Monday, April 27, 2015
Week 15: Online Education
I love online classes. If I can take almost all my classes online I would really do it but I think OU only allows certain classes to be online. I find these classes are easier and efficient. I'm not the type of person that enjoys going to class. I like to work in the comfort of my home or at a nice coffee shop, although some people say you will get lazy and slack off if you do online homework at home, that is not true for me. I am so productive that I find online classes to be easier and more convenient. I can go to work and come home and just sit on my laptop and start my assignment. I don't have to worry about finding parking at school and sit in classes when sometimes I can really be doing other things. I feel like online education keeps students busy and constantly doing homework. It helps you to be prepare and stay on track. Thats what I like about it. Honestly, if OU would offer more online classes I would take all of them.
Week 15: OU General Education
In my opinion, general education classes has its ups and downs. The good side of it is that it teaches students to become more well-rounded. I think that is why most college courses require students to take humanities and electives classes even though it is not part of their major. I remember having a discussion about this topic in my capstone political science class and one student argued that it is not necessary to take these courses... In a way it is part true and partially not. Some of these classes have interesting subjects and could be an advantage for us in the future, we just don't see it yet. However, is it worth the cost? That I don't know... For instance, I have to take a Chinese War class to graduate, would I be using this again in the future? Most likely not and was it worth the cost? Probably not... it is how the college system works.
I think my favorite gen ed classes would be anything that involves with women and gender studies. I have taken a lot of those classes in the past and I enjoyed all of them. I am interested in the topic and felt like it ties in with my major in some aspect. Other gen ed like our prerequisites during our freshman and sophomore year are probably not the most interesting classes but they are a good stepping stone to be prepare for your upper division courses.
I think my favorite gen ed classes would be anything that involves with women and gender studies. I have taken a lot of those classes in the past and I enjoyed all of them. I am interested in the topic and felt like it ties in with my major in some aspect. Other gen ed like our prerequisites during our freshman and sophomore year are probably not the most interesting classes but they are a good stepping stone to be prepare for your upper division courses.
Week 15: College Writing Review
I struggled a lot in writing throughout my college years. When I went to Oklahoma City Community College my first two years of school. My writing was horrible and I knew it was not that great. However, when I transferred to OU my writing improved a lot. Since I am a political science major, there were a lot of reading and reading that were involved. Still, I struggled with writing and would usually get B or C on my research papers. I think writing was harder for me because most of my papers involved with analytical thinking and writing. Most of them are either philosophical and I would have to argue the thesis in my opinion. Although there are not right or wrong answers... it was hard to write a good and strong argument when you obtain so much information in one class.
For me political science papers became easier as I reach the ending of my college career. It is because I had learned a lot throughout the years and the writing process became more smoothly and easier to write because well... I am more familiar with the topic.
However, one of my elective classes China Art of Warfare was extremely difficult. I was struggling in this class and it wasn't my major. The material was hard and so much to obtain in one semester. Most of the material involved with different dynasties and different emperors. The names were so confusing... writing the paper was so hard. I asked my professor for help and did endless research and most of the scholarly articles were in Chinese and even translating wouldn't be accurate. That was probably the worst paper I have to write throughout my college experience, but it definitely taught me to be more argumentative in my paper.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Famous Last Words Week 14: Coming to an end
I can't believe this class is almost over... time flies... I really enjoyed Indian Epics and glad I took this class. We recently just nominated for the best storybooks and portfolios. I thought everyone did a great job and I'm glad I saw the ones I really liked won as one the the favorite projects. Everyone is so creative with their work! It's amazing!
Well... this week is going to be DEAD week. The worst week of all semesters in college... I am so not ready for exams or anything like that. My first exam is my capstone class this Thursday and I guess I'm ready? I'm more worried about my China Art of Warfare class... that class is so hard especially for an elective. Anyways... it will all be over soon and the week after that will be finals and graduation. I am so ready to be done with school.
I am looking for a job right now. I got a few calls back but still waiting for an answer and seeing if they pay enough. It sucks that college graduates don't get paid a lot but heyI guess we need more experience. I'm still debating on going to grad school and getting a masters degree but I don't know what degree I should get. I don't think I want to do political science anymore.
Lately, I've been thinking a lot about my college past since I'm about to graduate. I thought about changing my major and if I worked harder in school I would have probably done better or won't have to struggle. When I started out college, I was so passionate about being a political science major but after graduating with a political science degree. I felt like it wasn't worth it... this is my opinion though. It's so hard to find a good paying job with a political science degree honestly. Unless you are for sure going to law school then it is a good major to get into but other than that. it's really hard to find a good paying job. Political science had taught me to become a better writer and learn to do more critical thinking and analyzing. I also learned to not be bias and listen to both sides during debates but really... I just got tired of all it. In the end.. it's all about being passionate about what you're doing.
Well... this week is going to be DEAD week. The worst week of all semesters in college... I am so not ready for exams or anything like that. My first exam is my capstone class this Thursday and I guess I'm ready? I'm more worried about my China Art of Warfare class... that class is so hard especially for an elective. Anyways... it will all be over soon and the week after that will be finals and graduation. I am so ready to be done with school.
I am looking for a job right now. I got a few calls back but still waiting for an answer and seeing if they pay enough. It sucks that college graduates don't get paid a lot but heyI guess we need more experience. I'm still debating on going to grad school and getting a masters degree but I don't know what degree I should get. I don't think I want to do political science anymore.
Lately, I've been thinking a lot about my college past since I'm about to graduate. I thought about changing my major and if I worked harder in school I would have probably done better or won't have to struggle. When I started out college, I was so passionate about being a political science major but after graduating with a political science degree. I felt like it wasn't worth it... this is my opinion though. It's so hard to find a good paying job with a political science degree honestly. Unless you are for sure going to law school then it is a good major to get into but other than that. it's really hard to find a good paying job. Political science had taught me to become a better writer and learn to do more critical thinking and analyzing. I also learned to not be bias and listen to both sides during debates but really... I just got tired of all it. In the end.. it's all about being passionate about what you're doing.
Portfolio Introduction
Hi! Welcome to my portfolio! These are all the stories I have written for Indian Epics class over the semester. I hope you enjoy reading them! Most of these stories are just my own wild imaginations and renditions of the original stories! Please take a look and read these stories... and comment!
Monday, April 20, 2015
Week 14 Storytelling: Ashwatthaman as a Sacrifice
The night was dark and Ashwatthaman decided to raid the Pandavas camp site. He had wanted to enter the camp for the longest time and finally it was a good time to do it. However, he did not know that Krishna and the Pandavas were sleeping outside that night... He was caught by surprised... the camp was guarded by a white tiger that was a manifestation of Shiva.
"What is this? A white tiger!" said Ashwatthaman.
"I will kill this tiger! How dare this beast get in the way of entering the camp!" said Ashwatthaman.
Ashwatthaman then raised his sword and started to attack the tiger. The tiger dodged the sword and Ashwatthaman started chasing after the tiger. The tiger growled and swallowed Ashwatthaman's sword. He was surprised. How could this tiger just swallowed his weapon like that? He must be a god!
Then the tiger started transforming into it's real figure. The tiger was the god Shiva... Ashwatthaman stood there with his eyes wide opened. He did not realize that it was Shiva. He felt embarrassed for trying to attack the almighty Shiva.
"Oh almighty Shiva! I am so sorry for trying to attack you! I did not realize it was you! If I had known I would not have tried to kill you! I apologize..." said Ashwatthaman.
"How dare you try to attack me just to get inside of the Pandavas camp?! Did you not realize that I am more than just a tiger? When you tried to attack me, did you not see that I have abilities that a normal tiger doesn't have? What are you doing trying to raid the Pandavas camp?!" said Shiva
"I am sorry Shiva, I really did not realize that you were a god until you swallowed by sword. My stupidity had caused you to be angry with me. I am sorry. I am trying to get into the camp because I need to kill Krishna and the Pandavas! Let me kill them!" said Ashwatthaman.
"I cannot just let you kill Krishna and the Pandavas just like that. I am not going to let you enter this site unless..." said Shiva
"Unless?..."said Ashwatthaman.
"Unless, you sacrifice yourself to me. I want you to become my eternal slave. You will be under my control and everything you do will be under my command. You are to fulfill every mission I tell you to do. You will not question anything." said Shiva.
Ashwatthaman looked at Shiva. He thought to himself if he does not sacrifice himself than he will never be able to kill Krishna and the Pandavas. However, he did not want to be under the control of Shiva.. what should he do...
Ashwatthaman thought for a very long time and decided to sacrifice himself as a slave to Shiva.
"I have decided. I will sacrifice myself to you. You have my word." said Ashwatthaman.
"Very well, you shall enter the camp now." said Shiva.
Ashwatthaman entered the camp and killed Dhrishtadyumna, Sikhandin, and Panchala. He was ruthless and slaughtered every single one of them. After that Ashwatthaman decided to let Rakshasha to eat the remains of the dead warriors... Rakshasha entered the camp and started devouring the dead bodies. He was hungry...
Ashwatthaman left the camp to bring news to Duryodhana.
"What is this? A white tiger!" said Ashwatthaman.
"I will kill this tiger! How dare this beast get in the way of entering the camp!" said Ashwatthaman.
Ashwatthaman then raised his sword and started to attack the tiger. The tiger dodged the sword and Ashwatthaman started chasing after the tiger. The tiger growled and swallowed Ashwatthaman's sword. He was surprised. How could this tiger just swallowed his weapon like that? He must be a god!
Then the tiger started transforming into it's real figure. The tiger was the god Shiva... Ashwatthaman stood there with his eyes wide opened. He did not realize that it was Shiva. He felt embarrassed for trying to attack the almighty Shiva.
"Oh almighty Shiva! I am so sorry for trying to attack you! I did not realize it was you! If I had known I would not have tried to kill you! I apologize..." said Ashwatthaman.
"How dare you try to attack me just to get inside of the Pandavas camp?! Did you not realize that I am more than just a tiger? When you tried to attack me, did you not see that I have abilities that a normal tiger doesn't have? What are you doing trying to raid the Pandavas camp?!" said Shiva
"I am sorry Shiva, I really did not realize that you were a god until you swallowed by sword. My stupidity had caused you to be angry with me. I am sorry. I am trying to get into the camp because I need to kill Krishna and the Pandavas! Let me kill them!" said Ashwatthaman.
"I cannot just let you kill Krishna and the Pandavas just like that. I am not going to let you enter this site unless..." said Shiva
"Unless?..."said Ashwatthaman.
"Unless, you sacrifice yourself to me. I want you to become my eternal slave. You will be under my control and everything you do will be under my command. You are to fulfill every mission I tell you to do. You will not question anything." said Shiva.
Ashwatthaman looked at Shiva. He thought to himself if he does not sacrifice himself than he will never be able to kill Krishna and the Pandavas. However, he did not want to be under the control of Shiva.. what should he do...
Ashwatthaman thought for a very long time and decided to sacrifice himself as a slave to Shiva.
"I have decided. I will sacrifice myself to you. You have my word." said Ashwatthaman.
"Very well, you shall enter the camp now." said Shiva.
Ashwatthaman entered the camp and killed Dhrishtadyumna, Sikhandin, and Panchala. He was ruthless and slaughtered every single one of them. After that Ashwatthaman decided to let Rakshasha to eat the remains of the dead warriors... Rakshasha entered the camp and started devouring the dead bodies. He was hungry...
Ashwatthaman left the camp to bring news to Duryodhana.
Rakshasha is hungry: Hindu Demon
Author's Bibliography: I decided to do the story over Ashwatthaman and how he sacrificed himself to Shiva in order to kill Krishna and the Pandavas. He was so angry with them that he was willing to become an eternal slave to Shiva just to kill them. I chose a third person point of view with some dialogues between Shiva and Ashwatthaman.
Bibliography: William Buck Mahabharata
Week 14 Reading Diary B: The End
p. 351-412
The book is coming to an end...and Bhishma and is waiting for the moment. There seem to be so many deaths in Indian epics. Ganga is upset and mourn for his son's death. Bhishma's ashes were poured in the Ganges river. Yud is sad and in despair and Bhima tried to cheer him up and he becomes the king.
Overall, the story of Mahabharata comes to an end. Compared to the Ramayana, I think I like Buck's version of Ramayana better even though I didn't enjoy the character of Rama much. The beginning of the Mahabharata was interesting especially about Ganesha. I just wished there were more stories about Ganesha. It was getting confusing when the Pandavas were in battle with everyone. I was getting so confused with the characters. They were either dying or coming back alive. I did thought the dice game was interesting and felt bad for Draupadi. She should not have been treated that way by the men. There was a lot going on towards the end but overall it wasn't a bad story.
The book is coming to an end...and Bhishma and is waiting for the moment. There seem to be so many deaths in Indian epics. Ganga is upset and mourn for his son's death. Bhishma's ashes were poured in the Ganges river. Yud is sad and in despair and Bhima tried to cheer him up and he becomes the king.
Overall, the story of Mahabharata comes to an end. Compared to the Ramayana, I think I like Buck's version of Ramayana better even though I didn't enjoy the character of Rama much. The beginning of the Mahabharata was interesting especially about Ganesha. I just wished there were more stories about Ganesha. It was getting confusing when the Pandavas were in battle with everyone. I was getting so confused with the characters. They were either dying or coming back alive. I did thought the dice game was interesting and felt bad for Draupadi. She should not have been treated that way by the men. There was a lot going on towards the end but overall it wasn't a bad story.
Battle Scene: The Mahabharata
Week 14 Reading Diary A: After the Battle
p.307-349
The part that interested me the most is the night raid and the survivors. So Ashwatthaman, I will call him Ash for short since the name is so long. So Ash decided to invade the Pandava camp but didn't realize that Krishna and the Pandavas decided to sleep outside that night... he chose a bad night to invade their camp. Ash tried to attack Shiva but Shiva swallowed his weapons. That caught me by surprised.. I did not know Shiva can just swallow weapons or items like that? How powerful is he? Then Ash goes and starts killing the armies led by king Draupada and then Rakshasas started eating the dead bodies? That is so gross!!! I was quite disturbed when reading that part in the book... couldn't be more disgusting.
Then the survivors all came together and that is how the Mahabharata was formed. They prepared funerals for the dead ones or those who lost the battle.
The part that interested me the most is the night raid and the survivors. So Ashwatthaman, I will call him Ash for short since the name is so long. So Ash decided to invade the Pandava camp but didn't realize that Krishna and the Pandavas decided to sleep outside that night... he chose a bad night to invade their camp. Ash tried to attack Shiva but Shiva swallowed his weapons. That caught me by surprised.. I did not know Shiva can just swallow weapons or items like that? How powerful is he? Then Ash goes and starts killing the armies led by king Draupada and then Rakshasas started eating the dead bodies? That is so gross!!! I was quite disturbed when reading that part in the book... couldn't be more disgusting.
Then the survivors all came together and that is how the Mahabharata was formed. They prepared funerals for the dead ones or those who lost the battle.
Fierce Ash fighting in the battle: Ashwatthaman
Monday, April 13, 2015
Week 13 Storytelling: Sikhandini and Sthuna
The day of Sikhandini and her wife's marriage was magical. Both of them were happy and loved each other. However, Sikhandini had been hiding a huge secret from her wife. Sikhandini was a woman in disguise as a man because of her father Shiva. After their marriage, Sikhandini planned on telling her wife about her true sexuality. She cannot hide it anymore especially not to her true love.
"My dearly beloved, I must tell you something very important and you will probably never look at me the same way again, but I love you so much that I must tell you... I am a woman" said Sikhandini.
Sikhandini's wife looked at her in disbelief and Sikhandini had to undress herself to prove that she was a woman. The wife looked at her and cried.
"Please don't cry my love... I heard of a yaksha that could possibly change me into a man. We will be husband and wife." said Sikhandini.
The next day Sikhandini set out to find the yaksha Sthuna to see if he could change her into a man. She loved his wife so much she couldn't stand the pain her wife is going through. She should have told her before they got married or done something earlier about changing her gender, but it was too late. Sikhandini hoped that Sthuna will be able to change her into a man so she can make her wife happy. Sikhandini finally reached to Sthuna's house. She knocked on the door and it opened...
"Hello Sthuna, my name is Sikhandini and I heard that you can change me into a man. I want nothing more than to actually become a man. Please! Please! I want to make my wife happy for I am deeply in love with her. She wanted to leave me because I am a woman but I was taught my whole life to be a boy. Now I really want to change into a boy." said Sikhandini
Sikhandini started to break down and cried. She sat in front of Sthuna's door step because she was under so much pressure. She was taught to become a boy all her life and now finally she found a woman she loved but her love would not accept her for who she was.
"Don't cry Sikhandini. I will help you but I have to tell you that I cannot just change you into a man, but I am willing to trade gender with you. I have heard stories of how your father Shiva wanted a boy all his life and tried so hard to change you into a boy. You have struggled and tried to make him proud and now you have to suffer again when you finally found your true love. I cannot imagine the pain you are going through. I promise I will help you and we can switch gender." said Sthuna.
"However, we can only trade gender for a few years. I want to explore and learn what it is like as a female but I do not wish to become a female for the rest of my life. I will make you a promise and let you become a man so that you and your wife can bear a child. After that I will take my identity back. Is that clear?" said Sthuna.
"Yes! Thank you so much Sthuna! I promise you after our first child. I will come back and we can switch back to our original gender. If my wife leaves me when I become a woman again. At least I will have a child and hopefully a son to carry on the family name and make Shiva proud!" said Sikhandini.
"All right, well prepare for this spell I am about to prepare. It is a spell that will swap our gender. You will be in my body and I will be in yours. Our faces will remain the same but different features. This may be quite painful but if you are willing to do this I will start the spell now." said Sthuna.
"I'm ready" said Sikhandini.
Sthuna began chanting the spell...
"My dearly beloved, I must tell you something very important and you will probably never look at me the same way again, but I love you so much that I must tell you... I am a woman" said Sikhandini.
Sikhandini's wife looked at her in disbelief and Sikhandini had to undress herself to prove that she was a woman. The wife looked at her and cried.
"Please don't cry my love... I heard of a yaksha that could possibly change me into a man. We will be husband and wife." said Sikhandini.
The next day Sikhandini set out to find the yaksha Sthuna to see if he could change her into a man. She loved his wife so much she couldn't stand the pain her wife is going through. She should have told her before they got married or done something earlier about changing her gender, but it was too late. Sikhandini hoped that Sthuna will be able to change her into a man so she can make her wife happy. Sikhandini finally reached to Sthuna's house. She knocked on the door and it opened...
"Hello Sthuna, my name is Sikhandini and I heard that you can change me into a man. I want nothing more than to actually become a man. Please! Please! I want to make my wife happy for I am deeply in love with her. She wanted to leave me because I am a woman but I was taught my whole life to be a boy. Now I really want to change into a boy." said Sikhandini
Sikhandini started to break down and cried. She sat in front of Sthuna's door step because she was under so much pressure. She was taught to become a boy all her life and now finally she found a woman she loved but her love would not accept her for who she was.
"Don't cry Sikhandini. I will help you but I have to tell you that I cannot just change you into a man, but I am willing to trade gender with you. I have heard stories of how your father Shiva wanted a boy all his life and tried so hard to change you into a boy. You have struggled and tried to make him proud and now you have to suffer again when you finally found your true love. I cannot imagine the pain you are going through. I promise I will help you and we can switch gender." said Sthuna.
"However, we can only trade gender for a few years. I want to explore and learn what it is like as a female but I do not wish to become a female for the rest of my life. I will make you a promise and let you become a man so that you and your wife can bear a child. After that I will take my identity back. Is that clear?" said Sthuna.
"Yes! Thank you so much Sthuna! I promise you after our first child. I will come back and we can switch back to our original gender. If my wife leaves me when I become a woman again. At least I will have a child and hopefully a son to carry on the family name and make Shiva proud!" said Sikhandini.
"All right, well prepare for this spell I am about to prepare. It is a spell that will swap our gender. You will be in my body and I will be in yours. Our faces will remain the same but different features. This may be quite painful but if you are willing to do this I will start the spell now." said Sthuna.
"I'm ready" said Sikhandini.
Sthuna began chanting the spell...
I decided to do a transgender symbol to go with my story because that is like what Sikhandini and Sthuna are going through.
Author's Note: I decided to do the story over Sikhandini and Sthuna's transformation. I wanted to emphasize how desperate Sikhandini wanted to become a man. She was taught to be a man all her life and in order to please her wife she had to make the transformation. Sikhandini went through a lot of pain in her life to fulfill her father's dream of having a son. I wanted to emphasize the pain and suffering she went through being pressured to become a man her whole life. I also wanted to show how Sikhandini thought being a man could solve all her problems and that she was unhappy with her own gender. I felt like this story relates to many people who have gender identity issues and that is the reason why I chose this story. Sikhandini always thought of herself as a boy even though she knew she was a girl deep down. Since Sikandini thought of herself as a boy, she fell in love with a woman that her father arranged her with. In a way, I kind of blame Shiva for not accepting her as a girl and forcing her to be a boy. Whether or not she is happy being a boy or a girl it should be Sikhandini's choice and not Shiva. She was trained to be a boy and even fell in love with a woman. She would do anything for her love. Sthuna was nice and understood the pain Sikhandini was going through. He decided to grant her wish by trading gender with her but not forever. The transformation was only for a few years until Sikahandini is able to bear her own child.
Bibliography: William Buck Mahabharata
Week 13 Reading Diary B: Sikhandini
p.247-305
The part of Amba's story caught my attention. Because Shiva wanted a male child so badly he raised his girl Sikhandini to be a boy and even arrange marriage her to a girl. Poor Sikhandini all her life she was taught that being a boy was better and wasn't value for own identity. Why is that most women in indian epics have to go through so much? Well Sikhandini's wife found that she was a female and begged Sthuna to change gender with Sikhandini. Sthuna is such a nice person and he was punished for his good deed by Vaishravana who was outraged that they switched genders. So he cursed Sthuna that he would remain a female until Sikhandini die.
I thought it was very brave and nice of Sthuna to switch genders with Sikhandini. I don't think he should be punished. If Shiva would have accepted that his "son" was actually a female then none of this would have happened. A parent should always accept their child for who he/she is no matter what. But this is indian epics and stories are different. Sikahandini was taught to be a boy all her life and so she thought being a boy was the best thing for her.
I think that was the best part in this section of the book. I wasn't appealed to the battle scene as much I thought I would. The duel between Karna and Arjuna was pretty cool but I didn't find it to be entirely exciting.
The part of Amba's story caught my attention. Because Shiva wanted a male child so badly he raised his girl Sikhandini to be a boy and even arrange marriage her to a girl. Poor Sikhandini all her life she was taught that being a boy was better and wasn't value for own identity. Why is that most women in indian epics have to go through so much? Well Sikhandini's wife found that she was a female and begged Sthuna to change gender with Sikhandini. Sthuna is such a nice person and he was punished for his good deed by Vaishravana who was outraged that they switched genders. So he cursed Sthuna that he would remain a female until Sikhandini die.
I thought it was very brave and nice of Sthuna to switch genders with Sikhandini. I don't think he should be punished. If Shiva would have accepted that his "son" was actually a female then none of this would have happened. A parent should always accept their child for who he/she is no matter what. But this is indian epics and stories are different. Sikahandini was taught to be a boy all her life and so she thought being a boy was the best thing for her.
I think that was the best part in this section of the book. I wasn't appealed to the battle scene as much I thought I would. The duel between Karna and Arjuna was pretty cool but I didn't find it to be entirely exciting.
Draupada begs for a boy: Sikhandini
Week 13 Reading Diary A: Kichaka
p. 191-246
I thought the part of Kichaka and Draupadi was very interesting. Kichaka is such a pig for trying to assault Draupadi even though she warned him that she was protected by the gandharvas he would not listen and still tried to assault her. He deserved to be crushed by Bhima. He came to rescue Draupadi. I felt bad for Draupadi throughout the story especially in the die game. She was mistreated by all the men and don't seem to value her.
I also liked the part of Arjuna and Krishna. Krishna gave him an ultimatum to either make him as his ally or have all his soldiers. Krishna wanted Duryodhana to surrender half of his kingdom to the Pnadavas but he refused. The part where Krishna cut off Duhshana's head was intense and interesting when his body enter into Krishna's.
I also thought the Pandavas' decision to spend 13 years of exile in the Virata court in disguise was interesting. How can you spend 13 years in a disguise?! That is such a long time but they did it.
I thought the part of Kichaka and Draupadi was very interesting. Kichaka is such a pig for trying to assault Draupadi even though she warned him that she was protected by the gandharvas he would not listen and still tried to assault her. He deserved to be crushed by Bhima. He came to rescue Draupadi. I felt bad for Draupadi throughout the story especially in the die game. She was mistreated by all the men and don't seem to value her.
I also liked the part of Arjuna and Krishna. Krishna gave him an ultimatum to either make him as his ally or have all his soldiers. Krishna wanted Duryodhana to surrender half of his kingdom to the Pnadavas but he refused. The part where Krishna cut off Duhshana's head was intense and interesting when his body enter into Krishna's.
I also thought the Pandavas' decision to spend 13 years of exile in the Virata court in disguise was interesting. How can you spend 13 years in a disguise?! That is such a long time but they did it.
Kichaka trying to harass Draupadi: Kichaka
Friday, April 10, 2015
Week 9 Storytelling: Urvasi in Love
Urvasi's thoughts:
I cannot stop looking at this handsome man...Oh Arjuna! You are so handsome and I must have you for myself, but how can I obtain your love? What should I do to get his attention? He is the most handsome man I've ever met and of course I want him to be my husband! Shall I seduce him with a new transformation or disguise myself and kidnap him?! I can't decide... I think I will try to seduce him and see if he wants to make love and marry me...
(looking through her wardrobe) Hmm... I think I will wear this transparent silk robe and meet him tonight! It's transparent enough for him to see... well of course enough for him to see my body! I will also spray this lovely perfume all over my body so that he will be attracted to my scent. He will surely love my appearance and then we will make love until the sunrise.
The moon was shining bright. Urvasi approached Arjuna's room and knocked on his door. Urvasi was very anxious and hoped that Arjuna would respond to her sweet gesture. She had been a lonely woman for months now and wanted to make love with someone. Arjuna was the only attractive man that she had seen for several years and when they met. Her eyes were locked and she could not stop thinking about him. Could it be she was in love already? She had never felt this way in such a long time. Was this love at first sight? Urvasi was a curious woman and the only way to find out whether this was love or not is to approach Arjuna. Brave Urvasi took a deep breath and began to knock on his door.
The door opened with a slight creaking noise and Arjuna looked at Urvasi from head to toe.
"Um.. yes? May I help you?" said Arjuna.
"Arjuna, I am insanely attracted to you and I noticed you were looking at me earlier today. Shall we get together and have a wild wonderful night?" said Urvasi.
"Oh Urvasi, you are mistaken...I was looking at you earlier today because you remind me of my mothers Kunthi and Madri. "Your appearance caught me by surprise, and it reminded me how much I missed them." said Arjuna.
"Your mother?! I remind you of your mothers?! How dare you speak to me this way! I have tried so hard to seduce you, wearing this nearly see-through robe, and now you say I remind you of your mother?!" said Urvasi.
"I apologize for being so blunt but in fact you do remind me of my mothers. Please don't take it the wrong way. You are still a beautiful woman, just not for me." said Arjuna.
Urvasi's face turned red and she stood by Arjuna's door grunting under her breath. She had never felt so humiliated in her life.
"Well, Arjuna, since you have humiliated me by calling me your mother. I will curse you to become a eunuch forever and you will be forced to dance with the women!" said Urvasi.
Then with a swift of her hands she mumbled a chant and now Arjuna was cursed.
I cannot stop looking at this handsome man...Oh Arjuna! You are so handsome and I must have you for myself, but how can I obtain your love? What should I do to get his attention? He is the most handsome man I've ever met and of course I want him to be my husband! Shall I seduce him with a new transformation or disguise myself and kidnap him?! I can't decide... I think I will try to seduce him and see if he wants to make love and marry me...
(looking through her wardrobe) Hmm... I think I will wear this transparent silk robe and meet him tonight! It's transparent enough for him to see... well of course enough for him to see my body! I will also spray this lovely perfume all over my body so that he will be attracted to my scent. He will surely love my appearance and then we will make love until the sunrise.
The moon was shining bright. Urvasi approached Arjuna's room and knocked on his door. Urvasi was very anxious and hoped that Arjuna would respond to her sweet gesture. She had been a lonely woman for months now and wanted to make love with someone. Arjuna was the only attractive man that she had seen for several years and when they met. Her eyes were locked and she could not stop thinking about him. Could it be she was in love already? She had never felt this way in such a long time. Was this love at first sight? Urvasi was a curious woman and the only way to find out whether this was love or not is to approach Arjuna. Brave Urvasi took a deep breath and began to knock on his door.
The door opened with a slight creaking noise and Arjuna looked at Urvasi from head to toe.
"Um.. yes? May I help you?" said Arjuna.
"Arjuna, I am insanely attracted to you and I noticed you were looking at me earlier today. Shall we get together and have a wild wonderful night?" said Urvasi.
"Oh Urvasi, you are mistaken...I was looking at you earlier today because you remind me of my mothers Kunthi and Madri. "Your appearance caught me by surprise, and it reminded me how much I missed them." said Arjuna.
"Your mother?! I remind you of your mothers?! How dare you speak to me this way! I have tried so hard to seduce you, wearing this nearly see-through robe, and now you say I remind you of your mother?!" said Urvasi.
"I apologize for being so blunt but in fact you do remind me of my mothers. Please don't take it the wrong way. You are still a beautiful woman, just not for me." said Arjuna.
Urvasi's face turned red and she stood by Arjuna's door grunting under her breath. She had never felt so humiliated in her life.
"Well, Arjuna, since you have humiliated me by calling me your mother. I will curse you to become a eunuch forever and you will be forced to dance with the women!" said Urvasi.
Then with a swift of her hands she mumbled a chant and now Arjuna was cursed.
Urvasi cursing Arjuna: Urvasi
Author's Note:
I decided to do a story over Urvasi and Arjuna but in Urvasi's perspective. She was attracted to Arjuna but later rejected so she cursed him into a eunuch. In the story, Urvasi was a seductive and flirty woman. She tried to capture Arjuna's attention by wearing seductive clothes. Urvasi was so humiliated that she threw herself at a man who did not want her. The outcome resulted in Arjuna's curse in exile living with all women and becoming a eunuch. I kept the storyline pretty much the same as the book described it but added a lot more details. I added Urvasi's thoughts and how she planned on seducing him and making love to him all night. She was a promiscuous woman and would try to get anything she wants. I also added some dialogue of Urvasi and Arjuna to emphasize their conversations as a way to show the tensions between them. It was obvious that Urvasi was not happy with the rejection and took her frustration out on Arjuna for being too forward. Overall, I want to stick with the original story but added more details since the book only described a small part of their conversation. Urvasi was an apsara. The apsaras are beautiful supernatural beings that seduce men. I extended the story with some significant details that are not in the book such as her transparent silk robe and the perfume. I thought those items were essential to the story because it was a way for her to attract Arjuna.
Bibliography: R.K. Narayan, The Mahabharata 1978
Monday, April 6, 2015
Week 12 Storytelling: Nala and Damayanti
Nala was the king of the Nishada people. He was a humble king and cared for his people. One day he met a beautiful woman named Damayanti and wanted her to be his wife. She was so gorgeous and everyone wanted her. The gods such as Indra, Agni, Varuna, and Yama all wanted Damayanti for themselves but Nala ended up winning Damyanti's heart. The two fell in love at first sight. This is how their love story begin.
"Nala! Nala! Come here. I'm sending you on a mission. I want you to tell Damayanti, the daughter of King Vidarbha that she must choose a husband soon. I want you to tell her the good characteristics of me. Forget the other gods! I am the suitable husband for her." said Indra.
"Yes sir, I will tell her that she must choose a husband and that you are the one for her." said Nala.
Nala began his journey to find Damayanti. His mission was to tell her that she must find a husband and persuade her that Indra is the right husband for her. He approached her place and knocked on the door. Damayanti slowly opened the door and the two of them stared into each other deeply. Nala had never seen any maiden so beautiful in his life. He was captured by her beauty. Her skin was glowing and her hair was long and luscious.
"Err.. Oh hello... um my n-n-name is Nala. I was sent by Indra to tell you that you must f-f-find a husband." he stammered.
"Hello, my name is Damayanti. It's nice to meet you" she blushed and shyly looked away trying not to make direct eye contact.
Damayanti invited Nala to come inside and the two ended up having good conversations and shared common interests with each other. Nala knew that his mission was to tell her to choose a husband now he wanted her for himself. This girl was gorgeous and both of them have so much in common. He wanted to pursue her for himself.
"Damayanti, I was sent here to tell you that you must choose a husband to marry but you are so beautiful and we have so much in common. I have to tell you that I'm already in love with you and please please be my wife." Nala said.
"Oh Nala! I fell in love with you at first sight. When you knocked on my door I knew that there is no else I wanted but you." Damayanti said.
The two lovers decided that Nala must tell Indra and the other gods that Damayanti and him were going to be together.
"Indra, I am sorry to tell you. I understand my mission was to tell Damayanti that you were the suitable husband for her. However, Damayanti and I fell in love and we want to be together." said Nala.
"How dare you steal the woman I'm going to marry! You snake! You did this on purpose! You think you are better than me? You think you are better than all of us gods?! Damayanti must be blind to have chose you! What qualities do you have?! How dare you!" Indra screamed.
Nala left and so Indra told the other gods what happened. The gods all decided to impersonate Nala and see who will win Damayanti's heart. They will trick and deceive Damayanti and the god that wins her heart will marry Damayanti.
"Nala! Nala! Come here. I'm sending you on a mission. I want you to tell Damayanti, the daughter of King Vidarbha that she must choose a husband soon. I want you to tell her the good characteristics of me. Forget the other gods! I am the suitable husband for her." said Indra.
"Yes sir, I will tell her that she must choose a husband and that you are the one for her." said Nala.
Nala began his journey to find Damayanti. His mission was to tell her that she must find a husband and persuade her that Indra is the right husband for her. He approached her place and knocked on the door. Damayanti slowly opened the door and the two of them stared into each other deeply. Nala had never seen any maiden so beautiful in his life. He was captured by her beauty. Her skin was glowing and her hair was long and luscious.
"Err.. Oh hello... um my n-n-name is Nala. I was sent by Indra to tell you that you must f-f-find a husband." he stammered.
"Hello, my name is Damayanti. It's nice to meet you" she blushed and shyly looked away trying not to make direct eye contact.
Damayanti invited Nala to come inside and the two ended up having good conversations and shared common interests with each other. Nala knew that his mission was to tell her to choose a husband now he wanted her for himself. This girl was gorgeous and both of them have so much in common. He wanted to pursue her for himself.
"Damayanti, I was sent here to tell you that you must choose a husband to marry but you are so beautiful and we have so much in common. I have to tell you that I'm already in love with you and please please be my wife." Nala said.
"Oh Nala! I fell in love with you at first sight. When you knocked on my door I knew that there is no else I wanted but you." Damayanti said.
The two lovers decided that Nala must tell Indra and the other gods that Damayanti and him were going to be together.
"Indra, I am sorry to tell you. I understand my mission was to tell Damayanti that you were the suitable husband for her. However, Damayanti and I fell in love and we want to be together." said Nala.
"How dare you steal the woman I'm going to marry! You snake! You did this on purpose! You think you are better than me? You think you are better than all of us gods?! Damayanti must be blind to have chose you! What qualities do you have?! How dare you!" Indra screamed.
Nala left and so Indra told the other gods what happened. The gods all decided to impersonate Nala and see who will win Damayanti's heart. They will trick and deceive Damayanti and the god that wins her heart will marry Damayanti.
Nala and Damayanti: The Lovers
Author's Note: I decided to write a story about Nala and Damayanti. I wanted to show that they fell in love with each other at first sight. Although Nala was on a mission to tell Damayanti that she was supposed to marry one of the gods. He couldn't help but fall in love with her. Damayanti felt the same way and so Nala decided to tell Indra the truth. In the story, I emphasized the character of Nala and Damayanti. Both of them had similar interests and really understand each other. Nala did not plan to fall in love with Damayanti but the two ended up being in love. Indra was very angry and felt as if Nala had betrayed him. He felt like Nala seduced Damayanti and wanted her for himself.
Biliography: William Buck, Mahabharata
Week 12 Reading Diary B: Continuation of Buck's Mahabharata
p. 139-189
The story of Rishyashringa was pretty funny and interesting. It was definitely provoked by Urvashi even though she didn't mean to. It was because Vibhandaka was perverted and caught her bathing that he ejaculated and fell into the lake, so the deer swallowed and thus came out baby Rishyashringa. I thought that part was funny... if Vibhandaka wasn't so perverted maybe he could have prevented this from happening, but hey it makes the story even more interesting.
Another interesting part of this section's reading is the tale of Savitri. The reason why I liked it because it focused on a woman's perspective. Because Savitri was not impress with any men that was chosen for her she decided to search for the right man on her own. I thought Savitri was courageous to give Yama half her life just so her husband could come back to life. What a sacrifice she had made! I think the women in Indian epics had all made huge sacrifices for love and sometimes get the short end of the sick. It's not fair but it was how the story went.
Savitri made such a huge sacrifice not only for her husband but also her father-in-law. I thought it was so sweet and brave of her to put others first. I think this section of the reading is my favorite. It tells a story of a brave woman who was willing to put her love ones before herself. She was selfless and wanted her husband back.
The story of Rishyashringa was pretty funny and interesting. It was definitely provoked by Urvashi even though she didn't mean to. It was because Vibhandaka was perverted and caught her bathing that he ejaculated and fell into the lake, so the deer swallowed and thus came out baby Rishyashringa. I thought that part was funny... if Vibhandaka wasn't so perverted maybe he could have prevented this from happening, but hey it makes the story even more interesting.
Another interesting part of this section's reading is the tale of Savitri. The reason why I liked it because it focused on a woman's perspective. Because Savitri was not impress with any men that was chosen for her she decided to search for the right man on her own. I thought Savitri was courageous to give Yama half her life just so her husband could come back to life. What a sacrifice she had made! I think the women in Indian epics had all made huge sacrifices for love and sometimes get the short end of the sick. It's not fair but it was how the story went.
Savitri made such a huge sacrifice not only for her husband but also her father-in-law. I thought it was so sweet and brave of her to put others first. I think this section of the reading is my favorite. It tells a story of a brave woman who was willing to put her love ones before herself. She was selfless and wanted her husband back.
Savitri's portrait: Savitri
Week 12 Reading Diary A: Continuation of Buck's Mahabharata
p.93-138
So the story continues with the dice game when Yudhishthira accepted the dice match even though he was warned by Arjuna that nothing good will come out of it. He ended up losing which sent the Pandavas and Draupaudi, and himself into exile. During the match I felt bad for Draupaudi. Not only was she mocked in front of these men but humiliated as well. She was pulled by the hair and being stripped by men. I thought that was such a terrible part in the story... how could they do such a thing! Poor Draupadi...
In this section of the story I really enjoyed reading about Nala and Damayanti's love story. Althought if they did love each other I didn't understand why Nala left that night and abandon her? There seems to be a similar pattern with the Ramayana story where the man leaves the woman. That dice game is such a trick. Everyone that plays it doesn't seem to have a happy ending.
It was kind of interesting when Nala got bitten by Karkotata and his poison had caused Nala to change his personality but good thing he was able to turn back into himself when Kali was driven away from his body. Then Nala and Damayanti were finally united and that was the end of this reading's section.
Overall, I enjoyed reading over Nala and Damayanti's character. I'm hoping there would be more stories about them later in the book.
So the story continues with the dice game when Yudhishthira accepted the dice match even though he was warned by Arjuna that nothing good will come out of it. He ended up losing which sent the Pandavas and Draupaudi, and himself into exile. During the match I felt bad for Draupaudi. Not only was she mocked in front of these men but humiliated as well. She was pulled by the hair and being stripped by men. I thought that was such a terrible part in the story... how could they do such a thing! Poor Draupadi...
In this section of the story I really enjoyed reading about Nala and Damayanti's love story. Althought if they did love each other I didn't understand why Nala left that night and abandon her? There seems to be a similar pattern with the Ramayana story where the man leaves the woman. That dice game is such a trick. Everyone that plays it doesn't seem to have a happy ending.
It was kind of interesting when Nala got bitten by Karkotata and his poison had caused Nala to change his personality but good thing he was able to turn back into himself when Kali was driven away from his body. Then Nala and Damayanti were finally united and that was the end of this reading's section.
Overall, I enjoyed reading over Nala and Damayanti's character. I'm hoping there would be more stories about them later in the book.
Dice Game: Dice
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Week 11 Famous Last Words
I can't believe Indian Epics class is about to be over... this class was so much and fun and I'm really enjoying blogging. This class had made me become a blogger. I also enjoyed reading all of the Indian Epics stories. I liked William Buck's version of the myths though. I didn't think Narayan's version was as detailed or specific like Buck. He did a better job at adding details which gave me a picture of what the characters are like.
Everyone's portfolio and storybook was great and I liked all the stories. I think everyone was really creative. For this week's readings I'm glad Ganesha was in it. I feel like Ganesha is such an important symbol in Indian culture and I see the god everywhere, but we haven't learn about Ganesha as much. I wish there would be more stories about him.
This month in my other classes had been so stressful. I have so many research paper to write and I am not doing well in one of my classes that I have to put in more time and effort into my work. I can't wait until graduation. I am so ready to graduate and just find a job! However, I am not looking forward to moving back home with my parents. I've been having trouble finding roommates and a place to live. If I can't find anyone to live with then I'm force to move back home. That should be fun right? Oh well... maybe I can save some money and then move out somewhere. I was planning to move to Boston where my cousin lives. I've always liked it there, maybe I can start my career out there.
One more month until graduation and I feel anxious as ever. I have so much on my mind like what I'm going to do with my life and my next step. It is all the beginning and I'm finally entering into the real world. It's so scary and at the same time pretty exciting. I am ready to grow up.
I am so ready for graduation!! Graduation
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