Comment Wall: The Karma Diaries Portfolio Plan

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- Chandni R

Famous Last Words: Always Something

Hey everyone!

So this week has been pretty good. I am still enjoying my classes and I got capstone permission (yay!). I also got accepted into the study abroad program to Spain but got waitlisted, #13 to be exact, so fingers crossed that I still get a chance to go. If not, I still have some back up plans.

Today, I went to game night and played a bunch of board games with my awesome UPB family. It was tons of fun and I also got to learn how to play some new games. I also came home to OKC and my mom bought me this emoji pillow which I'm really excited about since I really like emojis. If the emoji company existed I'd probably go work for them but sadly it doesn't exist as far as I know.

Next week is going to be busy since its Union Week. Basically I'll be helping out a lot with little events at the union which I might add will consist of free food and games which people can stop by between classes to enjoy. Not to mention Sound Lounge will be on Thursday. If you like listening to music or just kicking back this is definitely for you. There will be free food and drinks as well!  CollegeCon will be next Saturday too which great if you like anime or video games such as Super Smash Bros or Halo. I hear there's prizes if you win the tournaments but you can also play for fun too.

They've also started this game called Unionopoly  this semester which is basically like Monopoly except you get a chance to win really cool prizes and even cash prizes! All you have to do is go to the events and meetings and they'll give you a Monopoly card.

Just like the UPB motto there's "Always Something". Here is a link if you would like to see what's in store and would like to be a part of the fun.

Here's the schedule for Union Week! It's not officially out yet but the members got a sneak peek at the meeting this week! I hope to see some of you there and maybe even meet in person!

Personal photo taken on my phone

Tech Tip: Creating Fake Social Media

So I tried creating a fake social media and it was kind of fun. For some reason I couldn't get the profile pictures to upload but I'm glad I found this website. It will be useful for future projects.

Learning Challenge: Follow your Dreams and Be Creative

Health

Data Reveals How Some College Students Sleep 

One thing I knew already was that sleep affects the mood. The article confirmed my thoughts on how light can also affect the mood. I did not really think about how it may be a warning sign of depression however, when I hear people talk about how they did not get any sleep a lot of the times they say it's because they stayed up late working on homework and studying. If they're my friends, I'll sometimes wonder if that's really the case or if there is something else going on and will show my concern for them just in case. I think it's really interesting how light gives the same effect as an antidepressant. It's really interesting how light affects your body and sleep schedule.This article gave me my answer as to why I am always up late working on homework or something (like now) even though I try to sleep early sometimes. I do not plan to actually try this any time soon but I would like to do more research on this and see what I can find.

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Empathy

What Makes Us Feel Good About Our Work?

This video is very relatable just because I've always enjoyed working for the most part. I enjoy it because it makes me feel like I have a purpose. I never really cared about the monetary value as much as I cared about the environment and internal value I can get. I feel like I get learn a lot through working than I do in a classroom and can connect with others better. It is more hands-on and there are more consequences whereas in a classroom the only consequence is your grade. At work, you also get a chance to correct your mistake and learn from it.

The speaker mentions how people get internal joy from doing what they enjoy which explains why I like to work. It's like people who value what they buy with their own money. It means more as opposed to someone else buying it for you. 

Part of the reason I chose my major was because I like to see the result of my hard work. It also very challenging and like a puzzle. Seeing everything fall into place in the end after all the hard work is satisfying in my opinion. I have always liked doing puzzles and knowing that I'll be able to do what I enjoy as a career doesn't even feel like work at all. I will be getting paid to live my dreams.

(9GAG)

Attention

Being Busy Is Killing Our Ability to Think Creatively

I did not know that being busy can affect the ability to think creatively. It does make sense though. A lot of people I know that say they are busy aren't exactly the most creative thinkers. However some of the people I know that make time to relax or just connect with nature really are creative. 

I agree when the article talks about how fear of missing out can increase anxiety since I've had some of those moments as a college student. However, anytime someone wants to play games or be outside I will almost never pass up the opportunity. 

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Reading

Bibliotherapy: Can You Read Yourself Happy?

I never knew that reading is a therapy or a prescription for that matter. As a person who reads a lot of ebooks I think that reading can make people happy. I know that when I feel down I would read and forget about my problems. I also like paperback novels but sadly I can't read that in the dark before going to bed.  Although you can read yourself happy you can also read yourself into other emotions as well depending on what you read but like everything, reading has its good and bad. 

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Time

Reviewing My Schedule

I feel like my schedule has been working great for me. I am focused and have energy when I work on my stories and readings and am able to squeeze in some extra credit and learn something new. For the most part, I find myself getting a little ahead because this class is so much fun. I have some wiggle room which allows me to fall behind a little bit but still turn things in on time. 

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Week 4 Storytelling: Karma is About to Take Over

The couple returned to the kingdom where they were welcomed with open arms after being exiled for fourteen years. A coronation was held for Rama to officially make him king. After he became king, he began his duties with Sita faithfully by his side. Not much happened afterwards until a month later.

A messenger walked into the palace and said "Rama how can you still be with her?" Rama looked at him and sternly asked, "What do you mean? She is your queen, how dare you disrespect her!" replied Rama trying to keep his cool. "Haven't you heard the rumors? People are saying that she was with another man!" said the messenger."She was kidnapped? What do you expect? It's not like anything happened. Did it?" he wondered looking at Sita.

"See even your doubting her. I demand she be tested!", said the messenger. "Are you serious right now? Your going to listen to rumors instead of your own wife?" exclaimed Sita as she looked at him in disbelief. "I have to give the people what they want Sita." replied Rama solemnly. "So if the people tell you to jump off a cliff, would you?" asked Sita. Rama remained silent. Of course he wouldn't, that would be preposterous.

The people of Ayodhya gathered in the royal court to witness the test of Sita to see if she was really telling the truth, while others protested in support of Sita"Fine! You want proof? I'll give you all proof!" she yelled at the crowd. And with that she jumps into the fire. People gasped in shock and worry for their beloved queen. As the flames went up, Sita remained standing in all her glory.  "You see? I'm innocent!" said Sita as she began to sob. "How could you all accuse me of infidelity? I have loved Rama ever since I met him! I wouldn't even let Hanuman touch me when he tried to save me!" continued Sita with pain in her voice. The people looked down in shame, others smiled, while some looked at the messenger in anger. 

Sita steps out of the fire looking as beautiful as always. As Rama steps towards her, she stops him. "Don't! It's obvious you don't trust me." she said with hurt. "I am leaving. I'll be sure to send you the divorce papers. I'll see you in court." and with that she left to go pack her bags to go back to her kingdom. People began mourning at the news of Sita's departure. Rama stared in shock along with the rest of the people as he watched her walk away. He could not believe what just happened. He knew she was innocent but needed to prove it to the people of his kingdom so that he would not be ridiculed. He just watched his queen leave just like that. With unshed tears, Rama decided he wasn't going to let her go that easy. Not if he can help it, but little did he know that karma is about to take over. 

Author's Note: So this is a possible preview of my project. I feel like Sita needs to be stronger and thought I would tell the story in a more modern version. I also feel like everyone's opinions are different and believe some people must have believed her but back then it was a majority rule, not to mention women did not really get much of a voice.

So tell me what you guys think! I would really appreciate the feedback 😃

Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana, Part D

⭐The gods planned for Rama to defeat Ravana

Indrajit

• Ravana's son
• Power of Invisibility

Ravana takes Sita to the battleground and she thinks Rama and Lakshmana are dead. Lakshmana is dead bur Garuda comes to heal both of the brother's. 

Kumbhakarna

•  Warrior
• Ravana's brother
• Eats a lot, specifically humans
• Curse by a Brahma to sleep for 6 months and only wake up for one day only

Hanuman and the Mountain

Hanuman goes to the Himalaya to collect herbs and heals his army. 

Lakshmana and Indrajit

Indrajit tries to trick Rama into thinking Sita is dead by creating an illusion. Vibishana talks him out of it and reminds him that it's an illusion.

Ravana and Lakshmana

Lakshmana kills Indrajit. Ravana mourns his death and vows vengeance. Ravana pierced an arrow through Lakshmana's heart and he dies but comes back to life after Hanuman once again collects herbs from the mountains.

Rama and Ravana

Agastya, a sage, gives Rama some advice about how to defeat Ravana since he is using his power of invisibility to fight

Ravana's Death

It was the gods  goal for Rama to defeat Ravana. Rama kills him with a Brahmin weapon. 

Mandoodari's Lament

Mandoodari is Ravana's chief wife. Hanuman thought she was Sita. She explains how her husband forgot about her all because of his lust for Sita and how Rama was sent by the gods to kill him. 

She is now mourning her husband's loss. 

It sounds like she understood her husband was in the wrong but was blinded by her love for him. It also sounds like she did not have much power to say anything to stop him. This part of the story kind of opens another perspective on Ravana. He was loved by his kingdom and they supported and respected him. He is seen as this monster so reader's forget that he also meant something to someone despite his bad deeds. 

Sita and Rama 

The couple is finally reunited, however, Rama rejects and insults her because she lived with another man. Rama believes he avenged Ravana for his evil deeds and explains to Sita why he can't accept her. 

Sita Tested

Sita undergoes the test to prove her innocence in front of Rama, Lakshmana, and Hanuman
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Sita fights to defend her honor. She tells him how it was not in her control that she was kidnapped and how much she loves Rama. She asks him why he saved her if he was just going to throw her away. She explains how she was born as well. 

Finally, she steps into a fire to prove her innocence in front of the whole kingdom and Rama. The gods come from the sky and ask Rama why he is insulting Sita and not trust her. 

After she passes the test, Rama reveals that he knew all along that Sita was innocent but needed to show his people proof otherwise they would ridicule him. 

⭐Pushpaka⭐

Rama tells Sita everything that has happened in his journey to find her.

Rama and Bharata

Rama's Coranation
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Rama's fourteen year exile is finally over and he is welcome back to Ayodhya with open arms and his crowned king.

Valmiki's Hermitage

Sita is pregnant and  exiled at the demand of the people of Ayodhya and Valmiki finds her and offers her a place to stay which she gratefully accepts. 

• Luva and Kush are born

2 years later

• Rama performs a horse sacrifice to cleanse his soul of killing Ravana
• Luva and Kush capture the horse  and Rama discovers his sons

Sita Departs

• Rama tries to offer the boys money for the horse
• Sita is asked to prove her innocence again. At this point she is tired of everything but agrees.
• She goes into earth after proving her innocence to Ayodhya

Rama regrets exiling her and raises his two sons alone. 

Rama Departs

Lakshmana has gone back to heaven and now it's Rama's turn and he becomes Vishnu again. The army of bears and monkeys follow him back to the other world (Heaven). 

Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana, Part C

This part of the story is mostly about Hanuman and his quest to save Sita.

Sugriva and Hanuman 

Hanuman meets Rama and Lakshmana and interrogates them to find out what they are doing in the forest at the request of Sugriva. They share their stories and become allies.

Hanuman

• Sugriva's messenger

Sugriva

• Monkey Chief
• Exiled by his older brother Vali
• Vali stole his wife as well

Vali

• Sugriva's older brother
• King of Kishkindha

⭐Sugriva vs. Vali 

Sugriva's Story b

Vali was fighting a demon and told Sugriva to guard the cave until he returned. Surgiva thought his brother had died after a year and returned to the kingdom. Vali believes that his younger brother trapped him in the mountains so that he could rule the kingdom.

Sugriva is now asking Rama for help in fighting his brother.

Sugriva and Vali by Romesh Dutt

Vali's wife, Tara, warns him about Sugriva and his new allies and begs him to make amends with his little brother. 

Vali's Death 

The brothers battle it out and Sugriva is losing so Rama steps in and helps. Both Sugriva and Vali's wife mourn Vali's death and Sugriva becomes king.

The Armies 

⭐Rama vs. Sugriva 

Sugriva hasn't helped Rama and has broken his promise so Lakshmana goes and reminds him of his promise and threatens to kill him if he doesn't help them. 

Sampati and Jatayu 

Attribute: First Person

Tone: Nostalgic, Sad

• Jatayu's brother
• Can't fly

Sampati asks Rama to carry him to the the water so that he can perform the final rites of Jatayu's funeral. 

Hanuman's Leap

The story of Hanuman's birth is told to him by Jambavan, the king of bears. He tells him the story to encourage him to jump to Lanka to find Sita. 

• Mother is Anjana
• Born in mountains
• Jumps high 

Once he's in Lanka, he looks for Sita but does not find her.  Instead he finds Ravana with his many wives. 

The Ashoka Grove

Hanuman finds Sita and shows her Rama's ring
Image Source: Wikipedia

Hanuman finds Sita here surrounded by female demons.

Sita and Ravana by 

Ravana continues to persuade Sita to reject Rama while Hanuman hid and watched her. Ravana threatens to torture and kill her in 2 months if she doesn't accept him.

Hanuman and Sita 

Hanuman secretly meets Sita. Sita thinks Hanuman is Ravana in disguise but he shows her Rama's ring as proof that he is not a demon and is there to help her. He offers to carry her away but Sita refuses because she did not want any man touching her other than Rama.

Hanuman Captured 

Hanuman is not happy with not being able to save Sita so he destroys the forest and Ravana's son, Indrajit captures him.

Hanuman and Ravana

Ravana sets Hanuman's tail on fire
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

⭐Hanuman vs. Ravana - Lawsuit & Arson

Hanuman warns Ravana to return Sita so he can live and the counselor's in Ravana's court will not allow Ravana to kill Hanuman because he is a messenger so he settles for setting his tail on fire. This backfires because Hanuman sets Lanka on fire and then goes to the sea to stop the fire on his tail. 

Ravana's Court

Ravana and his advisors debate on whether they should let Sita go or not. They settle for war.

Vibishana 

• Ravana's little brother
• Rama's ally 

He opposed the war and wanted Ravana to return Sita to Rama and is exiled for it. Ravana thinks his brother is just jealous. 

⭐He can be used as a key witness against Ravana along with Hanuman

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.