Storybook Styles

Topic Choice

I will be doing a storybook on “Vishnu’s Favorite Ashtamangalas”. Vishnu is depicted in sacred Hindu texts with four arms holding a lotus flower, mace, conch, and disc. In my storybook, each of these objects will represent an Ashtamangala: lotus, conch, dharmacakra, and the dhvaja. Each of the eight auspicious signs of religions point to qualities of enlightenment.

A depiction of Vishnu holding the disc, conch, lotus flower, and mace. (Ramanarayanadatta astri)

Research Topic

Conch: The conch reflects the sound of the dharma, which awakens disciples from the deep slumber of ignorance. It encourages them to accomplish their own welfare and that of others. Vishnu’s shell bore the name Panchajanya, which means “having control over the five classes of beings”.

Lotus: The lotus flower is contrasted to the muddy waters in which it floats. The water represents attachment and desire, while the lotus flower represents purity of body, speech, and mind. 

Dharmachakra: The wheel of law represents the teachings of Dharma. It means different things in different religions, but it essentially that the behavior of an individual can be good or bad. That behavior either adds or takes away Dharma. 

Dhavaja: The victory banner was a military standards of ancient Indian warfare. There are eleven different forms of the victory banner, which represent the eleven specific methods for overcoming defilements.

For the story interpretations, I plan on using the Ramayana for a reference to Vishnu’s avatar Rama. After browsing through some comic books, I think the Dasha Avatar: The Ten Incarnations of Lord Vishnu, and The Churning of the Ocean (specifically the tale of Kurma and Mohini; there is also the appearance of the disc!) the are good options for inspiration. I am looking for different stories from the different avatars of Vishnu, so these three give me several stories to choose from.

Brainstorming Styles

Inanimate Object As Storyteller
Having four objects as the foundation for my storybook, having them tell their own stories could be quite interesting. This could work especially well since they sit in the hands of Vishnu, and so they have a front-row view of his life. They could “talk” about how they played vital roles in different re-incarnations of Vishnu. Perhaps the conch played an important role in waking up a disciple of Vishnu (Hanuman comes to mind from the Ramayana.)

Object in a Museum
Again, this style would work because of the different objects. They could easily be in a museum, as they play an important role in Vishnu’s life. I can see it now, set up the intro with a child running through a museum, but then an immaculate display stops him in his tracks – he is captivated by these four different objects. He asks the nearest curator to tell him all about the lotus flower, mace, conch, and disc.

Wisdom Tale
Another way I could go is with a storyteller, which could work because Vishnu plays a vital role in Indian religions. It could be set up with a strange man just looking for something to eat (not necessarily homeless, but he looks like he has travelled a far distance). Two girls (I have a sister, so that relationship would come natural in writing) timidly go up to the man and offer him some soup. He graciously accepts and asks if they will hear his tales – they say they will. He goes on to tell about the four objects in relation to Vishnu tales. The conch is the last story, because it represent a disciple being called to action, much like how the girls were called to give the stranger some food.

And the Moral of the Story is...
The final style that I am considering is presenting the moral/message of each object (i.e. lotus = purity). I think this could be done with any of the above styles as well, but it could be nice to focus solely on the message, and not have the fanfare that the other styles have (simple and sweet). I would probably have an easier time with the creative approaches of the other styles, but this could offer a nice challenge.

Bibliography:

"The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic" by Narayan (1972). 

Source: Narayan's Ramayana.

"The Churning of the Ocean" by Anant Pai (2010). ACK, Volume 538.
Source: ACK Comics

"Dasha Avatar: The Ten Incarnations of Lord Vishnu" by Anant Pai (2010). ACK, Volume 10002.
Source: ACK Comics

Week 3 Reading Diary cont: Narayan's Ramayana

This is the final part of Narayan's Ramayana.

Before the Battle

Hanuman crosses the ocean and becomes very tiny so that he can locate Sita. After finding her, he returns to Rama, but not before burning down Lanka. Vibishana tries to warn Ravana against attacking Rama, but must later retreat from Ravana’s wrath.

I really liked how respectable Sita was described when Hanuman comes to her. She really handles this tough situation with such grace, which is exactly how you would expect her to behave (as opposed to the wedding story).

Next, Vibishana has such courage to speak out against his brother. I love how he starts by saying he is not loud, and does not like to argue. I can relate to this on many levels, and I can only imagine how difficult it was to give that speech. For Ravana to completely ignore his brother’s warning, and be so rude to him, shows that he does not have good character.

The Siege of Lanka

The siege starts a little shaky when Indrajit uses poison darts on Rama and Lakshmana, causing Sita to fear that they were dead. However, soon after Rama gains his strength and begins battling with Ravana. The battle between these two mighty warriors is long, but eventually Rama is able to send his Brahma-astra into the heart of Ravana.

Again, I like how despite Ravana’s rickery, Sita is capable of remainibg strong.

Another thing that interests me is how, even though he might be physically strong, Ravsna is wea in both mind and heart. He was first dealt a major blow to his ego when he had to accept a concession. He was finally defeated by the blow to his heart, which had not been strengthened by the gods.

Finally, one of my favorite passages in this part was when Rama told his chariot driver to move slow and calm, while Ravana raged on. This reminded me of the turtle and hare story, where slow and steady wins the race. I think combining these two stories could be interesting.

The Test and Coronation

Upon winning the battle, Sita returns to Rama only to have him spurn her. She is forced to prove her purity by jumping into a fire. After she passes this test, the group returns to Ayodhya so that Rama may become king.

Oh-Em-Gee. I thought the wedding scene was bad, but this “test” takes the cherry. Sita has been suffering for so long, being ridiculed/harassed, and then her own husband MAKES HER JUMP IN A FIRE! Who does that? NOT some glorious god. This makes me think of certain prophets who take many wives – there is no respect for woman in so many of these stories. End of rant.

Sita's test by fire to prove her purity. (Image Library)

Week 3 Reading Diary: Narayan's Ramayana

We are now on the third part of Narayan's Ramayana!

Ravana Captured Sita and Kills Jatayu

Sita, after sending Rama after a golden deer, hears his cry for help (a fake cry), and makes Lakshmana go to help him. Ravana then sneaks in a captures Sita. 

Again, Sita's behavior proves to be just horrible. First, she sends Rama after the golden deer, then she makes Lakshmana go after him. She just makes bad decision after bad decision. Even though apparently only men are capable of proper judgement, Rama also made the poor decision to go after the deer. What it really seems like to me, is that in trying to make Rama seem like this awesome god, Sita must be portrayed as the helpless, silly woman.

Sugreeva's Story

Rama and Lakshmana come across Sugreeva in their search for Sita. Sugreeva's brother, Vali, was granted mighty fighting powers and - due to a misunderstanding - will kill Sugreeva if he leaves Mount Matanga.

After hearing the sad story, Rama promises Sugreeva that he will help slay Vila - instead of hearing both sides of the situation and finding a peaceful/logical solution, Rama decides to kill Vali. I think this just further proves how rash and foolhardy Rama can be. Then, Rama hides when he shoots Vila, so that Vila can't ask him to help him as well. This does not make sense to me. Why is it okay for Rama to avoid properly fighting someone just so he doesn't have to make a choice on which brother should be helped. He should have approached Vila right after hearing Sugreeva's side, and THEN made a decision.

A depiction of Vali and Sugreeva fighting. (Image library)

Sugreeva's Army and Hanuman

Sugreeva is crowned king, and Rama asks for him to form an army after the rain passes. Once the rain does pass, though, Sugreeva is late to bring the troops.

First, I think it should be noted how great a brother Lakshmana is! Rama gets a lot of credit for being this awesome dude, but Lakshmana is a stand up guy. He proudly follows his brother and helps him out. He reminds me of my own sister (and she is the best!). Next, I really liked how when Sugreeva notices how awful he was in his drunken stupor, he decides to not drink again. Even though he made a mistake, he is quick to remedy the situation and take full responsibility. Finally, on their journey to search for Sita, the army comes across Jatayu's brother, Sampathi. He tells them where Sita is, and Hanuma is able to find his true stature. I really liked how Hanuma must find it within himself his true identity - I think looking within is something many people should do.

Growth Mindset: Handling Pressure

Exploring the growth mindset, I want to focus more on the journey than on the final destination. In doing so, I want to do growth challenges that will help me as an individual. I struggle on a daily basis with anxiety. Small things (like picking out a clothes for the day) can present a real challenge for me. On the other hand, big things (like tests - eek) can cause me to go into a real panic-mode. It is something I have been working on for about a year now, and I have really seen an improvement - but I can always use some helpful advice. I found this article, "How to be Calm Under Pressure", on the growth mindset challenge page, and just knew it would be the perfect thing for me to check out.

Keeping Calm When the Pressure Is On

What do you do if a problem arises and you just can't seem to handle the pressure? After reading this article I found out! 

First, ask yourself two questions:

1. What is the worst thing that could happen?

2. Will this matter in five years?

Answering these questions will help ground you, and put the situation into perspective. 

Next, understand that while this problem may be a big deal to you - it probably isn't that important to others. 

Now that you have calmed down about the situation, get to the facts:

1. What is the actual situation?

2. What could actually happen because of this?

3. What are your options in fixing the problem?

4. If the problem cannot be fixed, is there anything you can do to make it a little bit better?

Finally, enough worrying - take ACTION. You have made a game plan, and it is time to get to it! 

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This was such a great challenge to go for.  I am a list person, and this was a really nice way to put what you should do when you are worrying about a mistake/problem into a condensed list. Being in a situation where I thought my mistake was the END OF THE WORLD, it is nice to be able to look at something like this and remember to just calm down and be LOGICAL about it. Sometimes I let my emotions take control, but being able to take a logical approach to my problems is the way to go! This challenge was definitely useful for classes and life in general. You can make mistakes just about anywhere in life...but keep calm and carry on!

Keep calm, it will all be okay! (Sharkyovengloves)

Learning Challenge: Buddhist Teachings

In week one, I outlined some of the learning challenges I would like to do. For this week, I am going to start with a health/happiness challenge. I had said I wanted to study some of the life lessons from Buddhist teachings, and so I studied some and wrote about my favorites (find the article I read here).

Vital Life Lessons from Buddhist Teachings

Give generously to others

     "If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path."

I think this really touches me, because I try very hard to give a little bit of myself to those around me. I have been dealt a difficult hand, but compared to others I have had it very good. You never know what someone is going through, so just offer up an open heart - you just might get something extraordinary in return.  

Release feelings of hate, resentment, and fear

     "You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger."

Being able to move past negative feelings can be very difficult for me. I have a hard time with the whole forgive/forget mindset. However, it is becoming more apparent that the only one suffering from this negativity is me. I am trying to move on from things, and the more I move towards positivity, the more I gain a freeing happiness. It is really amazing how down those bad feelings can get you.

Be here now

     "The past is already gone, the future is not yet here. There's only one moment for you to live."

This quote always makes me think of what my boyfriend is constantly telling me - don't worry about the what if's. I have a bad habit of wondering about the many, many different possibilities out there, yet it doesn't really matter. Worrying will get you nowhere, you need to ACT in the now. I have tried being more focused in there here and now, and it is really beneficial. It also makes you think a little more about what you do with your present time - is it worth it? are you happy right now? is there something more worthwhile that you could be doing instead?

*          *          *

I think going over these Buddhist teachings was very helpful to just reiterate what is important in life. When choosing a humanity class to take, I didn't want one that I wasn't going to enjoy - and I am so glad I chose this course. I am getting to explore more than just Indian epics. I think these teachings will be helpful in this class, as well as my other classes. I can apply this lesson from being willing to share notes or tutor classmates, to not focusing too much on the final and actually enjoying the class.

Learn to enjoy the journey! (Bright Side)

Week 2: Famous Last Words

For the second week’s last words, I want to re-cap on what I have accomplished this past week:

Reading for this week:

This week I completed the Ramayana – it was a very good read and I just could not put it down. The Ramayana was an excellent epic, and I recommend it to everyone. It is a very short read (like 200 pages), and gives a good peak into Indian literature. It really inspired me artistically, and I am now in the process of designing a piece based off the way Rama described Sita as a pretty lotus flower (a quilled lotus has a lot of potential!).

Best writing for this week:

I wrote a twist on the section in the Ramayana where Rama and Sita first meet. In the original story, Sita is made out to be a lustful woman who goes ill because is so infatuated with Rama. I think descriptions like this really put down women – she was portrayed a weak and silly, not to mention the way her father basically treats her as property (any man who can string the bow of Shiva gets to marry Sita – how romantic). It is not uncommon in older literature to find pieces like this that do not give women the credit they deserve – so I think putting a little modern twist on it was just the oomph it needed to become a great story.

Other classes:

In my petroleum engineering classes, things are really starting to get serious. In capstone, we are narrowing down our prospective field locations and gathering data. Improved Recovery is turning out to be a really interesting course – we are learning more about waterflooding and how different things on the macroscopic and microscopic levels can affect waterflooding efficiency.

Outside of school:

Other than schoolwork, I haven’t been doing too much. I am in the design mode for most of my art projects. That consists of me finding inspiration in literature or on Pinterest (I have ‘liked’ thousands and thousands of pins). It is really important for me to set time aside to be creative, and I really love the design time because I just let loose and try out all these crazy ideas. Like I said before, I am really inspired by the Ramayana. I was between doing an elephant or a lotus. An elephant may have to happen later on because it has so many possibilities – in some pieces they “filled” the elephant with flowers or other types of designs. Here is a nice example of that, with a link to a tutorial:

A picture of a quilled elephant. (Source)

Week 2 Review

The second week of the semester is coming to a close, and with that it is always good to review what you have done. I made sure to back-up my Blogger posts (no need to back-up the Google Site, because no changes have been made). Next, it is important to make sure all assignments were declared - it would stink to miss out on points just because I forgot to declare it. Finally, I reviewed the daily announcements for this week (things can get hectic, and sometimes I don't always read the announcement on the day it was posted). I find the announcements both helpful (it is nice to have a summary of what is going on) and interesting (between the growth mindset cats and other memes, I am always engaged in those posts!). My favorite item comes from the Friday announcement - Mythical Creatures. Throughout the Ramayana, I have come across several mythical creatures. It was interesting to see a diagram of the different kinds of creatures you can come across in literature, you can see it below.

Mythical Creatures diagram.