Topic Research: Karma

I recently created a story for Week 3 and would like to create a project with different cases since  most of the stories have had some sort of karma whether it's good or bad. In other words, I want to retell all the stories and add a modern twist to it. It can have some humor in it as well.

Valmiki's Hermitage by Sister Nivedita

Rama basically abandons Sita by exiling her in the forest because of a rumor he heard. People believed that she was impure because she lived in a house with another man while she was kidnapped. Despite knowing the truth, Rama lets his pride get the better of him and sends Sita away. After he sends her away she takes refuge at Valmiki's Hermitage where she gives birth to two boys which Rama later meets.

This would be a good story to retell. I can create two different cases with this one story. Today, if the couple existed, they would be able to divorce instead of just simply disowning each other. It would also be interesting to see Rama try to win Sita again after realizing his mistake.

Sita Departs

Rama learns about his two boys and regrets his decision of exiling Sita. He wants Sita to prove her innocence once again. At this point, Sita as had enough and return back into the earth which was her birthplace. She leaves her twins in Rama's hands and they return to the kingdom without their mother. 

I personally feel like Sita was selfish by leaving her children behind but understand her reasoning. Things were different back then and she was meant to stay loyal to her husband and obey him.

I feel like she could've been stronger if not for herself then for her children. I think I might make her a little more sassy so that the story can be told in way that fit's with today's generation.

Bhagwat: The Krishna Avatar

Cover of the Bhagwat: The Krishna Avatar
Image Source: (Dr. Laura Gibbs)

Krishna is another form of Vishnu. His story is interesting since he's been killing demons since he was practically born. In this story his uncle Kamsa, sets out to kill him because of what a prophet had told him. The book shares his life story. I am still reading it but so far I have learned that his birth parents switched him with his adoptive parent's baby and that Kamsa has killed many babies.

I feel like there is a lot of information to create a case where Karma sentences Kamsa for his crimes, not to mention Krishna's parents kind of kidnapped a kid. Krishna's adoptive parents seemed a little negligent towards him as a baby by leaving him by himself even if it's for a few minutes so maybe child services can get involved too. 

I am going to be honest, I do not know much about how the court system works but I watch a lot of Law & Order: SVU and Forensic shows so that gives me a little bit of an idea. However I may do some research into the court system to make the story seem a little realistic but not entirely. After all it is a story.

Topic Brainstorms: So Many Options!

Ganesha

Picture of Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, & Kartikeya
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Ganesha is a character I would like to learn more about because I'm curious as to why he was given an elephant head instead of his original one. His birth is also unique since he was created out of ingredients. I am also interested in how his parents, Parvati and Shiva influenced his upbringing. I think researching his whole family will be interesting since they are all gods.

Parvati is know to be a goddess of fertility, love, and devotion. I am wondering if she became the goddess of fertility after Ganesha was born or before that. Why did she create a baby instead of give birth to one?

Shiva is a god that destroys evil and protects and transformer of the universe. He is the reason Ganesha has an elephant head.

Kartikeya is Ganesha's brother and also the god of war. His story is a little complex and it is unclear whether he is Ganesha's older or younger brother.


Krishna

 Krishna eating butter as a baby
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

It has been awhile since I've heard the story of Krishna so I would like to refresh my mind about him. I know he is a god that plays the flute and is adored by many worshippers. His upbringing is very interesting, from what I remember, he was very mischievous as a child.

According to the reading, Krishna is known as a demon-slayer and had begun killing demons as soon as he was born. He even killed his uncle, King Kamsa, who killed every offspring his sister gave birth to except for Krishna.

I would like to do more research about him to get a better understanding of the god. I know he is famous for playing the flute and I am curious as to why he always carries it with him.







Kamadeva, The God of Love

Kamadeva
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

This character is interesting because he is like an Indian cupid. According to wikipedia, he is the son of Krishna and is also known to be and incarnation of Pradyumna which is interesting considering I never knew Krishna had a son of his own. Unlike his father, he has green skin and carries a bow (just like cupid!).

I feel like researching this character will be fun since he helps people fall in love. I hope I can find some stories about how he helps people fall in love, otherwise I'll just have to make a story of my own 😜








Eklavya

Eklavya offering his thumb in Guru Dakshina to Guru Drona
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons 

And last but not least, Eklavya, the prince of Nishadha. He is a character from the Mahabharata. I imagine him to be similar to robinhood. I admire his leadership and how he sets an example for his people. He was determined to become an archer and wanted Drona to teach him. He was so determined to be taught by Drona, that he gave his right thumb to the guru when he requested it.

I remember watching a movie about him a long time ago and had really enjoyed it. I would like to learn more about this character and how he became a legend. I would also like to know why Drona had asked for his right thumb. Was it because he was evil or was he trying to test Eklavya's honesty?