Week 14 Reading Notes: Nine Ideal Indian Women: Sita, Promila, and Shakuntala, Part B

I thin it's cool that I get to read about other Indian women who are considered by this author to be the "ideal" women that women should follow.

The story of Promila isn't as interesting to me as Sita (I could be biased) but I will keep reading to see if I gain any greater interest.

I am a big fan of the dialogue that is used in these stories. It is perhaps my favorite component.

Maybe in the future if I am to write, I could use the type of straight-forward, yet still mesmerizing dialogue that is used in these stories.

I didn't expect Rama to be in this story, but I am glad because I really have enjoyed his character throughout the semester.

Domayanti's story seemed to be very similar to that of Promila and Sita. I am not complaining.

The summation of these stories could be concluded to equal something pretty similar to any of the individual female characters I have read about.

My favorite thing about this story is the way that it is laid out. It makes it very easy to read because the sections are so defined. 

                                  Picture I found on google when searching for Ideal Indian women. Link

Bibliography: Sita's Story. Link

Week 14 Reading Notes: Nine Ideal Indian Women: Sita, Promila, and Shakuntala, Part A

I immediately chose this book because I saw the name Sita. I think it is so cool how Sita has so many stories throughout all of Indian history.

Another intriguing reason I chose this to read was because I had thought about doing a storybook focusing on Indian women initially. 

One thing I think is cool is that Sita story is able to be experienced through many different periods of time. For example, the Sita story here is in a time period thousands of years ago, 

A fight for somebody's love always seems to be the go to for stories like this. I could possibly incorporate something like that in my upcoming story.

It is hard to keep up with some of these stories because I am not used to remembering names from a different culture.

Rama is my type of character I like because he has a truly good soul in every story he has found himself in.

My favorite aspect of all of the Indian stories I have read is the concept of loyalty and truthfulness. It seems it runs deep throughout most of the characters' morals.

                                  Picture I found on google when searching for Ideal Indian women. Link

Bibliography: Sita's Story. Link

Week 13 Reading Notes:Sacred Tales of India, Part A

I like the beginning of The Divine Brothers because he immediately shines a positive light on one of the main characters (I'm assuming) in the story.

The story reads like it's a fairy tale and I'm not sure I liek that.

For my story this week, I think I will plan to do a fairy tale type story, but put my own twist on it and make it better.

The title of the "Snatched from Death" story immediately makes me think that it will be a breathtaking and action filled story.

I would like to know where they are getting the names of these characters. I wonder if they are really common Indian names.

I like the "Snatched from Death" story, as the original author's attention to detail is really impeccable and contributes enough to the story line that it keeps the reader engaged.

I'm intrigued as to what "Itu's Favor" will be about, as the title makes it seem as though somebody with high prestige will perform a favor that they shouldn't have to.

I like the idea of something spreading through a kingdom far and wide, and may consider that ideal for my next story.

Bibliography: Neogi. Sacred Tales of India. Link

Week 12 Reading Notes: The Life of Buddha, Part B

prince Siddartha's characters could definitely be mocked in a way that I could use in my story for this coming week.

I've never thought about dividing a story like this to make it seem like chapters almost, but I could still do this with a very short story. It just might be weird.

A dream that a character has is a very intriguing concept to include in a story, as it could contribute to the foreshadowing that so many of the stories we have read portray.

I also like the idea of a character searching for the truth about life. This is because it is something that affects every person, whether a character in a story or a real person. We all want to know the truth about life.

The relationship with parents seems to mean so much more than that in the stories we read today. I believe this is because it is a reflection of how different times were back then.

I've just realized how much of an emphesis is put on the weeping of characters. It seems as though even the most powerful characters are shpwn to have a sensitive side.

Perhaps my favorite aspect of these stories is the actions of those close to the main character in the story. A lot of the time they will turn their backs on the main character.


Bibliography: Herold. The Life of Buddha. Link

                                                                Picture of Buddha. Link

Week 12 Reading Notes: The Life of Buddha, Part A

The description of a magnificent city, like that in the King Suddhodana annd Queen Maya story could be a very interesting way to start a story.

"The kings knew that the Gods were speaking" is a cool way of explainging the introduction of fake gods into a story.

Siddhartha's birth being its own story only shows how important it is, and gives me idea for a birth story I could do.

A prediction or premonition of sorts could be essential to the core story.

 As much info I have retained about the Buddhist religion thanks to this class, I am surprised I haven't implemented a temple into one of my stories.

Meditation could also be used in my next story. Maybe a character meditates and enters a new realm or something. Just an idea.

Marriage is an mazaing piece of symbolism that could spice up any story.

Bibliography: Herold. The Life of Buddha. Link

                                                                Picture of Buddha. Link

Week 11 Reading Notes: Indian Gods and Heroes: Rama and Sita, Part A

I initially chose this story to read because of the title. Rama and Sita have interested me greatly ever since reading the Ramayana.

Also, I had forgotten that I had written a story some weeks ago that involved Rama and Sita.It would be cool to see any similarities, if any, between Rama and Sita in this story and in mine,

iI'm noticing that I'm not remembering any of these names from the Ramayana beside Ravana, lord of the Rakshakas

I would much rather read the public domain Ramayana than this,  as the reading is a bit slow and more complex.

I would probably never do writing like this, as it reads like what I would consider the Bible.

I'm a big fan of how Rama was portrayed in this part of the reading. He was a very wise person in the story, much liek he was in the Ramayana.

One idea I could use for my next story is to include more descriptive language, but not so much that it becauses draggy and too complex.

A draing from the book. Link

Bibliography: Monro. Indian Gods and Heroes: Rama and Sita. Link

Week 10 reading notes: Jataka Tales, Reading L

I like the idea of stories with kings who rule righteously because that idea of power allows for an endless possibility of stories.

Another idea I could throw around in some of my stories in the revolting of a King. You kind of get a sense of that in the beginning of the first story for this section. 

Supernatural powers always add a significantly cooler touch to stories than most normal thigns because no matter what, you are able to use the idea of those powers to make it through any and every situation.

I'm not a fan of the layout of the first story. It makes the story very hard to read and is definitely something I would purposely try to avoid doing in future stories.

The length of the Ugly Bridegroom seems like a bit too much. I feel the could have broken the stroy down in order to not lose the reader. 

Another mention of "The Great Being" is interesting because, before reading these Jataka tales, I had never heard of a god (or higher power) mentioned in this type of wording.

The layout for The Nineteen Problems makes the story very easy to read.

I am very much a fan now of The Great Being concept an I may therefore use it.

                               A cool cartton cover for Jataka tales that I found interesting. Link

Bibliography: Jataka Tales. Link

Week 10 reading notes: Jataka Tales, Reading K

The Jakata tales I read last week interested me, so I decided to choose another book of Jakata tales to read for this week.

It is interesting that the birds are of different types. This is something I didn't expect to be the case. A sort of "surprise" is something I could implement into my next writing.

Also, I think it's cool to have a sort of prelude (I think that's the right word) to what the story is going to be about when the king asks one of his assistants to climb  the tree and look in the nest.

The reader can make an educated guess as to what the next will behold (the three wise birds).

I initially found it strange that the king would call the birds his sons because for one, they are birds, and for two, how would he know that the birds would be male?

I thought it was cool that the king was reluctant in deisplaying the wiseness of the birds he possesed.

Also, I though tit was funny that people were like "WTF?" when finding out the king had birds that he called his children.

This story took a different turn for me, as I didn't think it would go as in depth as it did. The story sort of tried to involve religion and moral beliefs. I figured this would be more of a silly story, based on the title.

Again, there is a mention of "The Great Being' to what I assume is a reinenforcement of the idea of having a strong religious input.

                                          Three Wise Birds drawing I found online. Link
Bibliography: Jataka Tales. Link

Week 9 Reading Notes: Twenty Jataka Tales, Part B

The idea of personifying animals is something that I had never really considered, but after reading these tales, I may really consider it.

Like, The Two pigs, there are so many things you can do with the animals once you personify them.

These stories are especially corny, but still the most important thing is they teach morals. These morals can be used throughout life.

The dialogue of the animals creates a sense of pleasure because they all seem to be able to communicate mostly peacefully betwwen species.

In The Patient Buffalo displays the same preconceived thoguhts that most have. For example, the monkey was a bit of a trickster.

The idea of a monkey being a playful creation is only increased through the personification of the animal.

This personification can be used to exacerbate a set of characteristics about an animal tat most people would be able to comprehend. I had never thought of this as a reason before to use personification.

                                         A cool cover that I think think represents the tales well. Link

Bibliography: Inayat. Twenty Jataka Tales. Link

Week 9 Reading Notes: Twenty Jataka Tales, Part A

The idea of using monkeys in a jakata story is not something that I would have ever thought of. There's no reason for me to think this though haha

The search for the tree could have introduced a possibly troublesome time due to greed.

The idea for the king to build a temple for somebody like he did, struck me in a way I didn't expect, considering it's monkeys.

The start of this story is something I could really simulate in a story of my own, as it creates some type of mystery.

The king not going beyond the woods, in Banyan, really demonstrates a sense of great respect that I wish to employ in my own stories.

The use of animals in these stories and personifying them makes you think about the animals in the wild and if they really do have these human characteristics.

The tortoise and the geese immediately made me think about the tortoise and the hare, so I'm curious to see if there will be any similarities despite the difference in animals.

Also, I find it rather interesting in these stories how animals are working together to achieve a goal that doesn't necessarily benefit all parties involved.

Some of the morlas of these stories seem rather like common sense, but I'm sure that if I were to go back and look at many of the American stories, i would feel the same.

One thing I need to think about for my upcoming story, is the idea of learning a life lesson. This is because I v'e realized that I only write stories with the idea of making something interesting, but never have I cared about the actual lesson it's telling.

                           A cool detail picture I found that portrays various Jakata tales. (Wikipedia)

Bibliography: Inayat. Twenty Jataka Tales. Link

Week 7 Reading- Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition Part D

When a character vows to seek revenge in a story, they generally to accomplish the revenge. I may like to do a story in which the revenge looks like it will be fulfilled, but then it isn't.

I love the family ties that are included in most of these stories, where characters are completely willing to die for those that they love and consider family.

The helplessness feeling that Abhimanyu feels is something that I admire greatly in stories, and hope to successfully do in this story.

This section has a great deal of death of family members related to the main characters.

The idea of trickery in order to accomplish evil purposes has never been a cool thing in my eyes, even in most stories.

Killing sleeping individuals is not cool, but still a nice aspect to a story that could be added in order to supports the whole trickery style.

A story that puts in you in the character's shoes is one that I try to implement, especially when I am writing a very sad or intense story.

Animal sacrificing is something I had completely forgot about for mythological stories, but i definitely see how it can greatly contribute to the style as a whole.

The decision to end their time on earth can be thought of as a mature decision, to understand that could leave a lasting impact on a reader.

Ending the story in a quote could be beneficial, as it leaves the reader with something special from a character that they could see as a good close to a long epic.

Bibliography: Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition


Cool pic of Arjuna confronting Karna.(Arjuna confronts Karna)

Week 7 Reading- Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition Part C

The idea of exile, like shown here with Pandavas draws a close comparison to the ramayana, which gets me thinking that maybe this is common in many indian epics.

The term "god" was used so loosely amongst peope that I kind of like it.

Another comparison to the Ramayana is cool to me because it now makes it even easier to read and follow along.

A battle for respect, and nothing more, isn't as common in these stories like it is in our stories nowadays.

Most important characters have a item or specific characteristic about them. I like this concept because it makes it easier to know them.

A disguise, like seen in many stories is something I could incorporate in my stories.

The urging of someone to fight, causing motivation is a cool concept that I could definitely use.

Making the appeals to Karna would be something very intriguing, as the unknown becoming known would seem almost to insane to comprehend.

The idea that family ties run so deep, is something I could use.

When a character warns of doom, it is almost always a foreshadowing of what is going to happen.


Bibliography: Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition


(from life in the forest. Draupadi and the Pandavas in the forest.)

Week 6 Reading- Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition Part B

The family relations of characters, like thst of Vidura to Pandu, creates a sense of family bonding that I feel at times.

It's nice to see that Bhima and Hidimbi have a nice love affair unlike Rama and Sita.

A love story is something I would use, but I would necessarily include a good ending.

Five husbands at once is a bit much, no?

The idea of a previous lifetime is something I could look into more, and I am actually doing in my storybook.

A river stronghold is something I have mentioned in previous stories, I believe, I may continue to do so in future stories.

Another epic, and another exile. I'm starting to think I should include something similar in the stories in my storybook.

The lively and vivid storytelling style is something I definitely could do, but I think I would prefer something more dark.

                                                      (Kunti's escape. Kunti and the Pandavas escape.)

Week 6 Reading- Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition Part A

The idea of nobody on earth being cool enough to write something down, intrigues me.

Also, it seems to be a common appearance for a work to supposedly contain everything that is needed to be known for life.

i love the abundance of character in the Mahabharata. It gives th eability to create many different stories from scratch.

I predict that King Shantanu will be yet another victim of love, in which love will destroy him or cause him to do something stupid.

The creation of names in these epics is probably my favorite thing. You can tell almost everything about a character based on their name.

Seizing women in battle is better seizing them through a competition.

The author being in their own story is awesome.

Complex characters like Karna are cool. Reminds me of the word Karma.

While very different, the similarities to the Ramayana are definitely there. I like this because I was a fan of the Ramayana.

                                                   (Cool Arjuna statue. image source)

Reading Notes: Ramayana Public Domain Edition, Part D

A great pursuit of some sorts always intrigues me, and I may need to add some in my upcoming stories I will write.

Ravana's power of illusion seems like such an unfair power to have, but I like it.

Kumbhakarna's appetite is a funny aspect in the Ramayana, to me.

The inclusion of great weapons in the Ramayana increases the likelihood of other stories being able to spring out from within the Ramayana.

I'm more in favor of Rakshasas that have some sort of human aspect than I am Rakshasas that look completely strange.

A character as big as Ravana declaring revenge adds a very basic yet vital part to a story, and can make the overall story more interesting.

It almost seems as if Ravana is destined to destroy Lakshmana, but not quite.

The gods taking sides, and even helping a certain person, reminds me of my mythology class that I took where gods like Poseidon would intervene with mortal men.

Rama vs Ravana has a very David vs. Goliath feel to it.

Ravana's donkey head is something I'm not fond of. Maybe if it were something a little cooler.

I can imagine that a funeral like Ravana's would be a very large spectacle. This gives me an idea   where a character of great importance to many people could die, leading to a large funeral spectacle.

It is very easy to see Sita's love for Rama, and i think that's very cool.

A flashback, if you will, like one that Rama does where he mentions all of the characters who have been apart of their journey, would be a nice touch to end a very dramatic story.

Rama sending Sita into exile is something I never would have expected in a million years considering everything he did to rescue her previously.

                                             (Image depicting the death of Ravana, Link)

Bibliography: Public Domain Ramayana, link to the reading online.

Reading Notes: Ramayana Online edition, Part C

A monkey god is a very funny concept to me, even if it's not meant to be. I like to add comedy like this to my stories.

The concept of various quarrels having a long history is something thta I will think about a lot.

It's cool when actions of characters (like Rama's seemingly dishonorable killing of Vali) can spark great controversy amongst scholars.

The "people" of the monkey kingdom having different looks between them is an interesting idea.

Rama's sitting and waiting for the rainy season to end must be  agonizing for him, making it therefore agonizing for the reader who imagines himself or herself in Rama's position.

Rama seemingly has gained much respect and power from several people, even though he was exiled.

Rama's exiling still haunts him even though it seems as if it happened forever ago.

I love the inclusion of animals in these stories and how they are actually very critical in the tellings.

Rakshasis and raskashas always seem to be in the worst place and the worst time for the main characters. This idea is something I could use.

Sita must be a grand prize considering all of those who wish to be with her throughout the Ramayana.

I see many storytelling aspects regarding "heroes" and "villains" in the Ramayana that could have potentially influenced many stories throughout the world.

It always seems as if in the end, Rama will get his way.

The betraying by Vibhishana is an awesome part of the story that I will definitely implement in some way into my story.

                                        (Here are a few artistic representations of Sita. Link)

Bibliography: Public Domain Ramayana, link to the reading online.

Reading Notes: Ramayana Online Public Domain Edition Part B

I think it's a nice touch to a story to keep an important character like Bharata out of the loop" so to say.

Also, Bharata's absence leave's the reader with a "Oh my, what is he going to think when he gets back?"

It must be hard for Bharata to go through the funeral process knowing that Rama is somewhere in the wilderness thanks to a jealous wife.

Having something such a sandals to represent a character of Rama's importance is something I could add in my story.  

A battle against an evil force such as a demon is something that could benefit my story greatly, as it adds a dash of drama.

The turning point regarding the rakshasa that sets the story for the rest of the Ramayana could be a concept that I use in my story.

Humanoid figures add a decent touch to any story.

It seems as if Rama is basically unstoppable against any demon or negative force. I do not want to add a sense like this to my story.

I like when behind the scenes things happen (things the main characters don't know about, but we the readers do.)

I'm surprised that Sita was distracted by a Golden Deer.

The imitation of voice is something that I think adds a very nice touch to the Ramayana that I didn't think would happen.

I'm glad that Sita refuses to sleep with the rakshasa.

I can just imagine a visual of Rama's frustration and sadness. I liek whe na story puts this into my head.

It is always cool when a main character from any story encounters somebidy who has been waiting for them for a long time, leaving the main character bewildered.

                                       (Another interesting Ramayana pic I found. Link)


Bibliography: Ramayana Online: Public Domain Edition, Link to Reading

Reading Notes: Ramayana Online: Public Domain Edition Part A

I could use specific descriptions to describe things in my story, much like is done in the Ramayana.

No son being born by any of the queens seems like a common problem that has occurred in many stories throughout history.

I would be able to create many fake characters that could represent various ideals of life, like what is done here.

Drama between "gods" and human counterparts has always been of interest to me.

I also think it's cool to have a character that can't be defeated to the gods. This adds a new dimension that I had not previously known.

I wold like to include evil characters or demons, like rakshasas, to my story.

Giving inanimate objects "spirits" connected to them is a concept that I hadn't thought of that I may use.

Real places on earth such as Sagar island that have a supposed connection give me many great ideas.

A character who is duped like Ahalya could give a beneficial part to my story.

Heavenly and eternal love like that of Rama and Sita is a must have for me in my story.

Rama is the type of character that I admire most in stories, as he was able to overcome great adversities and win Sita.

Paradhurama's size makes me think of many ancient stories, such as Greek ones.

A whole family finding love is not exactly the type of thing I would include in my story, butvI still find it respectable.

I'm pretty sure I read a play in my History of Theater class where a character faced a similar problem that Dasharatha faces, regarding choosing a son to be the heir apparent.

A jealous mother such as Kaikeyi is always a nice addition to any story.

Rama is so loyal to his father, that he will even unfairly go into exile...my type of character.

The jata hairstyle is very intriguing to me, and I may include it into my story.

The death of a character like Dasharatha makes me feel sad, yet I'm not exactly mad about it because he let his jealous wife talk him into exiling Rama.

                                        ( I thought this image online about learning lessons was interesting. Link)

Bibliography: Ramayana Online: Public Domain Edition, Link to Reading