Reading Notes: Epified Mahabharata Part D

Reading Notes: Epified Mahabharata Part D

27: Draupadi's Swayamvar

I am so biased to Arjun it isn't even funny! I love that Arjun was able to lift the bow from its place and complete the challenge to win Draupadi's love.

28: Karna's Humiliation

Draupadi's words were harsh to Karna. This was too intense. I don't know why she had to be such a diva. Krishna was there too! That is cool! Why wouldn't Krishna fight for Draupadi? How did he know of all the evil to come. Is it because he is just pure evil?

29: Draupadi's Husbands

The Pandavas having to protect Draupadi on their way to take her home with them seems overrated. Why did everyone care? How could the Pandavas share Draupadi? Bad wish from Kunti. So know they all married her... This was so weird. More than one wife was normal right, but why would a woman have more than one husband. That seems irregular and rare. 
 

30: Return To Hastinapur

Why is the brother concerned of the marriage to all of the Pandavas? I think she can do whatever she want. This makes no sense. Calling the Pandavas back to give them a part of the kingdom doesn't seem smart either. All 5 brothers with some rule are setting up a disaster. There is bound to be a rivalry between the brothers. Thus resulting in death or the wife loving a brother more than another.

31: Creation of Indraprastha

Why would someone give the brothers a cursed and barren land? This makes no sense. Were the brothers not highly respected and loved because of who their father was? 

The way the city came to be was really cool, and then people coming there was neat, but were the brothers not upset that people only liked them now the land they own was special and not barren?

32: Narad visits Indraprastha

Narad's narration of the story of the brothers really shook up the Pandavas. I think that is sad though because Draupadi was just passed around. I think that this kinda reminded me of The Vampire Diaries too though lol!

33: Arjun's Exile

34: Arjun's Journey

35: Arjun reaches Dwarka

Image Information: Draupadi and Bhimsena conservation
Autor: Ramanarayanadatta astri
Source: Wikimedia

Title: Mahabharata
Author: Epified TV (India)
Year: 2015

Reading Notes: Epified Mahabharata Part C

Reading Notes: Epified Mahabharata Part C

Episode 18

Karan's body being enchanted is cool. Having gifts as long as you remember. I like how he came to be. He was the floating baby like Moses in the Bible. They both realized who they really were! Karna was not honest with Drona about who he really was.. that says a lot about his character. But bearing pains in silence is not good. That remind me of Arjuna from my storybook with his mother's death.

The art of war sounds intense!


Episode 19


Why should Karna not be able to fight.. What's the harm?

I like how the epics and the Bible have parallels!


People becoming disciples and learning from a teacher.

The art of war that could destroy entire worlds... that's intense!

the scorpion that stung Karna seemed like a sign of they ways he suppresses his pain internal and external...

Karna's life seems hard. He seems like a good guy why is everyone so harsh?

Episode 20

Arjuna was admired.

But Karna who learned the art of war wanted to challenge Arjun. No

I love Arjuna

The Pandavas cant fight Karna because he wasn't royal.

Kunti fainted, and the evil Pandavas cousin saved Karna. I like him less now!

Episode 21

Friendship through training that's a good Theme!

Friendship is everything.

Promises are bad though.

The friendships seems like a middle school friends drama with lots of petty lols

Episode 22

Arjun was the best archer of them all heck yes.

I don't know why he's my favorite!

The eldest wiser Pandava would be king.

Arjuna needs to chill out!

A palace that would burn easily is clever.


The epics have a lot of sneaky in them!

Episode 23

I liked the baby Pandavas, but the adult ones annoy me a bit

I don't really know why!

I like Kunti though!!

Little did everyone know the cousins survived the evil plot!

Episode 21

Sometimes I feel like the epics video jump around

The voice changes throw me off a little bit too!

I would watch the movie

I think it seems very action packed which is why I feel like it works for The Wild West

Image Info: Statues of Pandavas
Author: Adityamadhav83
Source: Wikimedia

Title: Mahabharata
Author: Epified TV (India)
Year: 2015

Reading Notes: Epified Mahabharata Part B

Mahabharata Episode 9 - Son of the Sun
All the brothers are getting Married. Kunti is lovely. What about her is so special I wonder?
The ability to summon any god could be a cool story. In The Wild West Kunti could summon the sun god. A random child? That is weird. Kunti can not have a son. This is like Moses with the baby in the river!

Mahabharata Episode 10 - Pandu's Curse
Pandu and his wives chilling in the forest. That doesn't sound so bad! One day Pandu accidently killed a couple disguised as animals having relations. Pandu can not make love with his wives. That is sad. The blind brother felt the throne was his.

Mahabharata Episode 11 - Sons of Pandu
So Kunti just pretended that the kids were hers and Pandu as if a curse didn't exist? Arjun and Arjuna? Are they the same? Is Arjuna Pandu's son? Who knows!
Madri and Pandu died. Very sad. The 5 kids of Pandu are the Pandavas.

Mahabharata Episode 12 - One Hundred Sons
This episode is just weird. A dead lump of flesh divided into 100 pieces. Weird.

Mahabharata Episode 13 - Hate and Hurt
Jealousy among cousins. Does not sound out of the realm of possibility in the Wild West. Bheem is the favored, but Duryodhan is evil! Bheem poisoned by food, then was tied up and pushed into the lake.

Mahabharata Episode 14 - The Magic Potion
How can a mortal, half god or not, live under water? Interesting. Serpents in Indian epics still remind me of the devil. The magic potion like the apple from Genesis. It was time for Bheem to grow up.

Mahabharata Episode 15 - Drona

Mahabharata Episode 16 - Drona Trains the Pandavas
Drona training the Pandavas seems special. The development of the brothers grew up. Bheem still so strong. He could overpower the strongest adults. Arjun. I love Arjun. What an archer! Arjun was passionate about archery because he wanted to control the mind.
Mahabharata Episode 17 - Ekalavya's Story
Who else would shut up a dog with arrows without killing it other than Ekalavya? Arjuna felt defeated.  Arjun asked him. Who had he learned archery from? Drona.

Image Information: Duryodhana showing his army to Drona
Author: Ramanarayanadatta astri
Source: Wikimedia

Title: Mahabharata
Author: Epified TV (India)
Year: 2015

Reading Notes: Epified Mahabharata Part A

Reading Guide. Epified: Mahabharata videos, Part A

Mahabharata Episodes - Introduction

A story of kings and queens. About the spirit of India.

Mahabharata Episode 1 - Shantanu the Unfortunate

How Karma functions! King Shantanu falling in love with the river goddess under conditions. The 8th baby surviving lets you know the 8th baby would be special. His wife leaving him is sad.
Mahabharata Episode 2 - Devavrata Returns

I'm not sure why she would reappear much later and let Shantanu see his son. The town loved the future king, Shantanu's son. Shantanu needs to quit falling in love and getting married. Shantanu was unlucky and had unfortunate luck and love. A fisherman's daughter is much different than a river Ganga. 

Mahabharata Episode 3 - Devavrata Becomes Bhishma

Devavrata sacrificing the throne for his dad's love interest is very interesting. Vowing to not get married or have children is super sad. All for his dad who seems wishy-washy anyway. Choosing your time of death is a lot of pressure. That is a cool gift from a dad though. I don't really care for Shantanu. He is so unpredictable with his emotions.

Mahabharata Episode 4 - Desperation of Bhishma

Renaming of Devavrata to Bhisman reminds me of Paul to Saul in the Bible. Bhisma stealing princesses. That is intense. He could've just asked some girls if they wanted to marry a king.

Mahabharata Episode 5 - Amba's Ruin

The oldest princesses returned to her love.. and Bhisma didn't care. So why kidnap them in the first place. The 2 princesses that stayed seems unwise. Amba belonged to Bhisma but why? He could never marry. Amba kind of did ruin her life. Her anger was a little much though. Why wasn't she more mad at the kind brother.  The fight scene is intense. They cannot kill each other, so Bhisma's will prevailed. 

Mahabharata Episode 6 - Satyavati's Secret

 A leaderless kingdom is unfortunate. HE died childless, so now what? Bhishma could not be king. He could not marry? Why? Maybe he just really used it as an excuse. A SECRET BABY! WAHT? She sent the baby away, but he would appear when she summons him. Can an un-biological related boy be king?

Mahabharata Episode 7 - Sons of Vyasa

Then queen needed to get her life together. She was a queen, and this man was to be her king. They would have a blind baby, the other sister a pale, sick baby. They need to get over themselves. The boys end up being fine. The boys were wonderful despite the expectations. They grew under Bhishma. The boys were frustrating that they have to compete for the throne, but Bhishma never noticed, how?

Mahabharata Episode 8 - The Blind Bride

The blind baby became king. His younger brother Pandu was fine with that because he was really who was in charge. Why is everyone so upset that a princess was without sight. The princess gave up her sight, and that is very sweet!! The marriage was successful.

Pandu married 2 wives. All was well with the world. But Pandu would soon find out his older wife had a secret.  

Image Info: The scene from the Mahabharata of the presentation by Ganga of her son Devavrata to his father, Santanu

Author:B P Banerjee

Source: Wikimedia

Title: Mahabharata
Author: Epified TV (India)
Year: 2015

Reading Notes: Pattanaik. Seven Secrets of Vishnu Part A

Reading Notes Mohini's Secret | 7 Secrets of Vishnu Part A

Mohini Part 1

I like that they explain the way Vishnu as a woman is different than other enchantresses. That her motive is different because she in reincarnated as women but is actually male. 

I like the idea that 2 worlds can exist at one time. 

Differentiating between spiritual reality and material reality is interesting. I amused by the fact that people are upset that Vishnu as women depicts material reality. 

The talk of metaphysics made this seem more like a study than a story. It is an entirely different type of source than I have been familiar with.

How can I tie the colors associated with reality into my stories? 
Red is representative of material reality
White is representative of spiritual reality.

Vishnu: That which expands to occupy everything. He is a god that celebrates infinite growth.

Spiritual growth: The power to overcome emotions.

Mohini Part 2

Brahma represents infinite consciousness.

Everything that is born eventually dies.

Outside in nature, everything is moving, and one has to act to survive.

Aspects of nature that frighten and aspects of nature. I could tie this into the Wild West Storybook.

What was good in one place may be bad in another. Good concept. Confuses the character applies to (Vishnu?)

Maya means delusion. What types of Maya will the characters have in the Wild West?

Prakriti is the forest in which man is no different than other animals. Another good concept to tie into. One of my characters could wander into the desert or Prakriti and be one with nature.. or nature and animals could simply seek to kill him like they would other animals because they are the same.

What about a story as a dream of one of my characters where they dream one of the Indian epics?

 

Image Information: Mohini offering the Gods Amrita

Author: Norvanamim

Source: Wikimedia

Source

Title: Mohini's Secret | 7 Secrets of Vishnu
Author: Epicast
Year: 2016

Reading Notes: Epified Krishna Part B

Krishna Episode 11- Krishna Humbles Brahma

Brahma, the creator of the universe, sees Krishna who has the universe in his mouth. Interesting.

This part of the story reminds me of Satan tempting Jesus in the desert. 

Krishna Episode 12 - Krishna rides Hastin

It could be cool to write about someone riding the biggest worst bull in the Wild West. Maybe instead of writing an entire story about Krishna and the tornado in the story book, I modify it to bee a story that encompasses a few stories of the things Krishna had done.

Krishna rode the bull with ease until the Bull praised Krishna. It was a lesson o kindness. Kindness is the ultimate strength. 

Krishna Episode 13 - The Saviour of Dharma

Sounds a lot like Jesus if you ask me. It is sad he can not marry his lover, though. I guess because it is a greater power it is okay.

Krishna Episode 14 - Akrur Invites Krishna

Family members killing each other seems to be a theme.

Krishna Episode-15 - Krishna's Farewell

After all, he has done, I am shocked they were so insistent that he don't go to Mathura.

Krishna Episode 16 - Krishna Arrives At Mathura

Krishna coming to Mathura could be the story of Krishna coming to Tombstone in my storybook. Trivakra reminds me of the lame woman who touched the garment of Jesus. Wow. Similarities. People spreading the miracles is also similar to the Bible. 

Krishna Episode 17 - Krishna Kills Kuvalayapida

The ease with which Krishna took out the elephant is quite amazing. It really helps you picture his strength. Kans failed to kill Krishna for the last time. 

Krishna Episode 18 - Krishna Kills Kamsa

This story reminds me of Rama because of raising the divine object effortlessly. Kans dying to Krishna was celebrated. The evil rule was over now.

Krishna Episode 19 - Freedom For Mathura

Krishna's king being his grandfather is pretty cool!

Krishna Episode 20 - Dwarka - Krishna's Kingdom

All the attacks on Mathura are sad. I feel like Mathura was a great place with good people. Shifting a whole city. Could Tombstone be shifted? The old town being burnt down like in this story?

Image Information: Krishna Breaks his Vow

Author: R.U & V Press, Ghatkopar

Source: Wikimedia

Title: Krishna
Author: Epified TV (India)
Year: 2015

Reading Notes: Epified Krishna Part A

Reading Part A

Krishna Comes - An Introduction

The introduction reminds me of Jesus. Especially them not being a part of his world and instead they being apart of his world.

Krishna Episode 1 - Kamsa

The tale is eery to open. I like that the baby does not die for it is the same baby reincarnated.

Krishna Episode 2 - Vasudev Meets Yamuna

Would the guard not question where the father and baby went when they awoke. The voice in his head is like the Holy Spirit. "The world was about to change" like when Jesus was born unto earth

Krishna Episode 3 - Durga Speaks to Kamsa

Women in power! You go, baby! I like that she delivered a message with power regardless of her gender! I don't understand why he went back to the prison cell. Why didn't they all leave and stay gone? Maybe it was the voice in his head.

Krishna Episode 4 - Putana

Everyone loved Krishna like everyone loved Jesus. Krishna killing Putana dying from a baby eating her breast milk. Weird. Kinda like the strength of Hercules. 

Krishna Episode 5 - Maakhan Chor 

A naughty child haha! That is funny! I could write a story about how Krishna grew up to be a savior at the age of 33. 

He stole butter. That's so random. Why is eating mud naughty?

Krishna Episode 6- Krishna's mouth

The universe inside Krishna. That's a cool story! Like a trip into Krishna's mouth... How do I translate that into the western world?

Krishna Episode 7 - Dreams and Music

Krishna playing the flute... that comes from his reincarnation I assume.

The snake is what saved the baby in the beginning. I am confused at why he saved him but now was against him. 

That's where snake charming comes from. I didn't know that!

Krishna Episode 8 - Kamsa's Terrors

Krishna choking a Tornado. That's good for the Wild West. All of these stories remind me of Hercules though!

Krishna Episode 9 - The Govardhan Hill

Indra begging for forgiveness to Krishna. Interesting. The bad boy in the Wild West could beg for forgiveness from the good guy.

Krishna Episode 10 - Radha's love

The devotion between this couple is awesome. It could be more like a disciple than a love story!

Image Information: Krishna

Author: Kamal Bro

Source: Wikimedia

Sources

Title: Krishna
Author: Epified TV (India)
Year: 2015

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition Part D

Reading Part D

Bhishma Falls

Bhisma as an elephant. I have alway loved the images of the Indian Elephants. Bhisma wouldn't kill a women.. UNTIL HE DID. (A Story?) 

Arjuna went forth on the 10th day and made a woman into a male. I like Arjuna.

Drona in Command

Arjuna seems like the hero in a lot of common stories. I like that.

This seems like a gladiator scene. With the fighting and animals. I wonder if that could be translated into the Wild West smoothly.

Abhimanyu and Jayadratha

The scene of a shattered chariot but still fighting reminds me of a horse carriage in the west getting shot down but the men still fighting, maybe for honor or for a woman. 

A story inspired by this one about the description of death... It might be unique.

Ghatotkacha

Brothers fighting against brother and fathers killing sons. 

What a war scene. A night filled with horrors. How would Arjuna successfully call peace for sleep?

A great Wild West fighting scene would be ideal with this story.

Death of Drona

The son of Drona kept his father undefeated.

Bhima and Duhshasana

The great war in these stories could provide small details for a new story, or I could take the general idea of war to develop my story.

Bhima cutting off a head and drinking blood... GROSS.

Arjuna and Karna

Arjunas arrows could become bullets in the Wild West. 

Arjuna could keep his bow and be a tribal Indian.

Duryodhana in the Lake

Karna was slain. 

The 18th day of the war was waged.

Son of Drona was one of the survivors as well as hidden Duryodhana. 

The idea of retiring to the jungle (dessert) and meditate.

The Raid

Duryodhana was dying on the battlefield.

The Pandavas were attacked while they were sleeping.

Personifying the stars.

Casting their bodies into the flames.. (like a bible story)

Ashwatthaman's Jewel

Draupadi mourns the death of her brother and sons.

Mourning

Wives weeping for dead husbands and mothers moaning for their sons... Good imagery for the battle to be held in the Wild West. 

Bhima lives on at this point.

The Pandavas and Bhishma

Pandu princes revisit the man lying on the field of battle waiting to die. 

Can I write reincarnation into the Wild West?

Terrible 12-year drought, bones everywhere.

Men eating humans.

Morbid ways of the Cowboys maybe?

King Yudhishthira's Horse
Parikshit
Horse Sacrifice
The Mongoose
The Forest and its Ghosts
Death of Krishna
The Pandavas Depart
The Afterlife

Image Information: Duryodhana Showing his Army to Drona 

Author: Ramanarayanadatta astri

Source: Wikimedia

Source:

Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition
http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/mahabharata-online-public-domain-edition.html

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition Part C

Reading Part C

Life in the Forest

The Pandavas getting followed into the forest seems creepy. I wonder If I could take a twist on this of Wild West where the Pandava brothers are walking home down an alley. I still don't understand the wife situation. 

Krishna's Visit

Draupadi was not fought for after her affliction, and she has five. That seems absurd, why wouldn't at least ONE husband care. Draupadi is a little materialistic. Maybe the brothers are right to not have much love for her. Anger is sinful and the cause of destruction. Forgiveness is holiness. I like that as the idea for a story.

Arjuna and Shiva

I still like that no one can defeat Arjuna, especially if he goes to the mountains because I like the mountains. I could write about someone leaving the Wild West and praying to 'some' god in the dessert. 

Living on air alone? Year right.

After the dispute after the hog and the arrows turned onto each other, I think that is a great fast draw story. I don't like Arjuna losing, though. Being liked by his opponent is an interesting idea.  The divine bow could be a new pistol or something. 

Arjuna and Indra

Arjuna and Indra battling seems like a tough battle.

Sea monsters could be changed to dogs or something in the west. 

Indra could bring anything against Arjuna but he prevails. 

Women luring Arjuna could be the same in a saloon, but then Flee when they are frightened by Indra who storms back in the saloon.

The Himalayas

Arjuna staying in an unknown city could translate to the Wild West. Sin cleansing water could also translate.

Exiles traveling to the mountains could do the same but in the dessert. 

The bad guy, (Indira), is always around.

Bhima and Hanuman

Bhima gathers flowers for Draupadi was nice. The monkey that wouldn't move could be translated to a beggar in disguise. The money or beggar was wise and provides or tells a story to Bhima about the division of families and resources and how to prevent it. 

Other Stories

• Duryodhana and the Gandharvas
• Karna and Indra
• Jayadratha and Draupadi
• Riddles at the Lake
• The Court of King Virata
• Bhima and Kichaka
• The Cattle Raid
• Preparations for War
• Krishna and His Army
• Krishna's Mission to the Kauravas
• Krishna and Karna
• The Armies at Kurukshetra
• Bhagavad-Gita
• The Battle Begins

Image Information: Death of Draupadi

By: Maharaja Mahatab Chand Bahadur

Source: Wikimedia

Source:

Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition

http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/mahabharata-online-public-domain-edition.html

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition Part B

The House of Fire

Why couldn't a son of a slave rule? A story of his mother would be interesting.

Tapestries soaked in oil... I could use the western theme with Duryodhana attempting to burn everything. The description of the wood reminds me of the buildings in the wild west anyway.

Bhima and Hidimba

The strength and bravery of Bhima are very notable and impressive.

The love for the girl of Bhima is also a potential story. She spares him, so that is powerful. 

I think it could be applied to the wild west. A man good walk into a saloon and a scandalous could feel that he is worthy to be her husband. 

Bhima and Hidimbi

Battling without play, not drawing things out in battle.

I can't help but think of shoot outs. 

I feel like women are too eager to prove and sacrifice them for men throughout the epics. 

How do you grow to youth an hour after birth?????

Bhima and Baka

The story of deciding who to send as a blood tax is crazy. They have to choose. That could be a good story. Choosing who goes.

Bhima tends to be much like Rama in his abilities and honor.

Birth of Draupadi

The Pandavas are still together. That is surprising that they have not gone in different directions. 

People rising from the dead could be a story. Like the time they brought people back on vampire diaries, but their personalities were different after their experience in the after life. 

Draupadi's Swayamwara

Archer story to win the bride is very similar to that of Rama and Sita.

Other Stories

• Wife of the Five Pandavas
• The Story of Nalayani
• Indraprastha
• Arjuna and Ulupi
• Arjuna and the Apsaras
• Arjuna and Chitra
• Arjuna and Subhadra
• The Burning of the Forest
• Maya's Palace
• The Pandavas Victorious
• The Gambling Match
• Draupadi Lost
• Draupadi in the Assembly Hall The Second Match

Draupadi s presented to a pachisi game

Printed by Chore Bagan Art Studio

Source: Wikimedia

Source:

Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition

http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/mahabharata-online-public-domain-edition.html

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition Part A

Reading Notes Part A

Vyasa and Ganesha

It is interesting that seaman just fell into the river.

I could write about the girl's thoughts about being left while her brother was taken. 

What about a story about her fishy smell.

King Shantanu and Ganga

Why wasn't Ganga's son allowed to marry or have offspring?

I feel like most of the woman are valued based on their physical beauty and their waists/hips.

I wonder how the king would have felt if he knew her reasoning before their marriage vows.

King Shantanu and Satyavati

Why did the child just leave

What is the point of the girl being virgin again

I was surprised the king didn't demand the girl for his wife regardless of the situation with his son being heir to the throne.

Devavrata's Vow

Why would the ex-wife's child be willing to give up his throne just for his dad to marry Satyavati? 

Why was his vow terrible??

The two sons of Satyavati could be compared to Rama and Lakshana.

Bhishma at the Swayamvara

Why 3 daughters for 2 sons.

It is cool that Bhishma fought for the boys rather than having them prove themselves.

The girls could fall in love with Bhishma even though the girls were intended for the brother.

This reminds me of the hunger games in regards to the archery aspect.

Amba

I like that Amba was honest about her love for the other man.

I didn't realize Amba's love was defeated by Bhishma.

Why do women, even in epics love men when they couldn't care less.. King Shalwa sucks.

Why does Amba blame Bhishma... 

Maybe she will try to kill him.

She would become a man.. interesting.

Also, she was eager if she went setting herself on fire.

Dhritarashtra and Pandu

I wonder why the brother was written in the story to be born blind.

Why couldn't a blind king rule?

Kunti and Her Son

I think it could be cool to write about a feud between the wives since Madri was loved best.

The baby in the river reminds me of Moses's story from The Bible.

Pandu and His Wives

Why be celibate but married?

Why do people keep taking animal forms

Why does he need to wait until the deer is done with intercourse?

Dying during sex. Very interesting.

The Sons of Pandu

It sucks that his favorite wife was the one who he died with.

Why did the wives want to die too.? Why were they arguing? I would let the other one go.

Madri passed in flames. I could write a story of their life in the after world.

Gandhari and Dhritarashtra

Now that his brother is dead, the blind brother got to rule. Interesting.

100 suns are too many haha.

How can a dad cast off his one child? It is like Rama being cast away by his father.

Why did the father favor the evil brother... I know he didn't realize he was evil but why did favor bring evil?

Pandavas and Kauravas

The blind king was sweet to give protection to Pandus children.

Who would take the throne Pandus kids or his brothers?

Bhima sounds like a rockstar even though all the brothers wanted to kill him. It reminds me of David when he is betrayed by his siblings and sold into slavery.

Bhima and the Nagas

Bhima dreaming in his positioned state could be a cool story. It could end with the counteracted poison of the snakes waking him up.

The underworld sounds scary.

A story about the 8-day slumber possibly? He got mighty giant strength like David got to be King.

Drona

Drona's devotion to his son could be a good story.

Why would Drupita be displeased with Drona trying to share? 

Friendship shouldn't be on status or stature. 

I could write a story about friendship destroyed by unequal in a modern day status. Maybe a doctor and a dad?

Drona Trains the Princes

Drona trained the princes on condition for his own benefit. 

Drona could grow to love the prince's and they could die in battle for Drona.

I could write a brief story on each brother. 

I could write about Drona's love for Arjuna.

Ekalavya

Ekalavya worshiped a clay Drona even though Drona turned him away that is strange.

That reminds me of the golden calf.

Why did he have to shoot a dog.. I like dogs.

Of course, they found the archer, and it was Ekalavya...

Why did he cut off his thumb after Drona did nothing for him?

The Contest

I could write an entire story about a contest of a skilled archer in modern day to compare it to Arjun.

The Arrival of Karna

I can not believe that Arjuna and Karna are brothers and didn't know it.

Why would Drona let Karna fight Arjuna if he was the favorite of Drona?

I can just imagine the two teams approaching each other fiercely.

What will the mother do? Maybe she will gain all powerful magic and stop the battle.

Everyone doubting Arjuna is sad.

Drona's Revenge

I don't know how to feel about Drona. He seems selfish and removed. I don't know why he wouldn't fight with the brothers. Is he too old?

Duryodhana's Jealous

Are they not cousins. That seems sad. 

Duryodhana could kill his own father when he refuses to help destroy his cousin. Maybe he will even give him sight so he can see his own son kill him. 

Image Information: Vrishaketu and Bhima Fighting Yavanatha, Scene from the Story of Babhruvahana

 Folio from a Mahabharata ([War of the] Great Bharatas)

Gift of Walter and Nesta Spink in honor of Dr. Stephen Markel

Wikimedia

Source:

Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition

http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/mahabharata-online-public-domain-edition.html

Reading Notes: Sita Sings the Blues, Section B

Part B

What in the world kind of re-opening a movie is a guy breaking up with his girlfriend, and how is it relevant?

This movie is trippy.

Is she pregnant with Rama or Ravana?

Rama seemed so nice, why does he banish Sita. He loves her so much. Didn't Sita prove herself in the fire?  Why does Rama care about the thoughts of his subjects? He didn't even care to be kind before.

I could write two stories. One as if the babies are Rama's and one as if they are Ravana's.

Even if Rama had to exile Sita, he should have been honest.

I could write about Sita fulfilling her threat to jump into the river... maybe not kill the babies.. as Rama's sons they could find a way to survive. Or Ravana could find the babies.

The song the twins sang about their dad seems harsh toward Sita. How can the boys say that when Sita birthed them.

Rama could just take the boys and leave Sita behind

What in the world was the song where Sita was taken back into the womb of Mother Nature??
She Proved she was pure, though. Maybe at that moment, she could realize not to waste her time with Rama and deny him his sons.

In the heavens, they were reunited without the earthly struggles. That's cool I guess.

Image Information: Sita Cries a River

Originally from Sita Sings the Blues by Nina Paley

Source: Wikimedia

Source:
Your Name Here presents in association with Your Money; a Funded by You production; a film by Nina Paley; written by Nina Paley; directed by Nina Paley; produced by Nina Paley. (2008). Sita sings the blues. [San Francisco]: Nina Paley Productions, LLC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzTg7YXuy34&feature=youtu.be

Reading Notes: Sita Sings the Blues, Section A

Part A

Sita could be a mermaid the way she emerged from the water. I could write an under the sea story!

What in the world was the explosion for?

Seems very sexualized.

It seems confusing that the narrators get confused.

Why do they switch back and forth between stories?

I like that the narration mentions that stealing Sita is the only bad thing Ravana does.

Sitas songs are fitting to her circumstances.

Ravana stealing Sita was underwhelming!

I like the jewelry trail part. it is like Hansel and Gretel.

Hanuman's purpose could be a cool story.

I like how the story is super simplified

I do not understand how the switch to the San Fran couple is relevant. Especially that is about relationship problems up to this point.

She wants Rama, not the monkey.

Scene switch to the random couple.

The story of defeating Vali is left out. Why?

Rama could actually not love Sita anymore.

They have a point, Ravana didn't force Sita into anything.

I could write a musical of Sita and Rama's love.

I could do something where Sita doesn't forgive Rama for the fire situation. She could plot to embarrass him in a new story.

I still don't understand the couple it keeps showing.

Sita could turn into an ugly woman due to relations with Ravana.

I like how the sun is personified. Everything is personified.

I could write a story about trials in the rain then a rainbow ending to tie a story to a song Sita sings.


It'll be interesting to see how this movie ends. It is very strange.

Image Information: Sita and Hanuman w/ Banana

Post By: Fred Miller

Originally from Sita Sings the Blues by Nina Paley

Source: Flickr

Source: 

Your Name Here presents in association with Your Money; a Funded by You production; a film by Nina Paley; written by Nina Paley; directed by Nina Paley; produced by Nina Paley. (2008). Sita sings the blues. [San Francisco]: Nina Paley Productions, LLC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzTg7YXuy34&feature=youtu.be

Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana, Section D

Chapter 8

Memento From Rama

I could write of the lives of some of Ravana's abandoned wives

Why did he not take Sita or fight for her.

Why was she untouched and dusty

I could twist this with her having engaged in a relationship with Ravana

Chapter 9

Ravana In Council

It was confusing that Ravana's brother was so opposed to Ravanas ideas. He already supports evil. Maybe he thought people would change their ways.

Chapter 10

Across the Ocean

I think that it is interesting that everyone but Hanuman wanted to reject Vibishana.

I could write a story about Vibishana getting on the good side of Rama and his men to attack.

It is crazy they accumulated pebbles to create a way to Lanka when previously by Hanuman.

Chapter 11

The Siege of Lanka

I could write in detail on Ravanas son being killed by Lakshama.

I like how there was a fake murder of Sita that crushed the monkey's morale.

I could write a back story of Ravana's sleeping brother

Chapter 12

Rama and Ravana in Battle

I wonder why this part of the book they spent much more time with small details than any other part.

The elaboration on weapons seemed to be a big part of this chapter.

Whether a story or for the project I could write a eulogy to Ravana

Chapter 13

Interlude

I don't understand why Sita had to jump into a fire to be received by Rama

Its sad that Rama acted as though he completed his duty and love was not a factor given it is what drove him for so long.

Chapter 14

The Coronation

I like that the story ends where it started almost as if it completed a full circle.

I also like that Rama's dad got to come back and talk to his Son. It was the saddest part of the book.

I also think it would be cool to write an alternate ending where Rama dies.. because that would be dramatic. Although, I would have to remove the part about him not being able to die since he is like (the) God. 

Image Information: Forest dwelling Rama and Lakshmi battle Ravana

By: Mandi

Source: Wikimedia

Sources:

Narayan, R. K. (1972). The Ramayana: a shortened modern prose version of the Indian epic. Penguin.http://iereadingguides.blogspot.com/2015/05/week-1-of-2-narayans-ramayana-reading.html

Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana, Section C

Chapter 6

Vali

Kiskinda is a mountainous region. I love the mountains. Maybe it would be fun to write about them.

Sugreeva's Story

I wonder where Vali went. 

It is cool they "pushed up" the mountains. I forget how powerful the characters are. 

It could be cool to write about Sugreeva and Vali as Rama and Lakshama. 

Sita could become married to Lakshama. 

I like Rama's willingness to help Sugreeva

Does Rama know he is Vishnu?

Dundubi's Story

I could write of Sugreeva thinking that Rama had plotted to have his wife taken so he could get closer to Sugreeva to kill him, per request of his brother Vali.

It is sad they feel the need to get rid of Vali because I feel as though he was misunderstood. He thought his brother was plotting against him.

The brother's issues (Sugreevas and Valis) remind me of vampire diaries. Especially with the wife situation. Like how Stephan had Elaina and then Damon did.

Vali's post injury lecture to Rama was deep. introspective.

The way that Vali had a change of heart after Rama explained why he was killing him was random but deep and honest. The ceremony of Valis wife and kid mourning him is very sad.

Chapter 7

When the Rains Cease

I write about what was happening in Sugrreva's life that caused him to be over the 4 months.

I could rewrite the search for Sita in the mountains, like an adventure.

I like that the mountains "called" 

I would like to personify the mountains and write a whole story about them. 

Image Information: Vali, the Monkey King killed by Rāma

Author: Company School

Source: Wikimedia

Sources:

Narayan, R. K. (1972). The Ramayana: a shortened modern prose version of the Indian epic. Penguin.http://iereadingguides.blogspot.com/2015/05/week-1-of-2-narayans-ramayana-reading.html

Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana, Section B

Chapter 4

Encounters in Exile

I thought it was fascinating that Rama has the ability to deny temptation, and see people for who they really are like the beautiful goddess in the forest.

I also thought the goddess went to crazy extremes.

I could possibly write about Rama choosing to trick the goddess instead of denying her.

Rama's brother is so awesome. He doesn't get talked about enough in the story, so It might be cool to follow him and his thoughts.

The goddess is pissed about Rama denying her and plots against him, but what if it would have been successful?

Chapter 5

The Grand Tormentor

The book has spent so much time building up Ravana 

It is interesting how Ravana's sister shifted her love for Rama to Sita being a fitting woman for her brother. Very smart of her.

The way everyone is so overcome with love throughout the stories is interesting. I could take the stories from a completely different perspective and be "love" like the holy spirit that swept through Egypt taking the lives of firstborn sons in unmarked homes, I could be writing as love, the swift moving criminal who infects people with obsession.

Sita became obsessed with materialism and that caused her to end up in the hands of Ravana.

The golden deer reminds me of the golden calf (mostly because it is gold, but also because it is idolized) 

The story ends here with Rama searching for his bride. 

Ravana is savage and killed the old helper dude who is a bird. The bird guy was loyal and bought some time for Rama to catch up.

 

Image Information: Ravana Approaches Sita 

By: Chitra Ramayana

Source: Wikimedia

Sources:

Narayan, R. K. (1972). The Ramayana: a shortened modern prose version of the Indian epic. Penguin.http://iereadingguides.blogspot.com/2015/05/week-1-of-2-narayans-ramayana-reading.html

Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana, Section A

Chapter 1

Ramas Initiation

Viswamithra seems mysterious, maybe he is evil?

This story reminds me of Abraham and Sarah and their faith through Sarah's barrenness because Dasaratha prayed for children.

I like how it talks about a child leaving a parent like a seedling leaving the tree.

The travel through the desert was super descriptive. Maybe I can write of this as the age of dinosaurs.

It seems strange the boys had enough faith and obedience to follow Viswamithra.

Thataka's Story

I think the biggest thing that stood out to me was the extent to which Thataka was serpent-like. Maybe I make her a snake.

I also feel like it would be interesting to write about her son's. Like a, where are they now?

Also, What about Rama's brother in became irrelevant very quickly

Mahabali's Story

So Rama is human too but doesn't know it? Does he live two lives at the same time with no idea of the other existing life?

This story confused me very much. I struggled to follow.

It was interesting how three steps grew It reminds me of a genie in a bottle type of situation

Ganga's Story

I like the way the horse trots through the lands. The horse determines what land is owned by the horse's owner. It is like fate. 

The idea of oceans being formed from where the boys dug for the horse is a cool visual.

The story ended with the telling of a new story, as they commonly have. I like this writing technique. It would be cool to introduce new characters through another character story over and over without ending the original story. This means there would always be a transfer of the main character.

Ahalya's Story

Within the first few sentences, I am thinking beauty and the beast. Belle and Gaston specifically. 

Indra could be a stocker. It is morbid, but this could be a suspenseful rather than a fairytale.

The adultery reminds me of two things. 1. David and Bathsheba 2. The x-man movie where the blue girl changes appearances and sneaks into Wolverines tent as the girl he is interested in.

The body being covered by the female organ is just gross. Guess that would show the world where your thoughts lie for sure.

It would be cool to write and shed light on Ahalya thoughts while she was stone.

Rama reminds me of Jesus sometimes, "let your heart not be burdened with what is past and gone" (pg. 21). Just as Jesus tells the woman from the well, to get up and sin no more.

Chapter 2

The Wedding

What if Rama seeing Sita was a dream?

Incorporating Deja Vu, or what they thought was Deja Vu, but actually glimpses of their heaven life together.

The sins as a bird is an interesting thought.

She was sick with love literally is something to mention.

I like how it gives insight to both lovers thoughts and perspective

Shiva is like a Disney princess, like Jasmine.

Rama and the bow remind me of Thor and his hammer or King Arthur and his sword

Sitas threat to end her life gives a very Romeo and Juliet vibe.

I could have Ramas father die before making it to the wedding

Viswamithras leaving is sad.

All 3 boys got marries, with no detail of their love stories, besides Rama's.

Chapter 3

Two Promises Revived

I could write that Rama doesn't want to be king or is killed by his brothers

Dasaratha's current wife Kaikeyi is easily manipulated by her servant

Ramas brother loyalty is crazy

Bharatha's mother was evil.

What the agreement the came to was good. 

I liked this story. It will be difficult to change. Maybe I will write of the reason everyone loved Rama

Image information: Personal photo

Ruger trying to help me read The Ramayana

Image Information: Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana in the forest

Author: Raja Ravi Press

Source: Wikimedia

Sources:

Narayan, R. K. (1972). The Ramayana: a shortened modern prose version of the Indian epic. Penguin.http://iereadingguides.blogspot.com/2015/05/week-1-of-2-narayans-ramayana-reading.html