Feedback Thoughts: Take It or Leave It

The Psychology of  Comparison and How to Stop

I really liked this article because I used to (and still do occasionally) compare myself to others but as time went by I learned not to worry about others. As a first-generation student, I have learned to tell myself to do my best and not worry about how someone else did better on their tests or got a better grade to me because I also know that some of the students who do better also had parents who went to college. I always have had the assumptions that people with parents who have gone to college might be a little smarter but I also know that does not make me any less smarter. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. I do not see being a first-generation student as a weakness but instead, I see it as my strength.

Like the article explains, I am galloping my way to the finish line and focused on my goals. The fourth tip is highly relatable because I when I compare my situations to others, I forget that everyone's starting point is different. I remind myself that I am doing my best and now that I am finally a senior I know I am doing my best.

Why Rejection Hurts and What to Do About It

This article can not be far from the truth. Whether it's intentional or not, rejection can leave a person vulnerable. It's unfortunate that we self-inflict the pain because of these rejections but I'm glad to know it can also be fixed.

Being a person whose dealt with a lot of social rejection, I learned to use some of the methods that the article explains and I couldn't have felt better! Although it takes time, it works eventually. I tend to overthink and analyze things but learned to just leave it alone cause the more I think about, the more it will become personal, when in reality it's not always the case.

 I really like the part where it says to call your grandparents if a first date doesn't follow-up. It basically gives the message to be around people who value you and helps a person avoid self-esteem issues which I think is a really good idea.

I am always open to feedback no matter how harsh it is because I like to improve and grow because like the picture below says:

( Jessica L. Tozer )

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?

Week 2 Story: What Really Happened to the King of the Himalayas

Once there was a monkey named Bodhisatta. He was raised by a single mother. Growing up, he always wondered why his father did not live with them but his mother would always tell him he was too young to understand. Bodhisatta grew up to be a strong and clever monkey.

"Mother, where is my father?" asked Bodhisatta.

"Son, it is best if you do not know." said his mother.

"But why mother? I am know grown up." replied her son.

She sighed and finally decided that it was time he knew the truth about his father. She explained to him about how he was a power-hungry king of the Himalayas. He was so blinded by power that he even killed his offsprings in fear that they will overthrow him.

She went on to explain how she had run away in order to save her son because she was tired of the grieving from the death of her offspring. Bodhisatta did not say anything for a few minutes and finally replied, "I would like to meet him. Maybe he has changed.",

And so off he went on his journey to the Himalayas to find his father. When he finally got there he noticed a big, strong monkey that looked similar to him and approached him.

"Who goes there!" yelled the King of the Himalayas.

"It is I, your son Bodhisatta." replied Bodhisatta.

The huge monkey took a closer look at Bodhisatta and noticed how similar they looked. Recognition flashed in his eyes with a hint of pain and regret. "It really is you!" cried his father as tears streamed down his face.

"Mother says you are blinded by power but I had to come and see for myself." replied Bodhisatta.

"Your here to kill me aren't you?" said his father in worry and fear.

"Although you have sinned a great amount, I will not kill you." replied Bodhisatta. "You have suffered enough by living a lonely life."

The old monkey looked at his son with awe. "Your mother has raised you well my boy." replied the old monkey. "I admit I have sinned a lot and am paying the consequences. After your mother ran away with you, I realized my mistake. Not a day went by where I did not think about you and your mother." said the old monkey with a voice full of sorrow.

"I shall take you home to her if you wish father." replied his son. The old monkey hesitated but finally replied, "Okay my son, but first I need you to collect some lotuses for me to take home to your mother." replied the old monkey with a hint of excitement.

"Of course, father." replied Bodhisatta.

"But I must warn you, dangers lurk within the lake." warned the old monkey.

And so off the young monkey went to collect lotuses for his father. Being the clever monkey that he is, he grabbed several lotuses as he swung across the green vines of the jungle above the lake as the ogre watched in amazement.

"In all my years of living at this lake, I have never seen such a clever animal" said the ogre. "Please let me help you carry these lotuses."

And so off they went, back to the Himalayas where the King awaited. As they approached the old monkey, they noticed the shock on his face at the sight of the ogre carrying the lotuses.

"Son, what are you thinking?" he exclaimed as he glared at the big, green, and ugly ogre. "That ogre is the enemy."

"Nonsense father. He is my new friend." argued the young monkey.

"It is true.", said the ogre. "You have a clever son. He swung across the green vines of the jungle gathering each and every lotus like a king and I knew I had to help such an amazing creature. Anyone that can get past the dangers of the jungle with such cleverness deserves nothing but respect."

The old monkey contemplated, wondering if the ogre was really sincere with his words or if all of this was just a sham to cause harm to both him and his son. His son is obviously clever. No creature has survived the dangers of the lake. "If Bodhisatta says the ogre is his friend then I must trust his instincts" the father concluded.

Without further discussing the friendship of the ogre and Bodhisatta, the old monkey spoke "Come we must go back to your mother."

And so off the father and son went. The old monkey was anxious to see his long lost wife. "Would she hate me?", he asked himself. "Of course she will! I killed our offspring." thought the old monkey.

"Son are you sure this is a good idea. I do not want to upset your mother." asked the old monkey.

"Yes father, I can tell mother misses you.", replied his son as he thought back to all those times he saw his mother's eyes full of sorrow every time he asked about his father.

The two monkeys had finally arrived back to the home where the young monkey grew up.

"Mother! I have returned!" exclaimed Bodhisatta. The female monkey came rushing out to see her son and her long lost husband. She looked at him in shock before speaking, "Son! What have you done? You have brought a monster back home." she replied look at the old monkey with distrust.

The old monkey looked down with guilt and regret. He knew he deserved his wife's hatred after all of the pain he put her through.

Being the determined young monkey he was, Bodhisatta continued to try and reason with his mother and convince her that his father has changed.

"Mother, I am here and I am alive. He is a changed man. Hasn't he suffered enough by being alone?", replied Bodhisatta. The mother looked at the old monkey once again, and noticed the guilt in his eyes.

"Fine, but to prove that he has changed, he must grant me one wish.",replied his mother. The old monkey looked at his wife and replied eager to gain his wife's trust, "Anything you ask, my dear wife."

"Hand over your throne to Bodhisatta."

"Gladly, I am now an old monkey and cannot run a kingdom." replied the old monkey in happiness. He was finally going to live with his family again.

And so Bodhisatta became the new king of the Himalayas and ran the animal kingdom with his father's help and they all lived happily ever after.

Lotus
(Diego Madrigal)

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story is based off of the Jatakas story "The Monkey Who Gathered Lotuses" In the original story, the characters are monkeys and the son wanted to meet his father. His mother took him to meet him. The father was blinded by power and tried to get his son killed by sending him to gather lotuses but instead, he came back with the ogre who had befriended him which shocked the father to death (literally) and Bodhisatta was chosen to be the new king.

I changed the plot because I felt like there needed to be a happier ending.The father was so blinded by power that he lost the biggest thing that should have mattered to him in the first place, and that was his family.

Reading Notes: More Jatakas, Week 2 Extra Credit

⭐The Hawk and the Osprey⭐

Tone: Formal, peaceful

Attributes: Narrative, Dialogue, Imagery

Overview: The hawks need friends to help protect their nests from humans. They get help from other animals.

The Osprey 

The Osprey helps put out the fires the humans kept setting and gets tired by sprinkling water from the lake. The Osprey is loyal and was willing to sacrifice his life to help his friends.

The Tortoise

They used mud to put out the flames. Surprisingly, the tortoise is strong and is able to drag the humans into the water when they try to kill him.

The Lion

The lion scared the humans away.

Tags: friendship , animals, humans

The Grateful Beasts and the Ungrateful Prince

Tone: Annoyed

Overview: A group of servants get tired of being bullied by the Prince and throw him into the water.  When he is saved he is still ungrateful and rude.

 Some animals also get caught in the rainstorm and are grateful when they are saved, two of them offer the man wealth to show their gratitude while one offers food. 

The Prince

The prince is an ungrateful, spoiled brat that bullies his servants and hates the world. When he is saved he shows fake gratitude. He's angry that he was saved last and torments the hermit when he comes to visit. At this point the prince is now the king. He lies and tries to get the hermit killed but ends up getting killed himself. 

The Snake

Reincarnation of a greedy rich man that buried his riches. 

The Rat

Reincarnation of greedy rich man like the snake. 

The Parrot

The parrot is innocent and vulnerable. She was not rich like the other animals but offers to feed the man if he is ever hungry.

The Hermit

A man that believes the world is wicked and lives in the jungle. He saves the animals first and then prince. He puts all of the characters to the test to see if they will keep their promises. He is a selfless and honest man.  

He regrets saving the prince when he realizes he was going to be killed but ends up being king instead after he explains what happened.

When he goes to visit the animals, they keep their promise. The Hermit gives the wealth to others instead of keeping it to himself.

Interesting Sayings

"It's unlucky to save a drowning man."

Tags: Reincarnation, karma, salvation

The Pious Wolf

Tone: Depressing , Angry 

Attributes: Narrative, Imagery , Similes

Overview: A wolf is stranded on a rock because of heavy rain and decides to fast since he couldn't get any food.  The wolf is tested by a fairy to see if he is really fasting or only doing it for the sake of it. He ends up having to fast for a week as punishment. 

Tags: wolf, fairy, pretense

The Golden Goose

Attributes: Imagery, Dialogue

Tone: Peaceful in the beginning and turns bitter towards the end after the woman becomes greedy.

Overview: This story is about a goose that helps a poor woman with two daughters. The woman got greedy and the goose ended up having regular feathers.

Tags: poor, gold, kindness, feathers, greed, trust

The Wise Physician

Attribute: Narrative , Third person, Imagery

Tone: Sad, Pitiful

Overview: About a woman who tries to get help to bring her son back to life. 

Tags: death, child, Buddha, acceptance

The Lion and the Crane

Picture illustrated by John D. Batten

Attribute: Dialogue, Narrative, 

Tone: Formal 

Overview: Buddha tells the story about his previous life as a crane. As a crane, he helped a lion that had a bone stuck in its mouth and learns how ungrateful the lion is. 

There are a few verses spoken between the characters.

Tag: reincarnation, Buddha, ungrateful

The Monkeys and the Hollow Canes

Attributes: Broken into parts, Narrative, Imagery 

Tone: Peaceful to Rough to Happy and Satisfied

Overview: An ogre lives in the lake and won't let the monkeys use the lake. 

The Monkey-King

He is strong and protective of his troops and in return has their love and loyalty. He tells them to ask him for permission before eating or drinking something they're unfamiliar with in order to ensure their safety. Him and his "people" are stubborn and refuse to submit to the ogre. They are also very clever. 

It is fascinating that this king protects his "people" since in most stories, it's usually the people protecting the king. 

The Ogre

The ogre is selfish and ruthless. He kills anything that comes into the lake. He is also manipulative but is honest when he realizes he can't trick the monkeys. 

Tags: Buddha, king, jungle, lake, ogre, safety, cleverness

The Three Princes and the Water-Sprite

Picture illustrated by Ellsworth Young

Tone: Calm

Overview: The king promises the queen a wish and she requests that the Sun Prince be made king. He exiles the two older princes until he dies.  

The King

He is a fair man and treats all his sons equally. 

The Queen

She obviously favored the youngest prince over the other two. 

Prince of Stars

He is the oldest son and is clever. He is fair and treated both his brothers equally. He is also kind because he despite the what the fairy did to his brothers, he still gave him a home in his palace.

Moon Prince

The middle child.

Sun Prince

He is the youngest son and is innocent. He is loyal to his brothers and chooses to go into exile with his older brothers. 

Tags: Family, loyalty

Reading Notes: Jataka Anthology , Part B

The Foolish, Timid Rabbit 

Tone: Humor

The story story is humorous. It is like a game of telephone in the form of a story. I like how the Lion takes leadership and solves the problem by figuring out the source and who started it.

Morale: Don't always believe what you hear.

Tags: humor, leadership

Two Turtle Jatakas

The Turtle and the King


Attributes: Narrative, Imagery, Dialogue

Overview: The boys assume the turtle is a demon and alert their father, who is the king. The story then ends with irony because the king wants to throw the turtle into the water but does not know that the turtle can swim.

Morale: Don't judge a book by it's cover.

Tags: morale, irony

The Turtle and the Geese

Overview: This story is the opposite of the Turtle and the King. Instead of rejecting the turtle, he is accepted by the geese. They even go to the extent of flying him to their home because he could not fly. The turtle bits onto a stick while both the geese fly him home. Unfortunately, the turtle does not make it home with the geese because he let people influence his opinion.

Tags: friendship, sad, death, obedience, influence.

The Cunning Crane and the Crab

Attributes: Imagery, Narrative, Creative, Dialogue

Overview: A crane tricks creatures by offering to "help" them but ends up eating them all and then a crab outsmarts the crane.

Morale: Trust your instincts , There is more than meets the eye

Tags: trust, wisdom, deceit, lies, manipulation, persuasion, karma

⭐The Crocodile and the Monkey's Heart ⭐

Attribute: Dialogue

Overview: A crocodile's wife wants to eat a monkey's heart so her husband tries to convince the monkey to cross the Ganges by offering to help him. The monkey is convinced but realizes the crocodile wants to kill him so he outsmarts him and ends up crossing the Ganges with the crocodile's help. 

Tags: love, lies, deceit, karma

The Crocodile in the River

Attributes: Historical, Imagery, Narrative

Overview: This story is similar to the one above, except the crocodile doesn't speak to the monkey and tries to be sneaky but is still outsmarted.

Tag: Point of view, past, memory, wisdom, virtue

The Monkey Who Gathered Lotuses

Attributes: Narrative, Dialogue

Tone: Peaceful, Calm 

Overview: This story is about a monkey who is gifted with strength. He wants to meet his father and despite his mother's warning about his father, he goes on a quest to find him. His father believes that his sons will kill him so when he meets his son he plots a plan to kill him (Bodhisatta) so that he can continue running the tribe. The ogre becomes Bodhisatta's friend which surprises the father who has a heart attack and dies. 

Tags: father, son, deceit, ogre, friendship,  power, lake

Unruly Monks

The main character in this story is Buddha who is a Master or teacher that teaches others from his personal own experiences.

The Self-Willed Deer

Buddha as a Deer
Image Source: pq

Attributes: Dialogue

Overview: Buddha is born as a deer. He does not show up to his lessons and meets his death. The story is told by his uncle. 

Morale: Do not miss your lessons cause it might save your life

Tags: deer, teach, reincarnation, stanza

Noisy Out of Season

Attributes: Narrative

Overview: Buddha is a human. Like the story above, the story is told by the Master. The story is about a rooster that is brought home from the cemetery by a group of brahmins (students) after the previous one died. The rooster was suppose to wake them up in the morning for class but instead made noise at nights. This kept the brahmins up which affected their schoolwork so they killed it. The Master explained to the brahmins that the rooster was not taught to wake them up.

Morale: Do not judge others until without stepping into their shoes.

Tags: human, teach, disobedience, neglect, responsibility, past, rooster

Goblin City

Attributes: Narrative, Imagery 

Overview: This story is about a bunch of female goblins that live in a city. A group of sailors are shipwrecked in the city. They create people in the town so that the sailors are not scared of them. They convince the sailors to marry them after telling them a lie about how they were widowed. The captain discovers the truth and escapes with SOME of the sailors since not all of them believed the truth. 

Tags: female, goblins, fake, lies, fairy, rakshasis 

I noticed that all of these stories have talking animals. A lot of them also had little poems towards the end. Most of the stories ended in death for some of the characters as well. Most of them are also told in a third person's point of view.

To Read or Not to Read: Indian Epics Reading Options

I think I will probably choose the public domain edition of the Ramayana because it is more convenient and has a reading guide which gives a brief summary of what the story will be about. I also like that it gives information about the images as well as its source which will make citing images easier. There are also links to the definition of the words which is nice since I can just click the link instead of googling the meaning and making sure its accurate. I personally think the comics will be fun considering there's graphics and because I remember reading a few comics of India Epics as a child.

Overview: Tulsidas Ramayana: Ram Charit Manas

This book looks like it gives the whole story of Rama from his childhood all the way into his adulthood. Not to mention, it talks about Sita and the struggles they face. I also like how it's a bunch of comic books in one. It looks like it will be a fun book to read. I also like that a brief summary is given for each part so I know what to look for when reading the book and can better understand it. 

Sundarkaand: Triumph of Hanuman

This story caught by attention because it is a graphic novel about Hanuman and is related to the Ramayana. I also like that is is a printed version so that I do not have to read off the screen and can give my eyes some time to rest.

PDE Mahabharata: Ekalavya

I remember once hearing this name when I was watching a movie. I think it was a modern version of Ekalavya. Anyways, I found this story interesting because it talks about the caste system and how this character is a role model to people. It sounds like he is a warrior prince or robinhood. Ekalavya sounds like a humble prince because when someone asked for a reward for doing a favor for him, he was ready to give it to them, regardless of what it was. In this case, the person wanted Eklavya's thumb and it surprised me because he actually gave his thumb to the person.

Ekalavya's Guru Dakshina
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons