Reading Notes: The Indian Story Book Part B

Title: The Indian Story Book Part B
Author: Richard Wilson
Illustrator: Frank Pape
Year: 1914

- The king is goes out to hunt antelope. As he is about to shoot one with an arrow, two hermits step into the way. I could tell a story where the hermits step out too late and one is killed or wounded by the arrow, leading to a curse on the king.

- The king and Sakuntala get married in the forest while her foster-father is away. When he comes back, he gets her ready to go live with him in his palace. I could retell the story where he is not please that the king marries his daughter while he is not there or without asking his permission, leading to a curse on the king.

- A fawn who Sakuntala had taken care of since the death of its mother tried to prevent her from leaving, making Sakuntala rethink her decision. I could tell a story where she takes the fawn with her and perhaps one of the forest fairies. I could also tell a story where she tries to bring all the creatures of the forest that she had cared for to the palace of the king, eventually ending in him realizing that she belongs to the forest and that they can't be together...or that he would have to give up everything that he has to move to the forest and live like a hermit in order for it to work between them.

- Sakuntala goes to the palace and presents herself to the king who has no recollection of the marriage. I could tell a story where prior to this event, something happens to him that causes him to lose his memory, such a falling and hitting his head, or later being diagnosed with amnesia or another disease that affects memory.

- A fisherman finds the ring that the king gave to Sakuntala in the belly of the fish and goes to the city to sell it when he is captured by officers of the kingdom. I could tell the story of the man coming upon the ring and perhaps an adventure he had with the ring in his possession.

- The charioteer of Indra is sent to the king and asks for his help destroying giants that have been causing issues. The king does this at once, and on the way back, they stop to pay homage to a holy site. Here they come upon maidens and a young boy who the king feels much affection for, who happens to be his son. He also finds Sakuntala there. I could tell this part of the story much more in depth than what it was told. 

Dushyanta and Sakuntala

Image Author: vintage prints

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: The Indian Story Book Part A

Title: The Indian Story Book Part A
Author: Richard Wilson
Illustrator: Frank Pape
Year: 1914

- King Visvamitra is bored and wants to go to war, but due to his power, everyone wants to be his friend. I could tell a story where the king decides to go to war with some of his allies, resulting in everyone losing respect for him. I could also tell a story where he and his army travels a great distance, taking a lot of attrition, and ultimately losing the battle. Or, I could tell a story where Visvamitra, still bored and longing for battle, instead creates a sport to play against his allies to satisfy his boredom.

- The King lives like a hermit in order to win the favor of the gods. He asks for all the divine weapons in order to defeat the hermit. I could tell a story where he realizes that he could just ask the gods to give him the cow or a cow with the same power. I could also tell a story where, due to his time as a hermit, he finds happiness the way that the other hermit has and no longer seeks war.

- The king threw a dart at the hermit which the hermit swallowed. His eyes turned red and he glowed, but did nothing. I could tell a story where this dart has an effect on him like that of the Hulk or something similar.

- At the end of the story, the King devotes his life toward becoming more powerful in order to get revenge on the hermit, only to ask the gods for the power to see good in everyone. In the end, he no longer wanted revenge or the cow.

- When the King asked which holy man would travel to the forest to find the angry sage and his son, they all replied that it was a noble mission...for someone else. They all tried to get each other to do the mission. I found that part to be very humorous. 

- Even the animals are afraid of the angry hermits son because the angry hermit had cursed them simply for crossing his path. The son is completely alone.

-  At the end of the story, the hermit finds that his son has married a princess and become very wealthy. I could tell a story where this causes his anger to fade and changes his entire outlook on people.

Tempting Rishyasringa 

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Week 13 Story: Ayodhya's Disease

Yet another dark and gloomy day in this wretched city. Will the sun ever shine again? I can't believe this used to be such a great city. A terrible disease is running rampant in our city. Grief. The streets have become filled with trash. People are no longer happy to see others, much less friendly to one another. No one even seems to care anymore.

It has only been seven years since Rama was exiled. Who knows if he will ever come back. Who knows if he is even still alive. Before this, things were great. Ayodhya was the center of the country and it was poised to be the center of the world when Rama was set to take over. But that vile queen took all that away from us. I truly hate that woman. I think everyone does. Even her own son hates her for what she did! 

Bharata isn't a bad guy. He's a great guy in fact. He does his best, but he certainly isn't Rama. This would have never happened had Rama been given the throne that he deserved. That evil woman. Naturally, she hasn't shown her face in public in years. Not that that she anything good wold happen if she did anyway. Hopefully we never have to see her again.

If I had the money, I would just move to Mithila City. It was very beautiful when we went for the wedding. It wasn't as great as our city was, but it was very nice. I still remember the wedding like it was yesterday. Such a joyous occasion. I miss that feeling. We should have moved when Rama was first sent away. Now we barely even have money for food, much less enough to move so far away. We should have seen this coming. Everything else went to hell without Rama, why wouldn't the economy? 

It was bad enough that he had to leave, but Lakshmana and Sita too?! And King Dasharatha?! They could have at least held this place together until Rama came home. Home....this place isn't home anymore. It's more of a prison. Even if Rama ever did come back, he probably wouldn't recognize this place. And if he did, why would he want to live here? No one wants to live here now. Thanks to that despicable queen.

Trolls - Clint Eastwood video at Youtube

Author's Note: In the original story, it is said that Ayodhya had become stricken with grief. My story is the thoughts of a citizen reflecting on what was and what now is, and who is believed to be responsible.

Bibliography. The Indian Story Book: Rama's Quest by Richard Wilson. Illustrated by Frank Pape. Web Source.

Reading Notes: Rama's Quest Part B

Title: The Indian Story Book: Rama's Quest Part B
Author: Richard Wilson
Illustrator: Frank Pape
Year: 1914

- Sita's overseers have compassion for Sita after Ravana tells her that Rama is dead and tell her the truth in order to comfort her. I could tell a story more in depth about this exchange. I could also tell a story that takes place long after the battle about Sita having her favorite overseer as a good friend and Maiden.

- In the story, night falls during the battle for Lanka, but the stars refuse to shine on a scene so terrible and strange...I could tell a story of a conversation between a few stars and the moon about the events that are taking place.

- Ravana's brother is described as a "jolly giant." I could tell a story about him being woken to fight Rama's army, but instead making friends with everyone.

- Ravana hits Lakshmana with a spear, prompting Hanuman to go to the Himalayas to get a magic, medical plant. I could tell a story about Hanuman's journey.

- Rama's charioteer tells Rama to aim for Ravana's heart as "it is the heart, not the head, that is the seat of evil." I find this to be a very interesting quote.

Sita Tested by Fire

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: Rama's Quest Part A

Title: The Indian Story Book: Rama's Quest Part A
Author: Richard Wilson
Illustrator: Frank Pape
Year: 1914

- Rama and Lakshmana are merely humans in this epic, not gods reincarnated. They face a shape-shifting ogress in their first battle, and manage to succeed. I could give a detailed account of this battle.

- It is said that the brothers were successful in battle because they exercised constantly, among other things. I could tell a story about one of their exercise sessions.

- I think it is interesting that Rama's companion is referred to as a "magician." The first thing I think of is him just being there for entertainment. I could tell a story about Rama and Lakshmana defeating a bunch of evil beings, while the magician just does simple card tricks, or pulls rabbits out of a hat. Something completely absurd, that makes Rama happy, but also shows his childishness/innocence. 

- At the beginning of the epic, Ayodhya is described as almost a perfect city with nothing wrong. One Rama is sent into exile, the city is filled with grief. I could tell a story painting the picture of how much the city had fallen due to Rama's exile. I could tell it from the point of view of a peasant, either talking to another peasant, or maybe his/her observations on their journey to the marketplace or something similar.

- After Ravana carries off Sita, Rama is angry with Lakshmana. Lakshmana remind Rama that when Sita called him a coward, he had to protect his dignity, which somehow made Rama feel better. When Sugriva gave Rama the golden circlet, he found it difficult to preserve his dignity. I feel that I could tell a story where this much pride and dignity is harmful, and not helpful, although you think they would have realized that when it led to Sita being captured. Maybe I could tell a story of the conversation between Rama and Lakshmana where they both come to the realization that so much pride can be hurtful.

- Rama saying "That's child's play" makes me laugh.

Building the Bridge to Lanka

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Week 12 Story: Bedlam

Duryodhana took another drink from his mug. "I don't care what happened last season, we are going to win this year!" Duryodhana was once again arguing with his cousin, Arjuna, before the big game. This was a yearly occurrence that dated back to 1904.

"Duryodhana," Arjuna started, "what on earth makes you think you will win this season? Have you learned nothing over the last decade....better yet, have you learned nothing over the last century?!"

Arjuna did have a point. Duryodhana's Cowboys had only won two out of the last ten meetings between the two teams and boasted only eighteen total wins in the history of the series. Arjuna's Sooners had won eighty-six. There were also seven ties.

"I'll tell you why we will win; our quarterback, Karna, is going to lead us to victory. He's just as good as your quarterback, probably better. Drona, our running back, is going to run all over your defense behind our amazing offensive line. We have the best receivers in football and there's no way the Sooners will be able to slow them down. This is our year!"

While Duryodhana's Cowboys did have a good quarterback, and good running back, and arguably the best receivers in football, and Arjuna's Sooners had been mediocre at best defensively, the Sooners' offense was the best in the nation.

"I don't disagree that your Cowboys will score a lot of points, Duryodhana, it's just that the Sooners will score more." Arjuna calmly replied.

"That's absurd! There's no way Coach Bheeshma will allow that to happen. Your team will be lucky to even cross the goal line. I wouldn't be surprised if Krishna forfeits at the half."

Although Coach Krishna hadn't been with the Sooners long, he was one of the most respected and best coaches in football. He was a household name and was well respected by all of his peers.

"I think you may have had a bit too much to drink, Duryodhana. It is pointless to argue with you. Every year you tell me how great your team is and how badly your team is going to win, and every year your team is humiliated. This year will be no different. I guess we will just have to wait until Saturday."

62-52

Image Creator: Jeremy Harris

Bibliography.The Bhagavad Gita translated by Ramanand Prasad.
In the original story, Sanjaya is relaying to King Dhritarashtra what he overheard Duryodhana telling Drona before the battle. Duryodhana tells Drona that there are many warriors on his side that are equal to Arjuna and that Bheeshma (I spelled the names that same as in the original story), his army commander, was invincible. He believes that the Pandavas' army would be easily defeated. In my story, I replaced the war with a yearly football game where one team always talks their side up, assuming they will win before coming back to reality after the game.

Reading Notes: The Bhagavad Gita Part B

Title: The Bhagavad Gita Part B
Translator: Ramanand Prasad
Year: 1988

- Krishna is telling Arjuna that he is the reincarnation of Vishnu, stating that he is the origin of all. I feel like this would be similar to one of the disciples talking with Jesus, although in this case, Krishna is trying to convince Arjuna to go to war with his family. I feel like this story could be retold where it is some other religious figure, perhaps Jesus, speaking to someone about who they are. 

- Krishna tells Arjuna to fight and enjoy the kingdom he is about to inherit as all the warriors on the other side have already been destroyed by Krishna. Arjuna is merely an instrument. 

- Krishna tells Arjuna that he is the only one to see him in his four-armed form. I could write a story about Arjuna, years later, explaining to his grandchildren what it was that he saw and how he was able to see it.

- Krishna refers to his body as "the mini universe."

- I believe that in the version of the Mahabharata that I read, this conversation between Arjuna and Krishna was taking place during the middle of the war. I could retell this story with these two talking on the middle of the battle field as warriors fight all around them, but in slow motion, and even coming to a standstill when Krishna changes form.

- Krishna names off hypocrisy, arrogance, pride, anger, harshness, and ignorance as someone born with demonic qualities. These qualities describe Duryodhana completely. I could retell this story where instead of Krishna telling Arjuna how great he (Arjuna) is, he could be talking to Duryodhana, telling him how awful he is with Duryodhana vowing to change his ways in the end.

- The entire conversation between Krishna and Arjuna is being told by Sanjaya to King Dhritarashtra. I could retell this story where it's being told to all of the Kauravas, changing their minds about wanting to go to war with the Pandavas.

Four-Armed Krishna

Image Author: Ramanarayanadatta astri

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: The Bhagavad Gita Part A

Title: The Bhagavad Gita Part A
Translator: Ramanand Prasad
Year: 1988

- Arjuna's Decision - This story starts with Sanjaya telling King Dhritarashtra how all of his warrior stacks up against the Pandava's warriors. They are basically game planning for the upcoming battle. It reminds me of game planning for a football game, trying to decide each team's strengths and weaknesses and where to attack a defense or offense. If I were to retell this story, I could retell it a couple different ways. I could tell it as an announcer setting the stage for the big game between two rival football teams, the Pandavas and the Kauravas. 

I could also tell this story from the perspective of fans of the two opposing teams, arguing about why their team is going to win the big game. The setting would probably be in a bar on a Friday night before the game on Saturday.

- Arjuna tells Krishna that he does not want to fight against his cousins and the people that have raised him and Krishna talks him into it, telling him why he should. I think this story would be interesting if the Pandavas decided not to fight the Kauravas and go back to living in the forest. Durodhana would celebrate at first, but no one else would and no one would talk to him anymore afterwards. He would become lonely and seek out the Pandavas where he would find acceptance and friendship.

- I find it interesting that Krishna tells Arjuna that if you nourish the Devas by Yajna and learn to give up all personal desires, the Devas will fulfill all of your desires.

- I do like that Krishna says that even though there is nothing in the world (he says worlds) that he should do or obtain, he still does work because if he doesn't do work, people will follow his lead and the would would perish. He also talks about not having attachment to the results of the work that you do and trusting that everything happens the way that it should. I feel that if people lived this way, they would be a lot less stressed, and possibly happier. But it is a very hard to control your mind in that way.

Krishna and Arjuna

Image Author: Arnab Dutta

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Week 11 Story: The Golden Bowl

A poor, old woman and her granddaughter decided it was time to start their spring cleaning. They dusted shelves and swept floor throughout the house, removing cobwebs that were created during the cold winter months. As they went from room to room, they would occasionally find items that had been missing for months, some that they forgot even existed. While cleaning the kitchen, the little girl stumbled upon a bowl that was covered in dust and clearly had not been used in a very long time.

At the start of Spring, merchants resumed their practice of traveling from village to village, selling and bartering in order to find the best deal for both parties. This was how most merchants worked, anyway. There were always a few who sought to maximize their profits by taking advantage of those who did not know the true value of their possessions. 

One of these deceitful merchants made their way down the old lady's street. The little girl saw him coming up the road and noticed that he had quite a few goods with him. After the harsh winter they had just experienced, the little girl hoped to trade the bowl for a blanket or two in preparation for the next winter. Her grandmother was getting quite old, after all. 

When the merchant got near, the old woman and the little girl approached him with the bowl. They handed it to him, and asked if it was worth two of his blankets. After examining the bowl for an extended period of time, the merchant realized that it was made entirely of gold and was worth more than all of his possessions combined. He scoffed at the two as his greed set in, "Two blankets! For this old thing?! I wouldn't even give you a washcloth." With that, he tossed to bowl aside and continued on to the next street. His plan was to come back later and trade one blanket for the bowl, knowing that the family had no idea how much it was worth. 

As the greedy merchant left, another merchant, this one very kind and helpful made his way down the little girl's road. The girl's grandmother had resumed cleaning, but the little girl sat outside crying. When the merchant saw her, he approached her and asked what was wrong. The girl explained that she had asked the other merchant for two blankets in exchange for the bowl, but he told her that it was worthless. They had nothing else in the house to trade and she was worried about how her grandmother would fare during the next winter without blankets.

The kind merchant told the little girl to give him the bowl. Without looking at it, he gave her two of his best blankets. The girl smiled, hugged the merchant, and went to show her grandmother what she received. While the little girl was inside, he took a look at the bowl as it seemed awfully heavy. Once he realized that it was made of gold, he knew he had a decision to make. He could take it to the nearest bank, cash it in, and retire, or he could tell the family the true value of their bowl. It took him less than a second to make his decision. Within minutes, the merchant was taking the family to the bank. 

The second merchant, who had spent the entire day thinking about what he was going to do with all the money he was about to make, finally made his way back to old lady's house. He knocked on the door, prepared to offer them one old and torn blanket for their bowl, but no one was home. He cried himself to sleep that night, realizing that his extreme greed had cost him a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Golden Bowl

Image Author: 颐园新居

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Authors Note: In the original story, the first merchant says the bowl isn't worth 7 pennies, throws it on the ground, and leaves. The second merchant, also realizing it's value, gives the family everything he owns, plus all the money he has, equaling $1,000. He then catches a boat and is able to trade the bowl for $100,000, while the first merchant chases him. In my story, the second merchant takes the family to get the full value of the bowl instead of leaving them with 1% of it's value and the first merchant is clueless as to what happened. 
Bibliography. Grandmother's Golden Dish by Marie L. Shedlock in Eastern Stories and Legends. Web Source.

Reading Notes: Eastern Stories and Legends Part D

Title: Eastern Stories and Legends Part D
Author: Marie Shedlock
Year: 1920 (originally published in 1910)


- In The Crow That Though it Knew, the land was struck by famine and the people could offer food to crows, snakes, or goblins. I could write a story about the crows eating the snakes and helping the people fight off the goblins who are now angry that they aren't getting tribute. I could also incorporate buzzards who would eat anything left over.

- The younger brother tried to cheat his older brother out of money, but accidentally threw all the money over board. When the money was returned to the older brother, even after knowing what his younger brother did, he still gave him half. I could continue this story starting from when the younger brother receives his half. When he gets the money, he could see the kindness of his older brother and the wrong in his actions. He could throw his money back into the Ganges as a way of repentance, or he could find a way to secretly give the money back to his brother. 

- Buddha asked only that where he dealt would be free of disease, that only he would be free of greed, malice, and hatred. If I were to retell this story, I would have him ask for other things that would help everyone and not just himself.

- The king chose a poor peasant to be his valuer. In retelling this story, I would have the peasant look to the Bodisat for guidance and to find a happier ending for the peasant. After the peasant values the kingdom for a grain of rice, the Bodisat would get the kingdom, making him king. He would then train the peasant to become and actual valuer, giving him a career.

- The villagers in The Poisonous Trees trick people into eating poisonous fruits in order to kill and rob them. I would retell this story where the poisonous tree is chopped down and the villagers left with no way to fool travelers.

- The king makes the white elephant his state elephant, but gets jealous because everyone admires his beauty....does not makes sense. He has the elephant climb a mountain to prove how well trained it is, while he stands at the foot of the mountain. I would retell this story where the elephant starts to climb the mountain, but falls after only a few feet, crushing the king, but not hurting the elephant.

White Elephant

Image Author: Colesworthy Grant

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: Eastern Stories and Legends Part C

Title: Eastern Stories and Legends Part C
Author: Marie Shedlock
Year: 1920 (originally published in 1910)

- The two hawks, osprey, lion, and turtle build a friendship that lasts generations. For this story, I could tell a second part that features the children of each animal, and perhaps the children of the men. I could also tell a story of the hawk talking to the people and befriending them just as he did the rest of the animals.

- After not realizing the pot was gold, the woman tried to give it away for nothing. Even after learning that it was worth 100,000, she gave it away for 1,000. It is not surprise that this once wealthy family has been reduced to extreme poverty. This story could be retold where the second merchant tells her what it is worth and instead of giving her 1% for it, he takes her to the boat himself and gets her the entirety of its worth.

- I did not like the ending to the story The Elephant that Spared Life. In the end, the King, who refused to listen to the 30 men and sentenced them to death, gave them all of the slanderer's possessions and made him their slave. While they were waiting to get trampled, the Bodisat reminded the 30 men to keep the Five Commandments, loving those who were doing them wrong as they loved themselves. I could retell this story where at the end, the 30 men reject the slanderer's possessions and him being their slave, but instead ask that he come live and work with them for a year to see the way that they live. 

- The story How the Antelope Was Caught shows the dangers of greed, using the antelope getting caught as a way to show that your greed can get you into trouble. It also shows, but does not mention, the power of kindness and how it can help those who put themselves in a bad position. I also don't know that it was entirely greed on the part of the antelope as it seemed that he came to trust the gardener, which could be another story on its own.

- In the story of the Banyan Deer, the golden deer is king. I cannot help but think of Rama trying to capture a golden deer for Sita. I could write a story where Rama kills the golden deer just as he did, but instead of being Marichi, this deer would be the Bodisat. When Rama kills him, he is then cursed and cannot rescue Sita from Ravana until he has fulfilled an oath of some sort.

- In the Pupil Who Taught His Teacher, the pupil really didn't teach anything. I don't like that the message is if you do the right thing, you won't die. Unfortunately, bad things happen all the time, and they happen to good and bad people alike. People shouldn't do good things to continue living, they should do good things because it's the right thing to do. If I were to retell this story, I would tell it in a way that incorporates that message, not the one that was told.

- In The Man Who Told a Lie, the man realizes that he does not possess the qualities needed to have a wreath. Instead of lying about having the traits, he could, now that he realizes he doesn't have them, change his life to start living in a way that would get him a wreath.

Golden Deer

Image Source: Wikipedia