night in order to attack Rama's army, we get a short anecdote about the Rakshasa Malyavan.  Honestly, this story just left me confused.  The past and present were so intertwined and indistinct that I really don't understand what happened.  But it was such an ethereal scene with such a welcoming end, that I don't care that I didn't understand it; I liked it anyway.  I guess I'm just odd that way.

The description of the armies facing off was another unreal image.  Can you imagine looking out on what appeared to be a sea of "long-murdered ghosts"?  Of facig off against "warriors like hills, like living flames, very strong and cruel"?  I'm shivering just thinking about it.

Final conclusion on Jambavan the Bear King:  fearsome, great to have on your side, but bad to have as an enemy.  Piss him off, and you are basically agreeing to being ripped into tiny shreds. So, yeah.

Hanuman is an interesting figure.  Who knew a monkey could rip off a head and cause it to explode into 108 pieces and send flaming brains flying?  I probably could have gone my whole life without knowing that, but hey, now I know.

Finally someone acknowledges that if Soorpanaka wasn't so lustful and spoiled, this whole war affair could have been avoided.  Can you imagine a crush being the root cause of such a destructive war, of the downfall of your kingdom?  Granted, Paris could probably relate, but who else?  Haha.

Also, there really is honor among thieves--or among demons, at least.

You know how there are people who you never, ever, want to witness dancing?  Ravana is now at the top of my list.

I. Love. Time.  I mean if you read my latest story you already know this, but seriously.  How great would it be to finally call Ravana out for all of his sins, and be able to do it in such a low key yet menacing/ominous way?!  Seriously a fan. . .

And then Time fails me.  Falls prey to Ravana.  I now hate you, Time.  How you have disappointed me!!

Rama is characterized as partly a wanderer, partly a warrior, partly a king, and I have to say I love this description.  It seems that after all of his travels, this is the man he has become, and as he rides into battle his true identity is on the verge of being unleashed. . .

Cue the final battle royale, fraught with clashing chariots, arrows, and all manner of weapons!!

Oh, the poetry in the wicked enemy dying at dawn, leaving the world to begin a new day, a new era!  Plus, the awesome justice in Ravana finally being killed for all of his sins--that's also cool and such.  Yeah, yeah it is.

Ravana's letter to be delivered to Rama after his death was also poetic.  Oddly enlightened, but poetic just the same.

A long poetic, very self-aware description of the tale of Rama as told in Valmiki's song. . . and into part three, "The Dharma Wheel"!

Here we see everything in the epic coming to a nice conclusion, with all loose ends being tied up.  Ravana's body is burned, Vibhishana is placed on Lanka's throne, Mandodari accompanies her father Maya away, and Hanuman (finally!) fetches Sita.

Apparently Sita is more beautiful than Lakshmi--therefore somehow more beautiful than herself?  Ummmm. . .

And then Rama goes and pretends his ignorance is perfectly fine.  Who needs to know they are a great and powerful god anyway, right?  Gahh, so frustrating!

Great lovers reunited and given a house to themselves, and what do they do?  Sita places Rama's head in her lap and notices his leg is injured.  Totally what I was thinking, I mean, what else would they do?

"'You are faithful and very wise, when you stop to think.'"  I'm pretty sure that that is more insult than compliment.  But way to be passive aggressive, Vibhishana!

And now Rama's dead army becomes Rama's arisen army of the dead.  So basically, the world is now overrun by zombie bears and zombie monkeys.  That's reassuring.  And not at all frightening.

And we end with a giant chariot carrying thousands of "reformed" demons, zombie animals, and other travelers (including our beloved Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana) heading back to Ayodhya.  Really wish I could've been present to witness that homecoming.

I bid you adieu!  Our final installment of the Ramayana is to come tomorrow, so be prepared for happy endings all around, haha!

Tech Tip: Online Typing Test

I took the RankMyTyping.com and Typing Speed Test online in order to discover how fast and accurate I was with my touch typing.  Both tests resulted in about the same speed for me, with 74.2 words per minute at the one and 72 words per minute at the other.  Personally, I liked the RankMyTyping test better, as it was sentences with punctuation, similarly to things that I type normally; thus, it probably provides a more accurate measure of my typing speed while doing assignments than the Typing Speed Test.  However, the typing speed test was interesting in that it shows how fast I can type when looking at individual words rather than connected thoughts.

Either way, I was both impressed and depressed with my typing speeds, haha, so it was overall an enlightening experience!

Week 6: Storytelling--Illusion, Shadow, and the Passage of Time

As you walk the paths of life, you are not alone.  I for one am always present, always observing, always waiting.  In my endless days,  I have seen many events come to pass--yet there is one event in everyone's life with which I am overly concerned.  And in fact it is not the events and circumstances themselves I remember, but the people.  For me, the individuals are who stand out, the countless faces of reincarnated souls, wondering where I will take them next, wondering what their lives were worth.

But, of course, that is not for me to decide.  I am only the companion of the Death Lord, and am often absorbed into his shadow.  I am ever changeable, ever oncoming.  I am an illusion, but all too real.  I am Time, and because of my passage I am also Death.

Once upon a Time, Ravana wished to seek out Death--I was only too happy to oblige him with my presence.  And yet, when he saw me he demanded to see my Lord Yama, not recognizing me.  At that time, he made of me an enemy, and Death is not an enemy you wish to have.  Even when my appearance changed from that of a withered man not unlike a corpse to that of a fair young man with all of life before him, he mocked me.

But what he failed to realize is that Time, Death, is not willingly your enemy--I am not your enemy.  When I touch upon your shoulder, you welcome me.  I bring you peace, rebirth; I allow your weary souls to rest.  To not experience Death is to live in eternal torment, to cringe and whimper at the harshness of Timeless life.

For many years I followed Ravana in the guise of Time, casting a shriveled shadow over the Demon King.  My dry coughs would echo in his ears, my breath would fall damply on his neck.  To refuse Death is to accept endless Time, and so I shadowed his many travails.  Often I stood behind him, watching and waiting for the Time when he would beg for Death, when he would cry for my appearance.  And while I followed Ravana, I also traveled elsewhere, playing my role and casting Time's shadow over Kaikeyi's heart when she decided to cash in her favors with the king, and then standing behind the accepting shoulders of Dasaratha when he welcomed Death as relief for his broken heart.

As Ayodhya mourned its king, Rama noted my worth, my role in allowing weary souls rest.  When others complained of the unfairness of Death, Rama spoke of companionship, of friendship, of changing Time.  And I recognized in him one who knew both the hardships and joys of Time, and the illusions of Death.

It was not until later that the honorable Rama's path was to cross that of the forsaken Demon King.  I awaited those days, when Ravana would finally realize my blessing.  The siege of Lanka saw me prowling the city streets, withered and weary, wearing a threadbare brown shroud.  The dust and ashes of Time ruined and Death approaching covered me, and my dry cough echoed along the avenues.  Grinning like a skull, my hollow eyes took in the many companions who would soon join me.  The Time had come for the inhabitants of Lanka to join me in Death, to rest in my welcoming arms.  I walked those streets to collect those who respected Death, who understood that Time must pass and change.

It was soon after this that Ravana realized the errors of his ways; he realized that every choice he made had led him to this moment, to the moment where he would face down Rama and be forced to bow down to me and accept Death.  Ravana had been able to hide behind the illusions of earthly life, but no more.  Dharma and the material instruments of Time had long since aligned with Rama.  Even Indrajit, a mighty warrior, fell under my law, the law of Time and Death, in those times.  And still Ravana would not accept me.  But he will one day soon.

Do not fear Death--Death is not life's end; it is nothing but an illusion.  The course of Time is ever-changing and unstoppable.  With Time comes not only ends, but also endless beginnings.  The wheel of Time forever rolls on, regardless of circumstance.  When you see my shadow, do not be afraid.  As Death I am only an illusion; yet as Time, I am your constant shadow and the course of all events.  Welcome me, and I will welcome you into my joyful arms when your Death, your Time, comes.





Author's Note.  If anyone were to scan my reading diaries, they would find frequent instances in which I mention Time; for some reason, all his various appearances (both in regards to his presence and his physical appearance) have really drawn my attention.  He stands out in that he seems to always be present, and yet he never merits more than a line or two of text (with the exception of the story on 39-40).  And so I decided to tell a little tale of my own in which Time is the star.  Tada!!

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

Image Information.  Photograph by Giulia, 2013.  "Watching the Passage of Time."  Flickr.

Week 6: Reading Diary B--War, War, and More War.

Jumping right in. . .

Rama decides to lay siege to Lanka with the animal army.  His decision on when to start (the next day) and description of the time is quite ominous.  All "Death will be in conjunction with the moon"--spooky!  Haha.

Rama is quite rude to the Ocean when it won't let him pass.  So something won't immediately bow down to you--get over it!  He doesn't even really ask nicely or anything; no manners!  And yet the Ocean helps him anyway for love.  Turns out the Ocean is more compassionate than Rama is polite.  Go figure.

Squirrels helping build a bridge. . . Yeah, would never see that coming.

Vibhishana makes some very passive aggressive comments here.  If I didn't know any better, I'd say he even employs a little sarcasm.  Is it bad that I love him for it?

Ravana refuses to give back Sita and ask pardon 'cause he's a--shall we say--stupidhead, for lack of a crude term.  So Vibhishana goes to join Rama's side.  All in all, we see that V is the smart sibling of the two.

And then Hanuman calls Sugriva out for being a drunk.  Because if I served a king, that's totally what I would say to him.  "King, you were to drunk to remember, plus you're just plain ignorant.  Leave off!"  Granted those are my words, but still, that is basically what he says.

The bridge is built and Lanka is reached.  Woot woot!

You also hear the phrase in books "shrink to nothing," but in this case it was actually literal.  Huh.

"'Are you afraid?' 'Well no, but my stomach hurts!'"  <--Best/weirdest excuse ever to resign from being a spy.  Do you think it works for other jobs/activities too?

So Sita couldn't see through the illusion of Rama's dead beheaded head.  Fun fact.  Thank goodness for Prahasta's timing in announcing Rama's arrival, or Sita would have killed herself--she definitely resorts to that solution a lot. . . Anyway, that gave a rakshasi the chance to tell her the truth.  A demon who isn't demonic?!  Say what?

Yay, Time is back!!  This time he is an old, withered man, walking the streets of Lanka.  Cool descriptions, though I never want to see someone grinning at me like a skull.  That's just plain creepy.

Ravana has serious anger issues.  He needs a therapist, stat.

Loved the verse at the beginning of the "Siege of Lanka" chapter:  "This perilous Life is a drop of water,/ A hanging raindrop on a lotus leaf;/ Soon it falls back in the pond below/ And is lost."  Truly sad words, but beautifully told.

I wish I had brass clubs thrown at me to kill off all the mosquitoes biting me on summer nights.  Imagine how awesome that overkill would be. . .

The whole time Nala is killing Prahasta, I'm picturing a lioness attacking a demon.  Like a mix of The Lion King and Fantasia.  There is so much wrong with me. . .

I can kinda relate to Ravana in that my younger sibling is also significantly taller than me.  I mean, she's no Kumbhakarna, but that would just be ridiculous!

Okay, now I'm picturing Ravana as a child throwing a tantrum.  "'What I don't like I don't hear!'"  Pfft.  Grow up, little boy, this is the real/mythological world.  Both of your brothers tried to correct your error and you ignored them; you will get your due, and it won't be pretty!

What is so special about Rama's arrows?!  Every other weapon fails, but one arrow from him and poof!  Problem solved.

Answer:  The arrows are washed in gold and then blood.  Soooo, okay then.  That's different.

Indrajit still seems like the best and most intelligent/straightforward warrior on Ravana's side.  It's no wonder he's the only one who can get things done.  Not that I support him, but you have to love a guy who knows what he's doing.  Even if he does kill everyone and Rama.  Still impressive.  (Again, I have sooooo many issues, haha.)

And now we bring the dead back to life.  Why not?  Death is the work of Maya, after all.  It is only an illusion.  Just carry a mountain of herbs over an army of the dead, and they come back to life.  It's that simple, hah.

Wholehearted love = impossible deeds.  Good to know.

And on the third day he rose again. . . to find Rama is alive.  Poor Ravana, can't even rest without everything falling apart around him.

Seems my Bible allusion was apt; for now we have "Fight for me on Earth, as you did in heaven!" mirroring some Christian prayer.  Curiouser and curiouser.

More illusions, more people too ignorant to see through them, more battles. . . And Lakshmana kills Indrajit!!  Awww! :(    (I-I mean woo-hoo!!  Go protagonists!  Hooray cliches!!)

And finally, Ravana decides he will go face Rama himself.  Now we must wait for the battle royale to begin!!

Week 6: Reading Diary A--Basically, Hanuman's Opportunity and Subsequent Failure to Cut This Epic Short

Another week of readings this way comes!  Let's get to it!!

A great vulture named Sampati informs Hanuman and the animals were to find Sita (in Lanka, of course!).  He's even kind enough to provide a second eye-witness account just in case they don't believe him.  Poor guy is getting rudely interrogated in exchange for offering help.  Shame on Hanuman!

At least they were kind enough to give Sampati food and heal his wings.  Much more reasonable response there.

Hanuman gathers his powers and climbs to the top of a the Malaya hills, from which he leaps to Lanka.  I have to say, I loved the details in this entire scene, especially the ways his ascent and heavy tread as well as his preparation to jump were described.

Loved, loved, loved the story about mountains having wings!  Can you imagine?  I'd be driving home from school one day and it'd be like, "Well, guess I have to find a new apartment, seeing as my old one has now been flattened by a mountain.  *sigh*"  Haha.  And the broken-off wings became the clouds?!  Great imagery in such a simple etiological myth.

Hanuman's shadow being grabbed reminded me of Peter Pan; just a random side note. . .

For Lanka being the haven of Ravana and the rakshasa, it sure sounds gorgeous.  Can I vacation there, please?  With different companions?

And now Hanuman is McGonagall.  Nbd.

"You have vanquished the realm of Lanka with one blow. . ."  And yet he can't just rescue Sita himself?  Bahh!

More descriptions. . .

Just saying, Ravana has quite the harem.  Also, Indian mythology has countless flawless women--and I have no idea what to make of that, haha.

Kill him!!!!  He's right there in front of you, fast asleep--so just kill him already!

And now you still the man's food; bad form, Hanuman, bad form.

Apparently now the countless flawless women in Indian mythology all look practically the same.  Not sure what this means, but I don't like it.  >:/

Yet all the men/beasts break down and cry often, so I guess that levels the gender playing field. . .

Ugly demons and Ravana are harassing Sita.  Long story short.

Some great quotes can be found here, though:  "She was a river dried away, a torn leaf from a doubtful book. . .; she was dead love and disappointed hopes."  Depressing but highly descriptive.

Sita's got some spunk, some moxy!!  "'Can you not feel the noose of Death?'"  Ooomph, that one hurt, haha.

"'Be happy! Or else! . . . Or else we'll eat you up.'"  <--That right there escalated quickly.  And will provide fodder for horror stories/nightmares in the near future, haha.

Apparently pinching yourself to discover if you're dreaming is overrated.  Simply examine the details of the ground before you, and everything will be made clear.

And now Hanuman is turning into Trelawney; he just cannot make up his mind.

Sita basically says if she is to be rescued, it must be by Rama so that she knows she is still loved.  A great sentiment, but just a bit overblown/melodramatic.  Ah, well, what are we to do. . .

Hanuman "slapped his armpits so loudly. . ."  That is. . . just. . . w-o-w.  Wow.

Apparently being able to change the size of things at spectacular scales in "small magic."  I wish I had small magic, but imagine what big magic must be capable of!

Indrajit is probably the greatest character in this epic in that he doesn't overcomplicate things.  He just does.  Capture Hanuman?  Sure, with a single arrow.  No problem.  Can I go back to meditating now?

At least Hanuman has a sense of humor, even when captured.  It keeps things interesting.

Go Vibhishana, standing up and showing the strength found in "weak" women everywhere!  Plus good job for saving Hanuman. . . yeah, that too.

Fire can't burn Sita, but Sita can burn Fire--I have no idea what this means.  Sure sounds cool, though.

Bears, and bears, and drunken bears!  Do you think we could find Winnie-the-Pooh celebrating with them in the Honey Park?  I mean it sounds like somewhere he'd be. . .

Hanuman summarizes where he found Sita and the situation at Lanka.  And once again we see our strong warriors weeping.

Tune in next time to discover if the men are emo, maudlin, or simply compassionate!  (Hint:  The answer is probably none of the above.)  Tata for now!!

Google Define and Etymology Tech Tip

This feature of Google is actually one that I use all the time.  Seriously.  I know so many words from reading them in context in books and such, but sometimes am slightly unsure of whether I am using them correctly.  Or I come across a word and just need to know what it means. . . So I go to Google.  Woo Google!!  Haha.

Anyways, here is a screenshot of one of my favorite words (don't ask me why I like it so much; I just do!):

Week 5: Storytelling--The Creation of Garuda

"It all started with a leaf; odd, but there are few better ways to begin.  The Valakhilyas, miniature saints of great repute, wished only to aid in the creation of a sacrificial fire; and yet they were mocked by the prideful Indra when they could scarcely bear a single leaf.  Thus they lit that leaf afire and sang for a better Indra--if not for the interjections of Kashyapa, perhaps we would have another Indra.  Instead, the Valas granted Kashyapa with seeds which would bear his wives sons.  And so it was.”

"So Garuda was born from a seed?  A seed formed by miniature saints who could not bring a leaf to a sacrificial fire but could create from that same leaf a sacrificial fire with a purpose similar to that originally planned?  And then that seed was consumed by the wives of Kashyapa, who then had children?  Did I get that right?"

The elder man chuckled deeply, his grooved face crinkling even further as he smiled at his inquisitive young grandson.  "Yes, pota.  It is not so strange a tale, is it?  But there is much more. . .

"You see, Kashyapa's wife Vinata gave birth to only two eggs, while Kadru gave birth to a thousand.  And when Kadru's eggs hatched into Nagas--half-human, half-serpentine beings--Vinata became too impatient to wait for her own young to hatch.  And so she cracked the fragile shell of one of her eggs, only to find her son Aruna but partially formed.  Similarly to a serpent, he too lacked legs; but Aruna's most striking feature was his translucence--his entire form was diaphanous and supple.

"Aruna told his mother that she was to be patient and not disturb the sleep of her other son for another five hundred years, as she had disturbed him.  He then lithely launched himself into the sky, turning dawn's light a fiery red as it passed through his sheer flesh--"

"Hold on, Dadaji!  You want me to believe that the seeds from the fire from the leaf of the Valas when consumed by the wives of Kashyapa became eggs?  And that these eggs gave rise to Nagas?  Aren't they the guardians of treasure who live in a kingdom underground?  Why would the Valas create them instead of another version of Indra?"

"Well, you see--"

"And how could Aruna be alive if he wasn't supposed to be born for another five hundred years?  Wouldn't he just die?  Why couldn't Vinata just wait?  I can't believe that's why the dawn sky looks red!  So does that mean I have x-ray vision?  But I thought you were going to tell me about Garuda--I want to hear about the King of the Birds!!"

The old man laughed a second time.  He shook his head at the boy’s enthusiasm, and tried to begin again.  "If you would be patient, I will tell you of the magnificent Garuda; perhaps you could learn a lesson from Vinata if you listened.  Shall I continue, or will you interrupt me again?"

The boy shook his head quickly, his dark hair flopping about his face.  He mimed zipping his mouth shut, then gestured for his grandfather to continue.

"At Aruna's behest, Vinata did indeed wait another five hundred years, anxiously anticipating the birth of her second son.  In that time, however, Kadru--arrogant with her innumerable offspring--tricked Vinata into a bet.  Thus Vinata lost her freedom to Kadru and the Naga's cheating ways.

"It was into the midst of this drudgery that Garuda was born.  He emerged from his shell, only to be immediately saturated by sunshine.  His form amplified until he grew massive enough to block out the sun.  Garuda was a massive eagle; the feathers on his body gilded as if composed of gold, while his wings gleamed a brilliant red as if they were ablaze.  But where his head, wings, and talons resembled the figure of an eagle, Garuda also possessed a man’s arms and hands, and his torso was similar to a man's, yet covered with aurelian feathers."

"Woah!!  So does that mean that he was basically a person who could fly?  Can I have shiny red wings, Dadaji--can I fly?!  Why would the Valas create a version of Indra who was half-eagle, half-man?  And I thought that Garuda was the enemy of the Nagas and ate serpents--but his brother was practically a snake, and the Nagas were kind of like his brothers, too, weren't they?  So why would he eat them?  And does Garuda ever free his mom, or does he just leave her with Kadru?  And--"

A young woman clapped her hand over the mouth of the voluble boy, stifling laughter.  Helping her son stand, she smiled warmly at the seated elderly man.  "I hope he hasn't been too much trouble, Sasur.  He can't seem to get enough of your stories."

The man chortled, his grin lighting up his eyes as he looked over his energetic grandson.  "Your boy is curious about his religion and I am only too happy to share with him my knowledge.  Perhaps next time he will even manage to stay quiet enough to reach the end of a story."

Beaming brightly, the boy glanced up at his mother with excitement.  "Does this mean I can come over again tomorrow?  Please!!  I promise I'll listen better this time!  Oh, please, Amma, please!"

Looking over at her father-in-law, who nodded his head with a sly smile, the woman turned back to her son.  "Of course, putr.  Now thank Dadaji before we go."

The little boy ran over to his grandfather and hugged him goodbye.

"Tomorrow?" he whispered in his grandfather's ear.

His grandfather smiled and whispered his reply.  "Tomorrow."

Author's Note.  I enjoyed this story; it provided some missing background on this regal and courageous eagle who appears in The Ramayana.  But because it was so convoluted, it raised as many questions for me as it answered.  Therefore I wondered what a child would think when told this story; I mean, they always have numerous questions, so what would they ask if they heard this?  Probably not what I wrote, but I was never a little boy, so I did my best, haha.

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

Image Information.  Photograph of a single leaf.  Pixabay.    Sculpture of Garua by Hyougushi.  Photograph by Hideyuki KAMON.  Flickr.

Week 5: Reading Diary B--Deer and Monkeys and Bears, Oh My!

Once again I need to seriously shorten my posts...Let's get to it!

New thoughts on the whole golden deer situation:

I still feel bad for Maricha; the guy is smart and logical and reasonable and he gets dragged into it and killed anyway (albeit he accepts Death gracefully).  What justice in the world?

The description of the deer was breathtaking.  I probably would have begged for it/hunted it.   Granted I wouldn't have killed it, but semantics.

And Sita, always crossing the line.  Stupid, stupid, stupid!  Interesting how in this version, Ravana can directly pick up Sita, where in the last he could not.  Possible meanings of this difference?

Poor Jatayu, so close to triumph and rescue only to fail.  But I guess he might be happy that he died a warrior's death, as cliched and trite as that sentiment is.

And here we also see a version where Sita leaves a lovely trail of jewels, all catalogued quite nicely. . .


Onto Hanuman!  Woo wooo!! Haha.  But in all (but not really any) seriousness:

Gotta love Sita's spunk with Ravana; to Hell with him, indeed!  Interesting little side story with Indra. Now we know how Sita survived and why she wasn't attacked, though, so that's cool and such.

Deer are such tattletales.

Who knew Rama was a romantic?  That's right, everyone!  But a strong quote here:  "You have given away your life for me, and despite that my life herself has been taken from me. . ."  There's nothing better than great, passionate prose.

Another adorable elderly lady enters the scene.  Savari tells of the glorious white monkey, Hanuman, and rehashes the tale of Vali and Sugriva.  And poor little baby Hanuman!  Left all alone and hungry!  To think he may have been burned by the sun in thinking that it was a mango. . . Silly monkey, haha.  Moving on from deprecation (sort of), Hanuman sure was a flighty child--pun intended.

Dudhuvi is too headstrong and ridiculously aggressive.  Sorry, but he deserved what he got.  Meanwhile Sugriva gets the short end of the stick after committing no wrong--though he ends up acting badly and harshly and traitorously and stuff, so perhaps he deserved his punishment as well.

"Truly, a friend is protection against injury and a help for sorrow."  A kind sentiment, and partially true, but more an empty reassurance than anything.  Thank you, Lakshmana.

The fight between Vali and Sugriva is much abbreviated in this version.  The death still seems a little unfair, but isn't nearly as conflicting as in Narayan's version.  And Vali's last words are thoughtfully succinct and somehow more meaningful because of it.  Woo conciseness!

"'Surely that is wrong, to part two people in love'. . .'As wrong as war'. . ."  My punctuation there is surely wrong as well, but it's an interesting quote.  We favor individualism so much that such a separation of two individual lovers seems as terrible as two or more nations sacrificing thousands for some cause; true or false, and right or wrong?


Now to begin the search:

Rain, rain, go away.  Come again another day!

Oh, Sugriva, drinking your life away--how impressive.  Drunk for over three months?  Is that even possible?!

Various animals go in various directions to search for Sita.  Most definitely (or at least most likely) some symbolism here, but I don't know/care enough to see it.

Turns out my vision of the underground kingdom was slightly off; eh, what are you gonna do?  But this was a much more satisfactory depiction, so thumbs up to Buck once again!  And the whole concept and character of Maya truly fascinates me.  Therefore that story was automatically awesome.

We end with a monkey telling a bear a story.  Totally normal. . .

Week 5: Reading Diary A--Trembling Sunshine and Thirteen Plus Years of Banishment

We resume with our story, entering the Ayodhya palace and hearing whispered tales of Dasaratha's ill health in the wake of Rama's departure. . .

I love the description of the sunbeams speaking with Dasaratha and trembling upon finding him cold to the world.  Something about this depiction fascinated me; it is inherently ethereal and yet oddly simple and plain.

Horsemen race to tell Bharata and Satrughna the news of their father's death, and all I can think of is, "what is with the ubiquity of the number three?  I mean, are three horsemen really necessary to deliver a simple message?"  I am clearly unfeeling.

And then they don't even deliver the message of Dasaratha's death!  No--all they do is tell the frightened and distressed brothers that they must return to Ayodhya.  Like, what?!  Plus when they arrive in Ayodhya the silence and everything indicates that something is seriously wrong, and yet they have to wait anxiously to hear what has happened; and if they're anything like me, the anticipation makes the dread that much worse.

Another brief appearance by the mysterious (but ubiquitous) Time. . .

Poor, easily manipulated Kaikeyi.  Husband-less and hated by your own son for your actions which banished his beloved brother and thus killed his adored father.  (Warning: sarcasm in use!)  Excuse me for not pitying your plight.

Ooph!  Being called a whore by your own son as he calls "Mother" another woman.  I don't know what to think of Bharata here--I mean he is kind of justified, but that's harsh.  And then he turns around and asks why a kingdom needs a king. . . Seriously?  "Kingdoms" can't even be spelled without "king," let alone run without them!  (Side note: the dialogue on why a king is necessary perfectly describes this sentiment in a much more knowledgeable and vivid manner.  Kudos once again to Buck and his expressive and enthralling use of language!)

"But here I am...I'll burn the dead King in Rama's name."  I know this quote refers to proper ceremonial burial rites and all, but it is probably the most ominous and frightening line I have read yet in this class.  Remind me to never get on Bharata's bad side.  And thank goodness he decided to forgive Kaikeyi, or she would have had s*** for life (pardon my language) in the future.  I respect his decision here, but am still unsure of how I feel about Bharata's character. . .

What is with the random anecdote about Indra and Surabhi, the wishing-cow of heaven?  Now I know of a new Hindu deity--one who is extremely compassionate apparently--but to what purpose?

Still lovin' Guha, the little man.  He is a friendly, loyal, and somewhat enigmatic character who speaks the language of animals--what more could you want?!

A prime example of Buck's beautiful prose:  "Then as a smoldering tree already burned by forest fire will show only by night that it still burns, so Bharata sighed in the dark."  I'm sighing myself here, when presented with such emotive language!

Bharata (along with countless Kosalas) cross various lands and pass through many channels in order to speak with Rama and inform him of Dasaratha's death.  Long story short.

Next falls a pretty pastoral scene depicting Rama and Sita walking the woods together, quickly interrupted by a black crow attacking Sita while Rama sleeps.  Sita becomes jumpy, but I guess this is acceptable seeing as she was just attacked by a random forest animal. They arrive home sweet home.

Rama and Bharata explore their bromance.  This results in Bharata assuming a consular role during Rama's absence.  Ayodhya awaits Rama's return with silence and ignorance.  'Cause you can't learn when you're mourning, of course (?). . .

Our adventurous trio (Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana) encounter the old couple that is Atri and Anasuya when venturing to find a new home in the forest.  Here Sita claims her husband in no uncertain terms ("He is my man," she states).  This statement and Sita's beauty and charm earn her some serious bling from the older woman.  Why not?

Every three months or eight months or a year our trio would move.  Random, but apparently true.  But late in the fourteenth and last springtime. . . (Duh, duh, duhhhh!)

Thus we arrive at the book in which all of Rama and Sita's true trials and tribulations are to occur.  Here we go!

First we learn the rather clever and amusing tale of Agastya.  The Vindhya Hills had been jealous of the Himalya for its position in the center of the passage of the Sun and Moon.  And so Vindhya rose and blocked the skies.  But sneaky Agastya begged Vindhya to grant him passage and not rise again until his return to the north.  Thus the Vindhya Hills remain lower than the Himalya.

Agastya also took on two demon brothers named Vatapi and Ilwala, digesting Vatapi as mutton before his brother could call him out of Agastya's stomach.  Gross, but I guess judicious. . . (?)

Upon meeting Agastya, he gifts Rama a divine bow and gives one arrow each to Rama and Lakshmana.  Perhaps we will be illuminated on the roles of these specific infallible arrows later.

The foolhardy trio decide to venture into Dandaka, a land infested with Ravana's blood-drinking demons.  I mean, why not?  They still have a year of banishment to travel and such.  Why wouldn't they want to encounter danger and demons galore?

Two words:  Miniature. Saints.  Cool or creepy or a mix of both?  You decide!! (Though the image of them carrying a leaf is pretty freaking adorable.)

A rather insightful conversation about war and right and wrong ensues between Rama and Sita. I've got to say, this is one of the first instances in which Sita actually seems more intelligent than insipid.  And I'm kinda loving it.

The story of the Valas and the creation of the Nagas and the birth of Garuda was phenomenal!  Definitely a story I may retell in some way at a later date (hint, hint), so no more on that now. . .

The etiological myth for thunderbolts--is this an example of some kind of religio-cultural transition from a more ancient tradition to the more recent (at least at the time of the epic's transcription) Vedic tradition?  Questions, questions!  (Additionally, the etiological myth for snakes' split tongues!  Haha.)

Even with Sita standing alongside Rama and Lakshmana, she manages to be kidnapped.  It kind of makes you wonder how great our two princely "heroes" are as guards, lol.

Finally, we come to the arrival of Surpanakha, Ravana's sister (different spelling, same disgusting demoness).  Surpanaka tells Ravana; Ravana sends an army; Rama kills army; Ravana heads to the hermitage of his uncle Maricha.  And so we reach the fantastic story of the golden deer. . .

Until next time!!

Comment Wall

This is a place for anyone and everyone to leave comments on anything and everything, haha.  Comment away!!

YouTube Tech Tip

Here is a link to Sita Sings the Blues on YouTube!!  Loved this version of The Ramayana!

Week 4: Storytelling--Remember Me

You left me.  The love of my life, the other half of my soul, abandoned me.  Many say that there is no pain greater than that of a broken heart--I disagree.  For once you experience a love so great that it instantly incites burning passion, easily defeats demons and rakshasas, and effortlessly sees through any illusions meant to lead you astray--once you know a lover who was not simply created for you, but was created from the same essence as you--it is impossible to live without them.  It is not my heart, but my very soul, my existence, that you have broken.  After experiencing such unconditional love, such marital bliss, it might as well be a death sentence if I am to be spurned by the one I thought loved me.

I was simply told that I was going on a pleasant ride through the forest in one of our golden chariots.  I thought it was to be a relaxing evening.  I am innocent, blameless; do not believe anything to the contrary.  For ten thousand years I have served faithfully alongside you, my lover and my king, but now I am forsaken by our people. Why?  To what purpose?  What have I done to these my people to deserve this punishment?  And how can you so easily turn from me, Rama, my beloved?  How can you throw me to the wilderness so carelessly?

Long ago, when faced with fourteen years without you--a relatively brief space of time--I could not accept such a void.  Fourteen years without you may as well have been an eternity; in fact, even now each day I live without you I barely survive.  My breath comes in ragged gasps, food holds no appeal, and every sight and sound only serves to remind me of your absence.  Life without you can hardly be called life at all. . .

You tried to convince me before of the dangers of the forest, and of the luxuries that could be mine if I simply remained in Ayodhya.  Do you remember what I said?  A wife and her husband are one entity; what is to befall one should befall both--your fortune is mine, and mine yours.  Without you, even Ayodhya, a city I love dearly, is as miserable and uncontrolled as wilderness.  I depend on you, Rama.  I cannot, will not, be cast away like water left unwanted in a cup.  How, when I fight so hard to remain by your side, can you so easily dispense with me like so much offal?  Your disposal of me is effortless; what am I to think?

If not for Valmiki's swift aid, you would not even be receiving this missive.  Left deserted and friendless, I had prepared myself for a swift end in the enveloping waters of Ganga.  But 'twas not to be.  Instead, Valmiki welcomed me into his hermitage, and I lived to bear twin sons; Valmiki named them Kusa and Lava, and they so resemble and remind me of you that I know not whether to exclaim in delight or in sorrow.

At the end of their song--our song--perhaps you will recognize them as your children.  I hope you will welcome them with open arms, and love them as I do.  And perhaps, when you look at them, you will observe in them traces of my self, and remember me.

Remember me, Rama.  If you still love me now or have ever loved me, remember me.  Remember our love, our burning passion.  Remember my pure heart and eternal faithfulness.  Remember my fidelity to you, even in the face of captivity and torture.  Remember how you abandoned me to the unforgiving forest, without just cause.

And perhaps we are not meant to be together again, perhaps this is how our story ends; if it is to be so, I shall accept it.  But remember me, Rama.  Let that be your punishment, as desolate abandonment is mine.





Author's Note. Throughout Narayan's The Ramayana, the one thing I never doubted was the love between Rama and Sita (even if at times their love seemed somewhat insipid).  Therefore when at the very beginning of Buck's Ramayana I heard that Rama had just abandoned Sita to the forest--without even warning her!--I was shocked.  I also started to doubt the strength of his feelings for her.  And if that's what I was thinking, I can only imagine what was going through Sita's mind.  So imagine I did; what you are reading here is the result of my imagination running wild with the doubts I have of Rama's love for Sita.  Enjoy all the depressing feels, haha.

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

Image Information. Portrait of Rama placing a flower crown on Sita's head.  Artist Sunity Devee.  Found in Nine Ideal Indian Women (1919).

Week 4: Reading Diary B--Rama's "Coronation" and Banishment and Such

Since I somehow managed to write an insanely long reading diary yesterday, I am going to do my best to dramatically shorten today's. . . At least in comparison, haha.  Let's get to it!!

Right at the beginning of this section, Dasaratha asks people whether they would like Rama as king.  And when they agree with him with much enthusiasm?  Ol' Dasaratha takes serious offense, haha.  I mean, I can understand why he feels their agreement as an insult, but what did he expect?  Alright, next!

When Rama meets with his mother and the queens, we see that Kaikeyi truly seems happy for Rama's appointment to king.  In fact, she is overjoyed by the simple fact that Dasaratha can rest and relax.  The sentiments displayed in the dialogue here seem quite contradictory to what we know is going to happen.

Then again, this version gives a much more descriptive portrayal of Kooni/Manthara.  And boy is she a cruel, soul-sucking character.  I especially like the bit where Kaikeyi throws rubies at Manthara just to get her to go away.  Kinda wish I was the queen's favorite handmaid now. . . But seriously, she's angry because child-Rama shot a play-arrow at her?  Pssht.  I've experienced that!  It's called all children, ever.  (Also, the image of Manthara?  All I can say is it will star in my nightmares tonight, haha.)

Again Time casts his shadow; curiouser and curiouser. . .

Kaikeyi is a fickle and easily manipulated spoiled brat.  Just an observation.

Rama's honor and prompt acceptance of his banishment are much better explained here.  I mean, it actually makes sense!  Like, woah!

I quite enjoyed the scene between Rama and Sita in which she makes her argument as to why she must go with him.  Yay, clever dialogue and strong (?) women!

Love Vasishtha, despise Sumantra.  Well, at the very least I'm not a fan of Sumantra.  Fun fact right there.

Some cool quotes:  "If man breaks his word, why should the stars above keep their promises not to fall?  Why should Fire not burn us all or Ocean not leap his shores and drown us?"

Quite a harrowing escape scene from Ayodhya is depicted.  I'm still not sure what I make of the chariot running down so many people; was it cruel?  but necessary?. . .

I. Want. Flying. Horses.

Guha's an interesting character.  Totally love the random drinking contest between him and Lakshmana.  Granted, Lakshmana was just exiled with his brother, so it was probably a welcome relief.  Still, not at all what I expected from an epic of India, haha.  And the additional story of Guha receiving his title, dying, and coming back to life because of Shiva--who he didn't even believe in!--was excellent.  Especially with all of the misconstrued actions from when Guha was spiting Shiva's statue.  I'm still not sure whether this is providing a sense of the god's sense of humor, or if he was really that naive. . . Hmmm.

Dasaratha can speak the language of animals?!  I'm jealous!

Still not sure how I feel about Sumantra.

♪  Just keep walking; just keep walking; just keep walking, walking, walking. . .  ♬

We get a lot more description on the extent of Dasaratha's grief.  Honestly, it was kind of depressing.  But I loved this retelling of the boy whom Dasaratha killed that one day in the forest.  It was so emotive, even if it was almost unbearably sad.  And the way the parents did not begrudge or curse Dasaratha was oddly touching.

The final scene I read for today was of Dasaratha's death.  The atmosphere was so calm, almost serene; for bearing such sorrow, his death seemed almost peaceful. . .

(Much shorter than last time--phew!!  Until we meet again!)

Week 4: Reading Diary A--Beginning Buck's "The Ramayana"

Today I once again began reading The Ramayana--only this time, it is a version written by William Buck, and is longer and more detailed than the first.  Thus, since the basic plot lines of this great epic have already been laid out in previous reading diary posts, here I shall comment on the style of Buck's retelling and the differences or additions in Buck's Ramayana versus Narayan's Ramayana.  Hopefully my posts don't end up being too repetitive.  Let's begin. . .

Right away we notice some differences between Buck's retelling and Narayan's.  Firstly, Buck sets the stage with a storyteller Sauti telling the tale of Rama to a friend; however, Sauti's tale begins with Valmiki composing the first verse--The Ramayana.  And so, right away, Buck sets up a neat little frame tale.

Because we enter the story with Valmiki writing the epic, we get some additional information on what happened after the ending of The Ramayana.  For some reason, it seems the people have turned against Sita.  She is abandoned, pregnant and alone, in the forest by the river Ganga, and is saved from committing suicide by Valmiki.  Here also all sorts of gods interact with Valmiki in order to get him to leave his post in an anthill, save Sita, and compose the first verse.  All in all, an odd but intriguing beginning.

Kusa and Lava, Rama's two sons whom are unknown to him, begin to sing The Ramayana at Rama's year's celebration, and for a year they sang the tale.  And this is where the epic as told by Narayan really begins.

 We get a nice description of Ayodhya, and then Dasaratha makes his plea for heirs.   Then we split off to get a view of heaven, which has recently been destroyed in a great battle against Ravana.  The god Indra believes all is lost, and is angry at Brahma.  But with Brahma's advice, he goes to Narayana (the Lord Vishnu), and learns that Vishnu has accepted that he will be born as a man in order to defeat Ravana.

Honestly, I love this little side story about the gods and the heavenly situation that led to Vishnu's incarnation as Rama.  While it is not truly necessary, it helps to fill in a few of the blanks that were left in Narayan's much shorter version.  Here we are able to witness the destruction Ravana caused and see how he managed to become invulnerable to gods and demons. This is the background that was missing before in setting the scene for the remainder of the epic.

Buck also provides a more detailed description of the four princes.  I especially enjoy how he phrases the relationships between Rama and Lakshmana and Bharata and Satrughna--these pairs of brothers are so close to each other that they are like pieces of the same individual, like a second self.  This really helps to clarify for me the closeness that Rama and Lakshmana share.

Another huge difference between Narayan's and Buck's Ramayana is the verse that Buck places at the beginning of each section.  I don't know if these are pieces of the original epic transcribed or what exactly, but I love the poetry and the imagery portrayed in these short segments; they really illuminate what The Ramayana  must have been like in its original form, song or recited as a way to pass on a cultural and religious tradition. . .

Buck also grants us the origin story of the Rakshasa race, something not even touched upon by Narayan.  Inserted as another frame tale, Viswamitra informs Dasaratha of Ravana and his helpers.  We learn that Brama created the Rakshasas and Yakshas in order to protect endless waters.  When the first Rakshasa conceived a child, it was gifted age and flight by Lord Shiva.  At this point, the Rakshasa was welcome everywhere, and soon he too had children.

These children wanted their homes on earth to be as beautiful as those in heaven, and so went to visit the heavenly architect.  Viswakarman then built for them a fortress and city on the Isle of Lanka, and the Rakshasa race went on to flourish and propagate on earth.  As they ran out of room in Lanka, they left for other lands, and there the began to feast upon men.  And when a Rakshasa dared to attempt to eat the god Narad, they were cursed (and momentarily driven away) and became the demons that they are today.

Again, this is a truly enlightening tale that helps to understand the underlying concepts, themes, and conflicts found within The Ramayana.  Thank you, Buck, for your wisdom and enlightenment!!

We learn of the origins of Ravana, of his heredity and his birth.  Buck tells us of how Ravana cut off nine of his ten heads, and on the day he was to end his life Brahma promises him a boon.  This is how Ravana becomes nearly immortal and practically invincible.  We are introduced to Maya (Illusion) and learn that Ravana's wife Mandodari is in fact Maya's daughter.  Buck also describes Ravana's brutal and murderous campaign to take over the world--I learned to despise Ravana all over again.  I also found out that the epics of India contain some fantastic sarcasm (my favorite language, haha).  Time is portrayed various times with a bunch of different forms--young, old, and in between--and for some reason, each time he appeared I took notice.  He just seemed to really depict (and sometimes foreshadow) the overall atmosphere of the story, while remaining in the background.  I still don't know quite what to make of it.

Viswamitra finishes bringing Dasaratha (and us) up to speed, and asks for Rama to accompany him. We all know what happens next.  However, in this version, we do get more of a feel for Viswamitra as not only a storyteller and mentor but as a true teacher, informing Rama and Lakshmana on mantras and weapons and such.  The demons in the forest are killed while Viswamitra performs his sacrifices, and once again we hear the story of Gautama and Ahalya (one of my personal favorites!!).  There are, nevertheless, some distinct differences in the tale; for example, Gautama blames his wife's beauty for her impure acts, and scatters her beauty until she became invisible and was concealed by a stone wall--she was not (necessarily) turned into stone directly.  A very intriguing difference that makes me wish I could read and translate an older version of The Ramayana for myself and see which tale is more true to the tradition. . .

Rather than a whole lovesick scene with Sita, when the trio arrives in Mithila we are thrown right into Rama's challenge to bend the bow of Shiva in order to win Sita's hand.  A welcome change, if you ask me.  We head into the marriage rites of Rama and Sita and Rama's three brothers, with lots of pretty description.  Twelve years pass as Rama takes on many of the acts of ruling his father's kingdom.  We are told of his gentle and kind nature, of his compassion.  And so ends the boyhood of Rama and the first section of this retelling of The Ramayana!

Google Timer Tech Tip

So I decided to do the "Google Timer Tech Tip" because time management is a big issue for me.  Though, the problem isn't necessarily that I don't leave enough time for assignments--I've actually never turned in an assignment late--it's that I love to procrastinate.  And (fortunately/unfortunately?) I'm good at procrastinating, which makes it a hard habit to break.  But I'm trying!

Therefore I decided to use the Google Timer to help me time my breaks between assignments tonight.  Because I spent the entire weekend at the OU Biological Station, I have a few assignments to finish but am quite spent.  The timer is aiding in keeping me focused by allowing me short breaks to relax and recoup while keeping me on schedule with what I need to get done.  It's definitely a tool that will be helpful in the future!

Now to start working on assignments a few days/weeks before the due dates. . .

Week 3: Storytelling--Veiled and Forgotten

Deep within the earth, accessed only through a seemingly never-ending labyrinth of tunnels, there lies an ethereal city that could enchant any eye with its inherent beauty.  Few have witnessed this city's perfection, but all who have speak of it as if it was naught but a radiant dream.  Opulent buildings adorned with precious gems line the avenues, which are in turn paved with shimmering gold.  The luminous city squares dazzle the eye, for at the center of each stands a marble statue of a deity studded with pearls.  Surrounding the resplendent statues are glistening fountains, the gentle murmur and babble of the cascading water the only sound to be heard.

If you were to walk deep into the heart of this beauteous city, you would find an underground oasis--a sanctuary which would outshine any found aboveground.  Aromatic jasmine winds its way up the graceful trellises that mark the entrances; fragrant bougainvillea and elegant orchids line the polished footpaths.  Once you enter, delicate Indian rosewood trees surround you with their calming aura, raining pink-tinged petals down on the path stretching before you.  Creeping brahmi encroaches slightly onto the pathway, its light purple flowers suffusing the woods with an ambient glow.

Finally, if you were to reach the center of this haven, spreading its boughs to shelter all who wish to rest, stands a regal peepal tree.  And were you to find this regal tree, perhaps you would be dazzled by its allure and stunned into silence by its grandeur.  Many are said to have fallen to their knees in its presence, unable to take another step.  But if you were to look beyond the veil of heart-shaped leaves and past the fluttering silk ribbons which adorn its branches, an even more arresting and unearthly scene you would behold.  For beneath this tree of life, a forgotten woman sits cross-legged in meditation, a single, flawless lotus blossom entwined in her hair.  She sits so still, appearing not even to breathe, that she seems a beautiful specter or a divine hallucination.

None have dared to approach this supernal woman, for who would have the temerity to disturb the reverie of such a one?  Thus this woman--so exquisite and prepossessing that she must be nothing if not a goddess--rests as if in a trance, never to leave her prayerful contemplation.  Unless, perhaps, she is simply waiting, lingering, until the right wayfarer comes to rescue her from her beguiling, ethereal kingdom beneath the earth. . .



Author's Note.  I based this story off of the "enchanting city of palatial buildings" that Hanuman and the monkey army discovered when they were lost, traipsing about in the bowels of the earth.  I was entranced by the fact that this perfect city housed only a lone goddess; and not only that, but this was a story which was given sorely little detail.  Therefore, since The Ramayana didn't give me the description I wanted, I wrote a short descriptive tale of my own--so there!  And thus for all of you, here is a somewhat haunting description of a dreamlike city and its sole inhabitant, forgotten by the rest of the world. . .

Bibliography.  Narayan, R.K. (1972) The Ramayana.

Image Information.  Photograph entitled "Zonnestralen" ("Sun-rays") by photographer Onderwijsgek.  Wikimedia Commons.

Week 3: Reading Diary B--The Standoff We've All Been Waiting For!!

No dilly-dallying here; we're going to jump right into this one!

1.  After stepping over the ocean to arrive in Lanka, Hanuman shrinks down to a minuscule size (obviously by eating a potion reading "Drink me!").  He finds Sita in Ravana's favorite retreat.  Again, why they didn't look there first, I really have no idea.
2.  Sita actually manages to impress me a little here; she's sitting unkempt on the ground in the middle of a bunch of demon women, challenging them as they menace her and spurning all of Ravana's advances no matter what he offers or threatens her with.  Yay, girl power, and all that stuff!
3.  Then Sita automatically loses all the moxie I just gave her when she cries for Rama and plots her own death by hanging.  Luckily Hanuman chooses this moment to tell her that he is there and Rama will come soon to rescue her.
4.  Hanuman eats some more cake, and once gigantic he destroys select parts of Lanka.  Why he doesn't just save Sita then and there and be done with it, who knows.
5.  Ravana and his council debate whether to attack Rama and the monkey horde or let them come to Lanka.  For a brief sentence someone mentions peace, but that notion is quickly thrown aside; what else did you expect from a bunch of demons?
6.  Ravana's brother speaks of simply returning Sita to Rama and not pressing their luck.  But of course, what does Ravana have to worry about when facing measly humans?  Oh, hubris, you strike again!
7.  The smart brother abandons Ravana and seeks asylum from Rama. But of course--even though his brother is an evil demon overlord--turning on your own brother is untrustworthy.  Totally makes sense.  Luckily, out of everyone Hanuman and Rama think it only honorable to give him asylum.  Points for them there.
8.  Rama gets unjustly enraged by the sea for not parting (if only he were Moses!).  The monkeys and squirrels and men rolled pebbles and rocks to the sea to form a bridge.  Yes, bridge-building is so easy a squirrel can do it.
9.  Ravana inexorably begins to lose his kingdom bit by bit.  He's given one last chance to cede Sita to Rama and decides instead to try to kill the messenger, only to have one of the towers kicked off of his palace.  And now more than ever these monkeys are going to star in my nightmares.
10.  Fun fact:  eagles are the born enemies of serpents.  They can even counteract magic serpent darts just with their presence.  Now to see how I can use this to become impervious to snake venom. . .
11.   Lakshmana faints upon encountering Ravana (where'd all his anger and indignation go?) while Rama deems it necessary to ride Hanuman into battle.  Again, totally normal.  At least Rama kicks butt; it kind of justifies his odd style of combat.
12.  Ravana's slumberous brother Kumbakarma is roused and causes havoc, eating thousands of the monkey horde.  In fact, Rama actually has to step in and help.  Poor guy, having to work to save his wife!  Too bad the monkeys can't do all the work for him.
13.  Ravana's son Indrajit makes a fake Sita and kills her before the monkeys.  'Cause that's what I'd do if I were about to lose the Trojan War.  Just kill Helen; that'll solve everything.
14.  Rama rides into the final battle against Ravana on Indra's chariot.  Rama pulls some serious Robin Hood-type archery tricks.  Ravana winces, which is apparently a major feat and so extremely heartening.  Ravana attempts to use Maya (aka illusion) to confuse Rama; he inevitably fails when Rama invokes Gnana (aka perception).  More weapons and counter-weapons are shot.
15.  Ravana turns out to be a bit of a hydra.  He faints.  Rama waits for him to rouse.  Stupid battlefield honors.  Just kill him already!  (I swear, I'm not bloodthirsty; just impatient.)
16.  Rama uses the Brahmasthra on Ravana's heart and that's the end of the battle and the war.  Ravana somehow becomes a pristine and devout being.  Apparently everyone is redeemable, so I guess there's hope for me after all.
17.  After everything, Hanuman is the one to fetch Sita to Rama.  I guess it's his second chance, since the first chance wasn't enough.  Rama tells Sita he cannot acceept her back since she resided alone in Rama's palace (*place choice words here*).  She demands to be tested for purity by the fire.  She survives her self-immolation, the lucky devil.  And--whereas I would've told him to go to hell since he didn't trust me in the first place--Sita and Rama hug and do all sorts of happy marriage things I assume.
18.  Rama and Sita learn their true identities from the gods.  Rama is ordered to appear at Ayodhya by the next night to make his coronation.  Regardless of the tight schedule, Rama decides to take Sita sightseeing on the trip back.  Why not.  It's not like a deadline for a coronation is that important to meet.
19.  And so all sorts of celebrations and happy reunions occur in Ayodhya and Rama is crowned as emperor.  Sita sits at his side and Lakshmana and Hanuman live to serve him.
20.  The End!

Now, if I had actual, ardent blog followers, I would request that you comment to tell me which style of reading diary you would prefer I continue on with: the more detailed plot summary with the occasional thought, or the more basic list of events with an abundance of sarcasm.  If anyone has an opinion, speak now or forever hold your peace!  And until next time, namaste.

Week 3: Reading Diary A--Rama encounters Ravana

Alright, so now that I've seemed to establish a format for writing my reading diaries, I'm going to go ahead and break it. . . Surprise!!  We're going to see what advantages and disadvantages this new method has.  So onward to the epic!

So, here is a basic summary of events with some comments and thoughts from me.  It's a little more informal, but allows me to add more of myself into the post.  Now to introduce our major antagonist. . .
1.  Ravana, the supreme lord of all worlds, sits in his hall.  We meet some of the gods he has enslaved.
2.  Soorpanaka arrives mutilated, and demands that Ravana capture Sita for himself and grant her Rama.
3.  Ravana falls madly in love with the idea/image of Sita, and makes a bunch of unusual demands--such as that the moon be brought down and that all seasons be banished.
4.  Ravana goes to Mareecha (one of Thataka's sons) and asks that Mareecha turn himself into a golden deer to lure Rama and Lakshmana away from Sita.
5.  Sita whines after the golden deer, leading Rama to hunt it for her.  When the deer is shot it yells for help in Rama's voice, and Sita whines until Lakshmana goes to investigate.  (Sita appears to be a whiny, incompetent, uncompromising witch in this scene, if you know what I mean!)
6.  Ravana disguises himself as a hermit to meet Sita.  He brags about himself in the third person (Kind of along the lines of "for always I am Caesar. . ."), and eventually reveals his identity.
7.  Sita weeps and whines, and Ravana picks up her along with the soil she is on since he can't touch her. . . So that was really weird.
8.  Jatayu (Dasaratha's eagle friend) tries to save Sita by battling Ravana, holds his own for a while, then gets massacred.
9.  Rama and Lakshmana find Jatayu right before he dies and discover the truth of what happened.  Took them long enough.
10.  Rama and Lakshmana travel through Kiskinda to find Sita, where they meat the monkey Hanuman and his chief Sugreeva.
11.  We learn that Sugreeva was exiled by his brother Vali (who's basically the strongest creature in all of existence)  due to a misunderstanding when Vali returned from a years-long chase.
12.  Rama promises Sugreeva help, then basically enters into the conflict between the brothers and murders Vali with a well-placed arrow from behind a tree while Vali is battling Sugreeva.  Basically, he interferes unfairly in a conflict only to describe his role/actions as just and his duty.  Because of course a misunderstanding between brothers marks Vali as evil.
13.  And after such a poor and hole-y explanation of his actions from Rama, Vali thanks him for the enlightenment and apologizes for his harsh words.  Honestly, I think Rama was in the wrong here and Vali's original anger and betrayal was righteously felt.  Heck, Rama lost a lot of respect from me here.
14.  We now learn that Kooni's actions in getting Rama banished were probably a bit just, even if gone about in a very devious way.  Apparently Rama used to throw clay and make fun of Kooni for her deformity.  Again, he's losing respect here. . .
15.  And now a great pause as everything stops for the rainy season and Rama becomes overemotional--
16.  Sugreeva's army of monkeys is late in providing Rama with aid; through Lakshmana, Rama admonishes them harshly.  (We also see an emotion other than anger in Lakshmana for once; I guess he's "human" after all!)  Additionally, Sugreeva turns out to be an immoral drunkard of a monkey king.  So much for Rama siding with the more worthy brother.
17.  As Sugreeva's army is assembled, Rama tells them to search every but sacred ground, and then goes into detail about Sita's appearance and character so that they can recognize her.  Not much excitement here. . .
18.  A random goddess is rescued from a perfect underground city in which only she dwelt.  Apparently she had been waiting for the monkeys to rescue her; Hanuman's not quite the Prince Charming I would have asked for.
19.  We meet Jatayu's grotesque brother Sampathi, whose story reminds me of the myth of Daedalus and Icarus.  (Just in case I didn't seem nerdy enough for you, there you go!)
20.  Suddenly Sampathi is magically healed, and luckily enough for the inept monkey horde, he knows where to find Sita--at Ravana's stronghold in Lanka.  Which, it's like, big surprise there!  Where else would he take her?  Maybe check there first next time before searching the bowels of the earth. . .
21.  Also, Hanuman grows to taller than the mountains.  That's some Alice in Wonderland stuff right there.



"'You would have to be half mad to dream me up.'" ~Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland