Reading Notes: The Divine Archer, Part B

Notes: 

VII Bali and Sugriva Battle
Rama shoots Bali with an arrow while he is fighting his brother Sugriva.

The search for Siva begins after the rains.
Hanuman found out Siva was in Lanka over the sea so he must pass it.

I could write a story about Hanuman and his army getting caught in a cave that turned out to be a snakes mouth then how they got out of it.

Maybe do a play on Sita being in a garden and Hanuman eating a piece of fruit which got him caught.
Kind of reminds me of the Garden of Eden.

Hanuman lights Lanka on Fire
takes a token of Sita's back to Rama and they gather an army immediately.

Hanuman catches spies in camp sent from Lanka. --> I could write a story about the spies and their journey

Bridge Construction
I could write a story about Nala and Nila's construction of the bridge over the sea. 

Nala and Nila directing monkeys to build the bridge to Lanka Source: Wikimedia

I could also write about the incident where Rama sent an arrow and knocked the crown off Ravan's head and the gold ring out of his wife's ear. I can write a story about the argument they had on whether to yield to Rama or no. 

The Battle Begins
I could write a story about how Lanka, son of Ravan, killed Lakshman in battle but was then brought back to life.
              -Elaborate on the fight though.
Rama kills Ravans brother, Kumbha- Kama.

Rama kills Ravan in battle.

Sita proves herself
sita escapes the flames because she has been true to Rama.

I could write a story about Rama, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman journeying back to their home, Ayodhya.

After the Battle
I could write a story about Lava and Kusa, the sons of Sita and about their bringing up.
With the old hermit Valmiki telling the story.





Bibliography: The Divine Archer by F. J. Gould, 1911. 

Reading Notes: The Divine Archer, Part A

Notes:

The Divine Archer
King Dasaratha was overjoyed and gave presents to the holy priests and the Brahmans.
People everywhere brought jewels to the city of Ayodhya to celebrate the birth of King Dasarathas four sons.
One son, Rama born from Queen Kausalya.--> Rama was the noblest b/c his feet had a thunderbolt &             the flag & the goad w. drivers to urge elephants.
One son, Bharat born from Queen Kaikeyi.
Two Sons, Lakshman and Satrughna from Queen Samitra.

The hermit, Visva- mitra
Demons would not let the hermit rest in the forest.
He asked Dasaratha for Rama's help because he has heard great things of him and asked for Lakshman to accompany Rama as well.
Rama and Laskshman killed a couple of demons floating around with arrows.

The Ganges
on their journey they stopped in Janak and the king offered them lodging.
I could write a story about Rama and Lakshman's adventure in the city where Rama met Sita.

Rama marries Sita
Rama bends the bow.
could write a story about all the men who tried to break the bow and could not.
How did the other 3 brothers find wives to marry????

I could write a story about the party that lasted for days from the weddings.

Dasaratha finds a grey hair
He wants to crown Rama King
Write a story about Queen Kaikeyi , her son Bharat, and the hump- backed Manthara.

I could write a story about the rein of Kaikeyi while Rama was away. Maybe instead of sandals something else he took as a keep sake.

Write a story about the Ganges River they had to pass

Descent of Ganga form Wikimedia

Write a story about how Dasaratha killed a blind hermit's son in the woods at night near a watering hole.

Saint Agastya
Gave Rama the magic bow of the lord Vishnu, glittering dart of Brahma, and the quiver of Indra that never lacked arrows.

The Demon Maid- Raksha
Wanted to marry Rama or lakshma but they said no and Lakshmi cut off her nose and mutilated her.
The Raksha army came to take Sita away but Rama fought them off.
Raksha got away though.

In this version Ravan wants to put his strength against Ramas.

The Deer
I could write a story about a different object catching Sita's eye.

Maybe a version about what happened when Rama went after the deer and the moments that Lakshman had left Sita and what he was doing.

In this version Ravan could touch Sita.

I could write a story about Rama and Lakshman looking for Sita in the days before they meet the monkey clan.

Sugriva is the King of the Monkeys and Hanuman his comrade.

They make a deal, Rama gets Sugriva's kingdom back and they help Rama find Sita.


Bibliography: The Divine Archer by F. J. Gould, 1911.

Story: Sita's Imprisonment

"why, oh why did I beg Rama to go and fetch the beautiful golden deer that caught my eye! I see now it was nothing but a ploy to draw him away from me and now I have been abducted and do not know the well being of my loving Rama".

Sita had just reached Lanka after what felt like days of flying upon a carpet that Ravana had taken out from under her feet. Ravana's deception had taken Sita by surprise but she did not go with him without a fight, which had taken Ravana by surprise.

Ravana expected the ploy to draw Rama and his brother, Lakshmana, away from Sita the most difficult part of his plan but in fact that part was easiest of all. Rama's wish to please Sita in every way made Ravana want Sita even more than before. Ravana truly believed Sita would be happier with him in his kingdom of Lanka where she would be showered with jewels and flowers not in this unforgiving forest where old men and creatures could creep up on her.

Now that Rama and Lakshmana were busied with the ploy of the golden deer, Ravana knew his road to make Sita his bride was clear. As soon as Sita saw Ravana she knew his intentions were not good, "back Ravana!" she yelled, "Rama will be back any time soon and he will not be forgiving when he sees you near me"!

"Silly, beautiful Sita. Do you not see Rama cannot even catch a deer for you. I can provide you thousands of golden deer if you please. Come be my Queen in my kingdom of Lanka".

"You ugly, hastefull beast! I will never have a desire to be with you in your Kingdom".

At the sound of Sita's words Ravana grew angry and could not contain himself. He went to grab Sita but when he reached for her, she hit his hand away with a force much greater than he expected. Sita began to retreat to the cabin Lakshmana had built but as she stepped on the entrance rug it began to rise.

"You have a heavy hand by beautiful Sita but not even the strength of Rama could escape the confines of my magic".

For days Sita traveled on the floating carpet unable to escape its confines but realizing even though she might not be able to get off the carpet she could drop things. Sita began slowly dropping jewelry her beloved Rama had given her in hope he will find them and follow them. Ravana took her over KishKinda, the land of monkey's, over mount Matanga and across the ocean into his kingdom of Lanka.

"I must not put you with my other maidens, you may cause harm to them with your strength and if you outwit them they will not sing praise for you. Until you have learned to love your new home of Lanka you will stay in the Ashoka Vana".

Sita in Ashoka Vana by wikimedia

Sita replied, "I will stay where it is the furthest away from you, Ravana!".

Ravana left Sita in solitude and had servants check on her from time to time to see if she was ready to join him in his Kindgdom of Lanka. After months of solitude and no sign of her beloved Rama, Sita contemplated death often.

Then one day she heard a clash and the sound of fighting and she knew, her Rama had come to give Ravana what he deserves and fight for his Sita back.



Authors' Note: From Narayan's version of the Ramayana, Ravana hears of Sita's beauty from his sister who has been mutilated by Sita's husband, Rama. Ravana devises a plan to lead Rama away from his wife Sita in order to abduct her. Ravana's plan ultimately succeeds and thus a war begins to win over Sita.



Bibliography: Story is based on Narayan's Ramayana

Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana, Part D

Notes: 

• Memento From Rama

Hanuman makes it to Lanka and finds Sita. She is being tormented by the rickshas women. Here maybe write a story about what Sita has been going through over the past 4 months while Rama has been waiting for an army to save Sita.

• Ravana In Council

Ravana wants Hanuman killed for burning down the city after he found Sita. After much consideration, Ravana and his advisors decide to fight for Sita. Ravana thinks a human is nothing and defeating Rama will be an easy task. Ravana's brother, Jambavan, does not agree with him and flees to Rama.

• Across The Ocean

Rama goes against his advisors and agrees with Hanuman that Jambavan be accepted. Rama's army creates a land bridge across the sea. I could elaborate on this task in a story line.

• The Siege Of Lanka

The battle begins and Ravana is losing, he even wakes his brother who has been in a deep sleep but Rama kills  him. Ravana is becoming desperate but is encouraged to keep fighting for Sita.

The Battle at Lanka by Wikimedia

• Rama and Ravana In Battle

The Gods noticed Ravana's determination and sent Indra's chariot to Rama. Rama thinks it is an illusion. In my story I could it that Rama was correct and it really was an illusion like the golden deer.

I could re write the battle scene and instead of riding in chariots and fighting with bows and arrows they could be sword fighting.
I can write a storyline where Rama kills Ravana in another way, maybe with Ravana's brothers help.

• Interlude

Even though Rama battled for Sita he does not believe that she is honorable and does not want to live with her. Sita did not want to live so jumped into the fire Lakshmana made. The God of fire rose from he flames with Sita and Rama was satisfied.

I can write a story where Rama give Sita a different type of test.



Bibliography:  The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic by R.K. Narayan. 1972. 

Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana, Part C

Notes: 

• The Grand Tormentor Con't. 

Here, where Ravana tricks Sita into believing he is an old man so she invites him in her tent but then reveals himself as Ravana, Sita tries to talk him out of taking her.
In a different version I could have Sita put up a fight here. Ravana is use to getting what he wants but Sita will put up a fight making one of his crowns fall and that is how Rama and Lakshmana know which direction Ravana took Sita.

• Vali

Rama and Lakshmana meet Hanuman, ruler of the monkey clan, they become friends.
I think I might like to make their first encounter a little more exciting. Maybe they get into a fight at first and then realize they are fighting friends not foes. Rama and Lakshmana are also introduced to Sugreeva.

Hanuman shows Rama and Sita in his heart by Wikimedia

• Sugreeva's Story

Rama and Sugreeva have a connection because they have similar stories to one another. Sugreeva and Hanuman want to test Rama's abilities they believe he possesses though so he shoots his arrow through 7 trees. Maybe in another version instead of arrow he does something else to prove himself. Maybe a sword or he does it without asking.

I could elaborate on Sugreeva's brother, Vali. Where was he all those years trying to kill Mayavi in the underworld?

• Dundubi's Story

Sugreeva presents Rama with Jewelry that must have been Sita's as Ravana swept her over their territory so to lay a track. Sugreeva promise to help Rama find Sita.

Sugreeva calls out Vali for a fight so Rama can get a good shot and kill him. Maybe instead of calling out a fight they plan a sneak attack and the fight assumes or the wives do not warn Vali so he is surprised by the attack.

Rama shoots Vali with an arrow and kill Vali. Vali is surprised it was Rama who had done the deed.
In another version I instead of an arrow maybe Vali dies a different way by Rama or maybe Sugreeva is the one that kills him in the fight.

• When the Rains Cease

Sugreeva is crowned Kind and Rama give him advice.
Here I could elaborate on the story of Sugreeva as King and what he did in his first 4 months.
I could go into a more in depth story of how Rama is being tortured by the rainy season and how he does not know where Sita is or how she is doing.

Sugreeva did not keep his promise to Rama about gathering his army.

I would like to do a story about Sugreeva's first few months as King so the readers get a back story about what he has been doing.

Finally, an army was put together and Hunuman and Angada went south looking for Sita but they found themselves stuck in a cave not able to get out. Hunuman is able to use his powers to escape the cave but they have taken too long.
Now they discuss what comes next and in the mention of Jatayu and creature appears it is his brother.
I could elaborate on a story about how Jatayu and his brother Sympathy became separated.

Bibliography:  The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic by R.K. Narayan. 1972. 

Feedback Thoughts

Right now, as a student about to graduate college feedback, good or bad,  and what I decide to do with that feedback is important. Learning how to handle different types of feedback is a good tool to have and one I would like to learn sooner rather than later in my career.

For this reason I really enjoyed reading all the articles posted. The Why Rejection Hurts So Much article really caught my eye because everyone has felt some kind of rejection in their life whether it was a break up from a partner or taking it back to elementary and being chosen last for the dodge ball team at school. The smallest rejection can hurt, even if on the outside it does not seem like it is harmful it is natural for a human being to jump to conclusions and list ones faults. I really enjoyed this article because I am definitely going to take the advice and when I feel rejected instead of focusing on the negative, listing all the positive tributes I can bring to certain situations.

I also enjoyed the article Overcoming the Fear of Feedback, feedback can be a very scary event if one does not know what to do with the feedback or how to react to it especially if the feedback is unexpected. I related to this specific article in a few ways from when I was an evening coordinator at a gym. As the coordinator I was in charge of making schedules and the well being of the staff and members during the evening time and that meant having to give and take feedback from members and staff. I quickly learned to listening first method mentioned in the article is effective in most situations. Working in a field with customer service when people want to speak to a manager we often refer to it as a complaint, if you think about it the way the article puts it we are just taking in feedback whether it is positive or negative. Often businesses close and it is because they do not listen to their customers feedback and do not know how to react or change because they are stuck in their fixed mindset.

In the articles Presence, Not Praise and Be a Mirror they both refer to the growth mindset. This whole study of the mindset amazes me every time I read more about it. These articles really made me think about how to phrase feedback when giving it. I use to participate in an after school tutoring program for elementary schools for students with low reading levels. Oh how I wish I had these tools under my belt when tutoring the little girl I was teamed up with for two years. She did improve her reading scores during our time together but I wonder know if I could have helped her even more in other areas of her life if I had implemented the growth mindset comments. I truly believe all teachers should go through growth mindset workshops before being allowed to teach because in the grand scheme of things teachers is where one begins to receive feedback that can shape the rest of their life.

Flickr.com by Aaron Goodwin

Story: The God of Fire

I'm not sure how it happened. It is kind of a whirlwind of events and all of a sudden I find myself here with Vayu, the god of wind, and Yama, the god of death. All day long I light candles and burn incense. I am the God of Fire! I should be out hearing the prayers of my followers and answering their sacrifices. Instead, I am here in Lanka serving under the dreadful Ravana.

You see, it was not always like this. I was a God honored by many. Humans would perform ceremonies and sing hymns all in appreciation of the fire I created to make their weapons, cook their food and keep them warm. One day I was alone with my thoughts, situated somewhere between the Sun and the Earth, when I heard a large ruckus from somewhere to the East. This loud situation was very out of the ordinary for the space between the Sun and the Earth is very quiet which is why I went there to be with my thoughts.

By the time I reached the commotion I realized there was an army of hundreds of soldiers. The most decorated officer announced, "I have come to take those willing to serve Ravana in his kingdom of Lanka." Vayu, the god of wind, insisted to the officer, "You must have been sent to the wrong place for we are gods and do not serve a single human or god but serve the rich and poor, from high to low, East to West and North to South." The well trained army remained expressionless and motionless as the most decorated officer spoke, "This is no longer a request but an order from King Ravana. He must have comfort in knowing he has gods in his kingdom he can trust to do their job correctly." In this moment Vayu, the god of wind, sent a gushing wind toward the army in hopes of knocking them down and making a getaway but the wind gust had no effect on the army and they stood their ground.

A Watercolor Painting of Ravana from Wikimedia Commons

In the short moment after the gust of wind there was a small whistling sound and in a moment's notice the army jumped into action. Multiple events happened at once. First my hands were down at my sides unable to move, second, a tornado began to form in the near North and third, I began to move without moving my feet. As the tornado ripped through and blew away a few of the soldiers causing confusion I channeled my efforts but could not make fire. During this time is when I realized they had to be practicing some sort of black magic to curtail our powers until we were with King Ravana in Lanka where he reigned.  

After a day and a night's trip we reached Lanka where we were greeted with flowers, garlands and music. It is quite an unnatural feeling, as you can imagine, involuntarily being taken but accepted with open arms of cheer. Not until this moment when I looked back at the end of the procession did I notice Yama, the god of death. He is a quiet man that hopes to go unnoticed until the right time. I yelled out, "Yama! Old friend!" and tried to move closer but the army kept us far apart and after a sensation went through me I could no longer shout.

The procession seemed like it would never end but when it did we were standing in front of Ravana. "Old friends! How kind of you to come when I am in such a troubled situation. You see, the streets are full of unwanted garlands and flowers after I walk down them and need to be blown off. Our city is without light and needs to have candles lit throughout and someone to burn our incense. I am most troubled by not knowing what time it is and need to be notified of every hour that passes in the day." At this moment I realized he wanted us to do petty jobs for him because he did not want to share us but wanted all the praise us deities get for himself. With an army as big and strong as Ravana's protecting him, an escape was impossible, so here we are today: Vayu, Yama and I in the very place we do not want to be serving the King least loved from the Sun to the Earth.

          

Author's Note: In the Ramayana by R.K. Narayan, Soorpanka runs to her brother, Ravana, for help in the city of Lanka where he reigns supreme lord. Here in this city Ravana has enslaved several gods to do petty jobs such as sweep the halls, light the lamps and keep the time. This particular passage in the Ramayana about the gods being enslaved, though just a short paragraph, intrigued me. 

The first thought that came to mind while reading was, how did they get to Lanka? That is when I thought of writing a story about how gods could wind up under the control of the evil demon, Ravana.  In telling the story the way I did I really wanted to show the reader how heartless Ravana is. I wanted there to be no doubt that Ravana is the antagonist throughout my stories. 

In the original story of The Ramayana: Book 7, Uttara Kandam Ravana wages war on the gods. He takes them prisoners of war and places himself above all the deities. In the story I have written the gods possess magical powers to attempt to break free from Ravana's capture. I chose the story to be told from the point of view of Agni, the god of fire, to better understand the situation he, Vayu and Yama have gotten into.     

Bibliography: The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic. Written by R.K. Narayan in 1972.