Kausalya find Dasaratha dead.
Bharata returns and learns what has happened and what his mother has done.
He shows some selflessness when he is concerned for Rama and doesn't immediately agree with his Kaikeyi.
Dasaratha is cremated and thrown into the Sarayu river.
Bharata goes to look for Rama. I found this surprising but very admirable. Bharata travels through the forest and finally Bharadwaja (Hindu sage) points them towards Rama.
Rama learns about Dasratha's death but refuses to return. I found this surprising.
Bharata agrees to rule but only while Rama is gone.
Lakshmana, Sita, and rama visit the hermitage of Atri.
Anasuya- Atri's wife.
Atri tells Rama the story of Mandakarni and the Apsarases when Rama asks where the music is coming from in the forest.
It is the last summer of Rama's exile. They come across Agastya's hermitage.
Agastya warns Rama about the Dandaka forest, where Ravana is the leader.
The Valakhilyas asks Rama to go to war with the demons.
Rama explains the story of the Valakhilyas.
Kashyapa- Hindu sgae
Kadru and Vinata- Kashyapa's wives
Aruna and Garuda- Vinata's children
Tumburu, disguised as Viradha, captures Sita.
Tumburu was cursed as a demon and Rama had to end his demon life for him to be free.
Lakshmana builds a house at Panchavati.
Shurpanakha - Ravana's sister
She proposes to Rama but he denies her. She attacks Sita in anger. Lakshmana defeats her but the demon army plans an attack on Rama in revenge.
I think it is important to note Sita and Lakshmana's continuing devotion to Rama in this part, even after all they are going through.
Lakshmana and Rama defeat the demon army.
Shurpanakha goes back and tells Ravana that Sita is more beautiful than any of his wives. He decides he must have her.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Google Timer Tech Tip
For this week's tech tip, I learned how to use the Google timer! I had no idea this even existed but this is really going to come in handy.
I'm sure I could speak for every college student when I say it is so easy to get on the computer, go to some random website, and completely lose track of time. I could start by doing homework, click on link, and end up watching YouTube videos of elephants 2 hours later. It happens too often.
I don't usually keep track of how long i'm on the computer unless I have somewhere to be at a certain time. I am usually good with time, but when you have more time than you need, it becomes easy to waste it.
When I am trying to track my time, I usually use the timer on my phone. Aside from that, I know that four songs on my iPod usually adds up to almost 15 minutes. After four songs, I can tell how much time has passed.
I will definitely be using the Google timer in the future, especially when doing homework. It is very convenient!
I'm sure I could speak for every college student when I say it is so easy to get on the computer, go to some random website, and completely lose track of time. I could start by doing homework, click on link, and end up watching YouTube videos of elephants 2 hours later. It happens too often.
I don't usually keep track of how long i'm on the computer unless I have somewhere to be at a certain time. I am usually good with time, but when you have more time than you need, it becomes easy to waste it.
When I am trying to track my time, I usually use the timer on my phone. Aside from that, I know that four songs on my iPod usually adds up to almost 15 minutes. After four songs, I can tell how much time has passed.
I will definitely be using the Google timer in the future, especially when doing homework. It is very convenient!
Famous Last Words- Week 4
It's only week four but it feels a little more like week fourteen. The workload is beginning to pile on and the beginning of school jitters is starting to wear off. My first test is coming up and I am starting to get little nervous. I mentioned this in my last "famous last words" post but i'm a week closer now than I was back then. Its safe to say I am one of those people who doesn't test well. I do fine throughout the day-to-day work but I always seem to blank under pressure. It may be that I psych myself out, it may be that I am not studying right. Three years in college later and it hasn't changed.
Since it is my senior year in college, I am finally down to just taking classes that apply to my major (for the most part.) This is nice because I have classes with basically the same people; it is easy to get to know people which comes in handy when you need someone to study with or you are confused about a homework assignment.
I thought my writing this week was okay, not the best iv'e done so far. I have been busy this week so I didn't put the same amount of focus into it as a usually do. I also realized a lot of problems with my Storybook post from last week that I didn't realize while writing it, so that was somewhat disappointing. It is helpful though to have classmates comment on my posts, especially when it is criticism. For the most part, it brings things in my writing to my attention that I may have not noticed before.
I also got a little confused with this schedule for a while in there but I think I have it figured out now.
The first "official day of fall" is coming up and it is definitely starting to feel like it. Fall is without a doubt my favorite season. I love wearing sweaters, I love putting sweaters on my dog, and I love the colors fall brings. Aside from that, it's a good excuse to eat more pumpkin bread than I should.
Since it is my senior year in college, I am finally down to just taking classes that apply to my major (for the most part.) This is nice because I have classes with basically the same people; it is easy to get to know people which comes in handy when you need someone to study with or you are confused about a homework assignment.
I thought my writing this week was okay, not the best iv'e done so far. I have been busy this week so I didn't put the same amount of focus into it as a usually do. I also realized a lot of problems with my Storybook post from last week that I didn't realize while writing it, so that was somewhat disappointing. It is helpful though to have classmates comment on my posts, especially when it is criticism. For the most part, it brings things in my writing to my attention that I may have not noticed before.
I also got a little confused with this schedule for a while in there but I think I have it figured out now.
The first "official day of fall" is coming up and it is definitely starting to feel like it. Fall is without a doubt my favorite season. I love wearing sweaters, I love putting sweaters on my dog, and I love the colors fall brings. Aside from that, it's a good excuse to eat more pumpkin bread than I should.
Photo: Starbucks Logo: Google Images
Side note: I basically live at Starbucks.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Storytelling: Dear Diary - Week 4
Dear Diary,
Today I have designated Rama as my successor. I believe he will be a successful king one day, he will do great things. I will begin planning the coronation ceremony immediately! It will be outstanding and it will highlight all his strengths, therefore the town will know I am leaving them in good hands.
I am very excited for my greatest son to follow in my footsteps, he has every qualification to be a miraculous king one day. I have told my wives and they are all very happy for Rama. I will tell Bharata when he returns from visiting his grandfather.
Everything is going perfectly. I must go now, there is a lot to be done!
-Dasharatha
Dear Diary,
Today Kaikeyi has come to me demanding Bharata become my successor and that Rama be exiled for fourteen years. I am at a complete loss as of what to do. I feel a great amount of loyalty to my dear son, however, I owe Kaikeyi two promises that have yet to be fulfilled. I am not one to break promises. Therefore I feel I must comply with Kaikeyi's demands and make Bharata king and exile Rama, against my better judgment. I do not feel like Bharata is fit for king, he does not have the followers or the leadership skills that Rama has.
Aside from that, how do I go about exiling my own son? Will he ever forgive me? I cannot imagine betraying him like that. The town will surely not support this.
I will write back when my final decision is made.
-Dasharatha
Dear Diary,
Today I proceeded with exiling my son; I feel both guilt and sadness. However, Rama keeps assuring me that all is well and I must not be angry with Kaikeyi. He quietly accepted his exile and is preparing to leave, surely he will arise and argue back soon or later, right? He must or else I will. I cannot take his simple acceptance of defeat.
Bharata has stepped up and agreed to take the throne and Kaikeyi is more than pleased. I am trying to consider Bharata in a new light and show him how to perform as king for his people. Hopefully this will be a task that is not out of his ability.
The end is nearing for me and I want my people to look back on my time on the throne and be nothing but pleased with the decisions I made as their king.
I must go now....Sumantra is calling my name.
-Dasharatha.
I did my story based on Dasharatha's daily through his decision to make Rama king until his decision to comply with Kaikeyi's demands. I interpreted how I thought he would be feeling throughout the process.
Buck, William (1976). Ramayana: King Rama's Way.
Today I have designated Rama as my successor. I believe he will be a successful king one day, he will do great things. I will begin planning the coronation ceremony immediately! It will be outstanding and it will highlight all his strengths, therefore the town will know I am leaving them in good hands.
I am very excited for my greatest son to follow in my footsteps, he has every qualification to be a miraculous king one day. I have told my wives and they are all very happy for Rama. I will tell Bharata when he returns from visiting his grandfather.
Everything is going perfectly. I must go now, there is a lot to be done!
-Dasharatha
Dear Diary,
Today Kaikeyi has come to me demanding Bharata become my successor and that Rama be exiled for fourteen years. I am at a complete loss as of what to do. I feel a great amount of loyalty to my dear son, however, I owe Kaikeyi two promises that have yet to be fulfilled. I am not one to break promises. Therefore I feel I must comply with Kaikeyi's demands and make Bharata king and exile Rama, against my better judgment. I do not feel like Bharata is fit for king, he does not have the followers or the leadership skills that Rama has.
Aside from that, how do I go about exiling my own son? Will he ever forgive me? I cannot imagine betraying him like that. The town will surely not support this.
I will write back when my final decision is made.
-Dasharatha
Dear Diary,
Today I proceeded with exiling my son; I feel both guilt and sadness. However, Rama keeps assuring me that all is well and I must not be angry with Kaikeyi. He quietly accepted his exile and is preparing to leave, surely he will arise and argue back soon or later, right? He must or else I will. I cannot take his simple acceptance of defeat.
Bharata has stepped up and agreed to take the throne and Kaikeyi is more than pleased. I am trying to consider Bharata in a new light and show him how to perform as king for his people. Hopefully this will be a task that is not out of his ability.
The end is nearing for me and I want my people to look back on my time on the throne and be nothing but pleased with the decisions I made as their king.
I must go now....Sumantra is calling my name.
-Dasharatha.
Photo: Wikipedia-Kaikeyi
Author's note:I did my story based on Dasharatha's daily through his decision to make Rama king until his decision to comply with Kaikeyi's demands. I interpreted how I thought he would be feeling throughout the process.
Buck, William (1976). Ramayana: King Rama's Way.
Reading Diary B: Rama's departure- Week 4
Rama becomes Dasharatha's successor (next in line for king). Kaikeyi demands that her son Bharata become king and that Rama be exiled. Dasharatha must comply.
Kaikeyi is being profoundly selfish in this part, she is forcing her belief that her son should be king and it ends up affecting everyone greatly.
I am surprised by Rama's reaction at this part. He didn't argue or protest, he just obeyed.
The people of the city do not want Rama to leave. Sita and Lakshmana agree to go with Rama. Rama tries to convince others not to be upset over the situation.
Once it is too late, Dasharatha realizes he did not have to do what Kaikeyi asked.
They first run into Guha who tells them a story about how Shiva rescued him when he was dying.
The story depicts the animals talking in the forest about Rama and Dasharatha's situation.
They place focus on Kaikeyi's persuasiveness using past examples.
Bharadwaja is one of the greatest Hindu sages.
He convinces Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana to stop and stay in Chitrakuta and they agree.
When Dasharatha learns about Rama's departure, he is so grief stricken about the loss of his son that he dies.
This is an unfortunate part of the story because none of this had to happen if Dasharatha hadn't listened to Kaikeyi.
Kaikeyi is being profoundly selfish in this part, she is forcing her belief that her son should be king and it ends up affecting everyone greatly.
I am surprised by Rama's reaction at this part. He didn't argue or protest, he just obeyed.
The people of the city do not want Rama to leave. Sita and Lakshmana agree to go with Rama. Rama tries to convince others not to be upset over the situation.
Once it is too late, Dasharatha realizes he did not have to do what Kaikeyi asked.
They first run into Guha who tells them a story about how Shiva rescued him when he was dying.
The story depicts the animals talking in the forest about Rama and Dasharatha's situation.
They place focus on Kaikeyi's persuasiveness using past examples.
Bharadwaja is one of the greatest Hindu sages.
He convinces Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana to stop and stay in Chitrakuta and they agree.
When Dasharatha learns about Rama's departure, he is so grief stricken about the loss of his son that he dies.
This is an unfortunate part of the story because none of this had to happen if Dasharatha hadn't listened to Kaikeyi.
Reading Diary A: Buck's version- Week 4
This week we began reading Buck's version of Ramayana.
The beginning of the book lays out each character's story and history.
I was very surprised to read that Rama had exiled Sita, especially since she was pregnant with Rama's children at that time.
Narada (a Vedic sage) asks Valmiki (the poet) to help Sita and teach Rama's story to her children. Brahma tells Rama's story to Valmiki who then teaches it to Rama's sons. I saw Valmiki as a sort of wise, authority-type figure.
Kusha and Lava - Rama's sons
King Dasharatha -on a quest to find children- plans a sacrifice so he can get sons.
He ends up having 4 children: Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna. He has these children with three women: Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra.
Ravana, the demon lord, challenges and defeats Indra, the god. The gods are forced to work in Ravan's palace. This was disappointing considering Ravana's foul intentions. I like Ravana even less after reading Narayan's version.
Rakshasas are unrighteous spirits (Wikipedia). Vishwamitra describes the creation of the rakshasas. After taking over Lanka City (which was built for them by the architect of the gods), and being attacked by Narayana, they fled to the underground.
Buck's version seems more focused on the demons and downfalls between the demons and the Gods whereas Narayan's version focused more on triumphs.
Pulastya- the mind-born son of Brahma.
Vishravas- son of Trinavindu's daughter and Pulastya.
Vaishravana- Vishravas' son and the lord of wealth (immortal.)
Kaikasi (Sumali's daughter) and Vishrava had four children: 10-headed Ravana, Vibhishana, Kumbhakarna, and Shurpanakha.
Ravana was granted many powers by Brahma.
Vishravana turned over Lanka City to Ravana. Many unsuccessfully tried to defeat Ravana.
It was interesting to learn more about Ravana; he is explained to a fuller extent in this version than he was in Narayan's version.
The only one's who did not surrender to Ravana were the Haihaya.
Ravana and his family challenged and defeated Yama (the god of death), Surya (the sun), Chandra (the moon), and Indra.
Ravana was able to defeat anyone in his path. This all happened before Rama was even born; therefore it is interesting to read knowing Ravana is eventually defeated by Rama.
Rama and Lakshmana are students of Vishwamitra. Lakshmana kills Subahu.
Rama wins Janaka's challenge and in turn gets to marry Sita.
(This was my favorite part of the story.)
The only one's who did not surrender to Ravana were the Haihaya.
Ravana and his family challenged and defeated Yama (the god of death), Surya (the sun), Chandra (the moon), and Indra.
Ravana was able to defeat anyone in his path. This all happened before Rama was even born; therefore it is interesting to read knowing Ravana is eventually defeated by Rama.
Rama and Lakshmana are students of Vishwamitra. Lakshmana kills Subahu.
Rama wins Janaka's challenge and in turn gets to marry Sita.
(This was my favorite part of the story.)
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