Growth Mindset: Re-do's

“Try Everything” by Shakira from Disney’s “Zootopia”

It seems appropriate to appreciate this Growth Mindset inspired song what with the streaming service “Disney +” having just recently been released as well as this concept that started this class this semester coming to a close. This song is not only catchy, but the message is something I have only just now internalized in a new way after being introduced to Carol Dweck who started the craze. For kids hearing this song at such a vital time in their life, this song could be future changing. By encouraging someone that they can choose their battles and not let their initial setbacks scare them into abandoning ship. I was the poster child of the kid who never chose to try new things. Ice-skating, cheerleading, piano, art lessons, dance—these are just a few activities I never attempted thanks to intimidation. During that fanciful and free time of life when time is abundant and responsibilities absent, this could have been the time for me to find my calling. Instead, I still enjoyed those formative years in other ways conducive to how I turned out today but I still think it could have been constructive had I taken a chance on even one of those listed. These days, this young version of me still has me sit on the side-lines when it comes to many things. However, even in little ways I’m leaning toward considering spending time on my short and sweet bucket list. Some of these include getting back into baking or taking a pottery class again since it stirred such an interest the first time I took it. Trying everything means new things as the tides turn and happiness and fulfillment in putting time and effort into things which contribute to these takes on new forms. I think foremost is this underlying presence of an attitude that is more calm and collected about not forcing yourself into self-fulfilling failure since some things inherently take more tries but at the same time indeed forcing yourself to circle back to square one when you do have to give yourself grace and do something a second or third or fourth time.

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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Learning Challenge: Sleep Study

“What Would Happen If You Didn’t Sleep?” by Ted Talk Speaker

I have been waiting to watch this four minute video for this precise week: week 15, most appropriately is referred to as “dead week.” This week before finals it is all too real for my fellow students (myself included) to be unsafely sleep deprived. Or to add insult to injury, sleepless but bugged out on sugary caffeinated soft drinks and Starbucks coffees. This video put into perspective just the result of such activities on one’s health. We learn about Randy Garner, a 1965 High School student who in order to do a study he stayed awake for a whopping 11 days—264 hours. The results were extreme to say the least. The hallucinations by the final day of his experiment are explained by his growing his lack of coordination and concentration. A tired brain unable to process physical stimuli seems the environment one would expect for one to become out of touch with reality, paranoid, and unable to remember short-term. It was said that he didn’t endure long-term effects, but goes on to explain that it can be cause for more prominent and prolonged side effects like hormonal imbalances just to name one. It even said that death could come from such serious cases of insomnia! Some of this taught me nothing more than I already had a hunch about or learned about in school (the science of sleep, that is), but it is a good reminder that shut eye is so necessary.

I myself have been up for a total of 4 days several years ago and can say that it was definitely a terrible experience. It started after I experienced my first full-fledged panic attack. What I recall about the incident is trying so many quick-fix methods to force myself into slumber that simply didn’t work, whether teas or medicines or exercising to the point of exhaustion. Physically, I can’t forget the unfamiliar and scary feeling of losing the ability to discern my surroundings through sensory signals. Most prominently probably is how my distorted my sense of touch was that somehow I couldn’t make sense of the tactile stimulants around me from one another. It shot me into this realm of feeling outside of my body, almost detached. This, along with my body naturally having an increased heart-rate from my lack of rest made the anxiety that threw me into this sleepless episode only worse. I can’t remember how or why this period ever ended or I would share the secret, but I hope that in the next week or so I don’t relive this!

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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Famous Last Words: Almost Done

These last couple of weeks have been challenging. I can’t believe that the end of the semester is so close, I feel like it’s been such a short time since it started. Since about the end of October, every day seems to have melted into each other and I’m not sure which way is up and which is down at this point. I’ve made such slow progress on my Storybook project after my “full steam ahead” attitude not long ago and am not sure if I even have the time in the next couple nights to do a story about Draupadi.  Since my project focuses on “twins,” I had the intention of doing two chapters featuring female characters with opposite gendered “other halves” as they make for a good comparing/contrasting pair. However, I have SO FEW points left to earn since I have done so many Extra Credit assignments it really just will take a few of these to earn my “A.” As such, since I am graduating and since the likelihood I can keep my website up and running in the months afterward are slim—I think this is what I will do. At this point, my remaining finals and post-graduation job hunting has taken full priority. Luckily this class is just that flexible that I can still earn an “A” this way.

In other news, I have a new tortoiseshell kitten. She was a stray that a family friend found her on Halloween, and we were chosen to take her in after they began asking coworkers and friends to give her a “forever home.” She is curious and spunky in comparison to my carefree and calm cat, so she’s been a welcome addition! Otherwise, outside of this class all is as usual- just trying to stay afloat until freedom when I complete college and can tie a bow on this chapter! I’m gearing up for the career-level job application and interview process ahead. This is making my motivation and focus fluctuate, but someday I imagine these days will just be like a dream forgotten! I do want to enjoy these days while they last, but I also want to make them worth it! So every bit of free time and wiggle room I can make I am taking full advantage of.

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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Reading Notes: 17 Fascinating Women from the Mahabharata (B)

“17 Fascinating Women from The Mahabharata” by Sharath Komarraju

Since I bought the book, I figured I might as well do my last “Reading Notes” with final thoughts about my reading in a more general way. A sort of parting thoughts about how this book ties up some of the major characters which I have gotten to know over the course of this semester. I have to say, some of the themes of womanhood, feminism, family, and other related commonalities which seem so unapparent at first really are fairly significant with a critical eye. For example, these final chapters—after the ones which focused on the woman most “center stage” in the Mahabharata—also are incredibly interesting to read about. The way this author has emphasized their qualities individually and communally. In Part B,  out of Ghandari, Amba, Subhadra, Ulupi and Chitrangada, Uttara, and Renuka I think it’s just the last three or four whose names escaped me. That being said, most interesting was tying the authors facts, figures, and theories of Ghandari, Amba, and Subhadra. With Ghandari particularly I liked how he tied her emotional states to that of other women’s—emphasizing this maternal, feminine bond with women so different in circumstance and importance. Furthermore, the interpretation on certain women’s upbringing as far as education was concerned was another vital takeaway which made me think back to the men whose skills and knowledge set them apart. Given their educational journeys being so noticeable a feature of the epic, it’s interesting to contrast and compare that of women like those in these chapters. I see how their wisdom and guidance in some ways, like those in former chapters, set the stage for various series’ of events that occurred. They seem to have great power in using their unique gifts for love, war, or otherwise. How these overlap with moments where they seek vengeance for loved ones slighted or slain—like Subhadra for example—really emphasized for me how savage women are with particular causes. Many of them likely to do with emotional or traumatic scenes, like children or husbands’ deaths.

Bibliography:
Author: Sharath Komarraju
Title: "17 Fascinating Women from The Mahabharata"
Source: Kindle

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

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Reading Notes: 17 Fascinating Women from The Mahabharata (B)

“17 Fascinating Women from The Mahabharata” by Sharath Komarraju

Something I didn’t expect from this reading was to realize how male-centric the Mahabharata is. This makes me think my natural instinct to write from the perspective of women characters about women characters and particularly their relationship to their male counterparts subconsciously came to this conclusion before this reading made it clear. What I noticed about the women whose chapters were selected for this book (Draupadi, Kunti, Ganga, Satyavati) is that their stories are related in many ways, whether that be in their childhoods, the critical incidents where they were involved in the epic, or similarities in their relationships. So while this reading is more of a summary or annotation of the Mahabharata, it also made some claims and pointed out some characteristics that differ between alternate renditions of the epic which were new to me. For example, most important for my own project is a part in Draupadi’s section that states that in the original text, the scene in which she is forcibly disrobed and her sari magically duplicates until it wore out her abuser was actually on account of her “own inner good that protects her from all harm.” In speaking about different interpretations taken by alternative authors, he uses language like “if we accept this more realistic ending…” which highlights for me that in reading a certain text does not mean it should necessarily be taken at face value. This separating fiction or myth from (more likely) fact with such a lens is something that I think would prove useful when I go to probe for meaning in the PDE which I had access to. These decisions on which “side” to take seem imperative for how a character is subsequently perceived by the reader. In the same way Komarraju made me rethink the significance of Draupadi, Kunti, Ganga, and Satyavati- I think it’s important to notice how my own rewriting might impact their image or reputation.

Bibliography:
Author: Sharath Komarraju
Title: "17 Fascinating Women from The Mahabharata"
Source: Kindle

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

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Extra Credit Reading: Mahabharata, Part F

Mahabharata, by Epified on YouTube

- Duryodhan tried to disrobe Draupadi, which shocked and horrified the onlookers who covered their eyes as he started to pull on her garment. But because she chanted for Krishna’s help, the garment just kept coming and the fabric compiled into a stack that could make a hundred saris. Bhishm vowed to kill Duryodhan and avenge the humiliation that his wife suffered, and he smirked and laughed at this statement and ordered Draupadi to sit on his lap—a sight that angered the Pandava’s and made the swear that they would kill the Kauravas. Arjun pledged to kill Karn and Sahdev, Shakuni. Dhristhirastra tried to assuage the disagreement by asking Draupadi that he would grant her three wishes. She only wanted two things: Yudhisthir’s freedom and the Pandavas freedom and their kingdom.
- After the Pandava’s are released and return to Indraprasth with revenge on their minds, meanwhile at Hastinapur the Karuravas were plotting a second scheme through another game of gambling. The Pandavas were aware of the consequences should they lose this game of dice—twelve years of exile, plus one in hiding, yet the agreed yet again and lost as expected. They surrendered their kingdom in Indraprasth and headed for the forest, knowing that retaliation was 13 years away. Some Hastinapur’s tried to convince them to stay, while others said they’d rather suffer alongside them than remain under the rule of Duryodhan. Yudhisthir, knowing he wouldn’t be able to look after their welfare, sent them back to look after Kunti. Krishna visited the Pandavas and urged them to fight back to win back what belonged to them but was met with disagreement and was told that “anger and revenge did not fit his divine nature.” He was then talked down by Yudhisthir, who he pledged to support when the time came. Early on in their exile, they were faced with a rakshas (demon) named Kimira, whose brother Bakasur was killed by Bhim only months before. In the battle, the brothers combined their strengths to overcome the demon and decided that together this event showed that together they could defeat any opponent no matter how powerful. This lent them the confidence that the Kauravas would be no match against their powers. This thought was a glimmer of hope for them.
- While in the forest, they were not used to living like ascetics after always living on amble means, and sharing sparse resources led to some tension sometimes. They always accepted sages and saints who came to their hut. Once, the sage Ved Vyasa visited and told them about the virtues warriors should have and told Arjun would have to have access to the celestial weapons of Indra and Shiva. Arjun performed austerities in the Himalayan Mountains, where he was attacked by a wild boar. He brought him down with arrows, while another hunter did the same. This hunter was Shiva in human form. Arjun shattered the hunter’s crown while in a physical altercation. He was gifted the Pasupata weapon afterward. Before he left, he told him to pray to his father, Indra, for his respect. At his obedience, other Gods visited him, including Varuna, Yamraj, and Kuber. Varuna gifted him his noose (sieze demons and enemies in the past), Yamraj his mace, and then the Antardhan Astra (puts the enemy to sleep.) He was struck with wonder and gifted them sweets and flowers. From the clouds, a majestic chariot carried by a thousand horses came from the sky. The charioteer invited him to heaven, and said his father invited him to Indralok. On his way, he saw a streak of light, stars, celestial beings, rishis and apsaras in the clouds. At Indralok, he saw Indra’s elephant Airavat at the entrance. Here he was trained to use the thunder bolt and of his other weapons. After a bout of homesickness, Arjun decided to go back to his brothers.
- Arjun is cursed by Urvashi for rejecting her proposal for marriage, and his brothers travel to try to gain the grace of the Gods while he is still in Indralok. They reached a valley in the Himalyas, which while there they encountered a strong wind which carried fragrant flower petals. Draupadi was enchanted by the unearthy smells of the flowers, and she demanded he bring her more. He traced the path following the scent, making himself lost in the forest where he found a conch shell which he blew. He was met with a massive monkey who claimed he was Vayu and Kunti’s child. He found that this monkey was more powerful than him as he couldn’t even lift his tail, so he begged his forgiveness for his behavior and the monkey revealed his true form and told him he was Hanuman. At this point he granted him a boon which would aid him in his and his brothers fight with the Kaurava before they went separate ways.

Bibliography:
Author: Epified
Title: Epified: Mahabharata, Part F (Playlist)
Source: YouTube

(Image Source: Screenshot by me of episode 45, YouTube)

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Reading Notes: Mahabharata, Part E

Mahabharata, by Epified on Youtube

- Though Balram was insulted at first about Subhadra and Arjun, he eventually approved of the alliance. Draupadi was not pleased that Arjun had married another woman, as was expected. To try to ease her feelings, Arjun made Subhadra a maid for her and it was said she was “moved by her simplicity,” and had even come to like her and consented to their marriage. Many people attended the ceremony.
- Not long after, Subhadra announced her pregnancy. They would name him Abhimanyu. When Arjun narrated to her of his stories and skills of war, little did the couple know that even while the pregnant woman was unconscious, the baby had received all of the knowledge that Arjun had shared with his wife. This was the start to unborn Abhimanyu’s life as a great warrior. Though, his fate had been decided since his father had failed to finish his thoughts when his pregnant mother had fallen asleep while he spoke.
- Yudhisthir was hesitant to perform the yagya he was suggested to have because he was concerned that his city might suffer the consequences of an unexpected revolt. When he learned of Krishna’s fear of Jarasandh’s power, he thought certainly that the Pandava’s certainly couldn’t be competent enough defeat him. However, he insisted that with the skills of 3 of his brothers combined would  be enough to take him. So Yudhishthir, Arjun, Bhim, and Krishna went to Magadh as brahmins where they challenged Jarasandh to fight where he was split in two and cleared the path for the Rajasuya Yagya. Yudhishtir was made the emperor.
- At Yudhishthir’s coronation, Shishupal objected to the honor granted to Krishna and disgraced the Pandava’s and Krishna. Krishna used his Sudarshan chakra to behead him and the event was resumed. As the city celebrated their new king, with the chariot carrying Yudhishthir to the Ganga, Duryodhan became even more spiteful and envious. While at the court, Duryodhan mistook a crystal floor for a pool of water and when he went to cross it he was embarrassed. When he saw a pool filled with lotuses, he was convinced that this too was an illusion and as a result fell in. Duryodhan was humiliated in front of everyone, including Draupadi who laughed out loud at him and added insult to injury. While most were making fun of him as he stormed out, Yudhishthir tried to stop him but it did nothing to mitigate his hate for his cousins.
- Shakuni, Duryodhan’s uncle, warned Duryodhan that even the strongest forces could not overcome the Pandavas in battle and thus it would be foolish for him to fight them as victory would surely be on their side. Thus, Shakuni hatched a plan to use Yudhishthir’s interest in dice to use his skills to take away their kingdom through not war but a game, which would prove deadlier than the sword. Dhritarashtra was made known of the plan and sent Vidur to Indraprasth to invite the Pandavas. Yudhishthir was a kshatriya, thus was bound to accept any challenge related to gambling and fighting, so despite the warning of deceit by the Karuvas brought by Vidur he accepted.
- Though Yudhisthir spoke against Duryodhan’s using Shakuni as a substitute for rolling the dice, as it went against the terms of the game, but conceded when he called him a coward and the came commenced. The Pandava’s lost their pearls, wealth, chariot, army and horses, and his kingdom to the Karuvas. After losing all his wealth and possessions, Yudhisthir was left with nothing else to wager. Until finally, to everyone’s shock he wagered his brother Nakul who was a powerful warrior and one of Yudhisthir’s prized possessions. Next was Sahadev. Even still, he was desperate to continue though he suspected foul play. Then Arjun and Bhim were lost despite those who told the Pandav to surrender. Yudhisthir even lost himself to Shakuni.
- Shakuni told Yudhisthir he could win himself back from their slavery by staking Draupadi, which against his better judgement succeeded to this suggestion but lost her as well in this final defeat. Vidur when told to fetch the woman refused and warned the Karuvas of the devastating consequences of the events that unfolded, but this fell upon deaf ears and he sent a guard in his place. She refused to go with him, but when he went back a second time he didn’t take no for an answer and dragged her out of her chamber to the assembly hall by her hair. Witnesses to the event were shocked and shaken to see what occurred, with her clothes torn, crying out for help, and hair disheveled while she tried to defend herself. After seeing the helpless faces of her husbands, she pleaded with the elders for help but none came to her rescue. Dhritirashtra and Bhishma could do nothing. “The ideals of morality and virtue had lost their meaning.”
- Draupadi was pointed at, mocked, and called names in the court by the Karuvas and she raged… “her words fell like fire” and on the floor she closed her eyes and prayed to Krishna for protection.  

Bibliography:
Author: Epified
Title: Epified: Mahabharata, Part E (Playlist)
Source: YouTube

(Image Source: Screenshot by me of Episode 44, YouTube) 

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Reading Notes: Mahabharata, Part D

Mahabharata, by Epified on Youtube

- Drupadi grows up to be a beautiful princess, and her father plans a swayamvar for her in Panchaal. Many princes of nearby kingdoms attended the contest, including Duryodhan and other Kauravas, as well as the Pandavas disguised as brahmins. The challenge was to shoot an arrow at a fish’s eye as it swam in a bowl of oil. All but Arjun could lift the divine bow, a surprise to all after all the other Kshatriya had failed, and he effortlessly completed the task.
- The events at Draupadi’s swayamvar was more than a simple ceremony, it was a turning point in the Mahabharata: “a point in time where paths of destiny converged and seeds of future devastation were sown.” Karna, King of Anga, was insulted by the princess who spoke that a “soot-putra” had no business in participating in the presence of kings and that he could not be worthy of her even with his archery skills. Little did she know of the future of war ahead after she said these unkind words. Krishna and Balram happened to be in the hall, not to take part but to observe. Krisha, in his all-seeing eyes saw “all that had happened, all that was happening, and all that was about to happen.” He was happy that Draupadi had received Arjuna as her husband.
- On their way home, the five Pandava brothers had to fight off hostile local princes. At their mother Kunti’s orders, the brothers were told to “share” Arjuna’s wife so as not to create strife among them. Yudhishtir, Bhim, Nakul, and Sahadev were hesitant because it seemed wrong since Arjuna was the one who won her hand in marriage. A sage who happened by their home told the family of Draupadi’s former life in which she had prayed for a spouse with five virtues, and thus he said having so many husbands was her destiny so the brothers agreed. Dhrishtadyumna, Draupadi’s brother, spilled the beans on his sister to their father who weren’t fans.
- The Kauravas tried to kill the Pandavas by burning down the palace (allegedly made of wax) that they had taken for shelter, but they exit safely and settle instead in Ekachakra as wandering brahmins. After word was spread about the multiple marriage of Draupadi and the Pandava’s, the Kauravas were angry and jealous. Draupad called Karna and the Kaurava’s, Bhishma, who said that they should divide their kingdom with the family. Drona, who was also part of the Kaurava council, sent Vidur for the brothers to Hastinapur as they were currently under the protection of the Panchaal king. The brothers agreed and were welcomed with open arms; they crowned Yudhishthir and were given the kingdom of Khandavaprasth. He agreed to move away from his cousins in Hastinapur to this wasteland cursed by Indra to prevent problems with his cousins that would result in war. This place was inhabited by asurs, rakhashas, and nagas.
- Krishna invited Vishvakarma, a divine architect,  to help the brothers build up the barren kingdom they inherited. During their time in the woods, Arjun and Krishna met Agni who in his hunger wanted to burn down the forest. As this would be beneficial to the brothers who wanted to rid their land of asurs, rakhashas, and nagas and thus approved clearing them through wildfire. Then the work began to construct the magnificent city they called Indraprasth since it was meant to resemble Indra’s own city which would entice many from Hastinapur to relocate to mansions given to them by generous Yudhishthir. Duryodhan, who was filled with envy blamed Dhritarashtra for giving Khandavaprasth to the brothers.
- Narad Muni visited the new kingdom at Khrishna’s request, who was sought for guidance in the administration of the kingdom. Upon meeting Draupadi, Narad was reminded of the story of the asura brothers Sundha and Upasundha. It was said these two were inseparable much like the Pandavas, and they thought that death could only touch them if it was at each other’s hands. The two fell in love with the same woman, Tilottama, who was created by Vishwakarma with millions of gems. In a deadly dual over the same woman. After Narad narrated the story, he warned the brothers that Draupadi’s beauty could cause the same dispute and that they ought to stand together despite all odds. Thus, after negotiation it was decided they would each keep her as his wife for a year and that if one should intrude he should be exiled for 12 years. After hearing from a balcony that a brahmins belongings were stolen by thieves, Arjuna went for his weapons in Yudhishthira’s chambers knowing that he would be punished because dharma was “above all” and he felt compelled to help the brahmin in need. He felt ashamed but happy to do the right thing and ready to leave Indraprasth because despite others urging he stay, he stuck to his principles.
- In the Himalayas, Arjuna and the band of brahmins stayed by the river Ganga. One day, he was pulled to the bottom of the water and was met with Ulupi, daughter of the Naga Kauravya and king of Naaglok. Arjuna gave in to temptation with the beautiful woman despite betraying Draupadi. After a few months he left, and the group had grown long beards and reached Kalinga where most were dropped off. Arjuna kept on until Manalur, where King Chitrasen’s daughter, Chitragandha stole his heart and he asked her hand in marriage. After 3 years and she gave him a child, he decided to go back to his brothers and stole away in the night.
- Krishna told Arjuna that all his experiences were predestined when they had met and dined at Prabhasa, on the outskirts of Dwarka. During this time he also told him of his desire to marry his sister, Subhadra, which was agreed to despite the knowledge that she was sought by Duryodhan too. Since gaining Balrams approval would be difficult if not impossible, Krishna told Arjuna to make the girl fall for him and then abduct her during a festival while disguised as a sanyasi.

Bibliography:
Author: Epified
Title: Epified: Mahabharata, Part D (Playlist)
Source: YouTube

(Image Source: Screenshot by me of episode 27, Youtube)

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Tech Tip: Google Art Extension

Tech Tip: Google Art Project for Chrome

I love art, so this tech tip is totally up my alley. This chrome extension “Google Arts & Culture,” as it’s called on the chrome web store, is easy to install and adds an extra bit of flair with every new tab I open. I think these come from the same Google photos and art archive that is used for ChromeCast for tv. It really reminds me of another extension called Stumble Upon which I guess has now moved to Mix. I haven’t used this in years, but basically what I remember of it is with each time you reload a page it takes you to a new website- of which there are seemingly endless in number. I recall being a teenager and finding some very cool websites this way. Before I discovered sites like Reddit and before Facebook became prevalent where it incorporates links from other sources, this was how I accessed obscure sites. I recall one in which it had a ton of envelope icons, each different from the other, where if you click them it would open a random, out of context handwritten or typed letter. It was so fun to see the different fonts and styles of writing people had, and each seemingly used a different utensil. Some even had pictures or stamps. This was quite fun. Websites like that one and this one are great tools for exploring the internet. I’m happy to have beautiful photographs, paintings, and drawings before I access the internet site I intend to. The only drawback is the fact that the icons of frequently visited sites are no longer there to easily open my most used websites. This is a small disadvantage for the visual treat that this tool allows, though!

(Image Source: Screenshot by me, Google Arts & Culture Extension)

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Learning Challenge: Taking Up "Single-Tasking"

“Single-tasking Is the New Multi-tasking” by James Hamblin for the Atlantic

It is indeed becoming increasingly more complicated to “check out” or “go off the grid” these days, and somehow being seen struggling trying to satisfy many tasks at once is just a price to pay to be considered successful. I totally relate to the “my brain has too many tabs open” meme below the embedded video. Technology is such a double-edged sword. On the one hand, so much valuable knowledge is at our fingertips. On the other hand, so much irrelevant time wasters are too. Somehow, also, it’s impossible to separate yourself from these social media sites that drown so much time. Since even employers are using these platforms to reach their desired audiences, it’s almost like you’re expected to have a visible public online presence to be considered suitable for a position in a modern world that is so entrenched in these communication systems. I love the quote that “maybe this is life mimicking internet” to explain his observation of his inability to focus on one thing at a time. I’m not surprised at all with the statistic that overall negative college GPA’s are associated with students who use social media and text. It’s bizarre to think that the type of smart phone I had entering college the first time years ago had limited internet access and no apps, I can definitely vouch that my grades reflected this lack of distraction.

I think I might have to take up this man’s suggestion for “single tasking” or “tab-less Thursdays” as he calls it to remedy my overly stressed and overwhelmed brain. I think the problem with being so inattentive is the fact that we have so few moments to have thoughts of our own when the thoughts are being dictated by a thousand things in our environment. Sometimes after a long night of homework and my brain is blank I realize how much time had passed since I’d had an original thought that wasn’t for the purpose of engaging with some stimulus that I was obligated or coerced to engage with. Even in that moment, I’m still compelled almost against my will to continue to think about the thing that I was working on rather than “opening a new tab” for a space with my own thoughts! Also, as hard as it is I think I need to try to regain the discipline I had as a freshman the first time years ago before the modern smart-phone and try to not let this device dictate my attention span.

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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Growth Mindset: Giving Grades

“Why Do We Get Grades In School?”  video by PBS Studios

In this video by PBS Studios, it discusses the origin of what we students are so fondly familiar of: letter grades. According to our informative host, it seems that a professor named Ezra Stiles is behind this polarizing practice that has made students dread report card day for centuries. It’s interesting to learn that the system wasn’t standardized for widespread use for some time. I myself think it would make a world of difference if we were still assigned value to our academic efforts with “descriptive adjectives” instead of the number scale we are so used to seeing. I can see how systems for grading performance and improvement in school is important and necessary, but it is a shame that it holds so much weight in terms of someone’s mental health. Most intriguing were questions 3 and 4 in this short video: Do grades really matter? Are they actually effective tools for helping students learn? I think they are in a sense, a single paper blueprint for the type of student someone is, but as this woman states it tells a limited story about someone’s educational journey. A high GPA does, in theory, require a vigorous work ethic but I find it hard to believe that someone can deduce who a person is from a paper alone. I appreciate that this woman discusses the difference between those who succeed with and without having proved themselves in a standard classroom because as she notes there are those who “conform” and climb the ladders of a career and those who are “visionaries” who make their own ladder.

I am all about Alfie Kohn’s perspective on creating creative and critical thinkers through “qualitative accounts of student performance.” This concept of hands-on versus hands-off teaching with a goal of encouraging students to chase personal improvement rather than arbitrary grades makes me consider those progressive teachers and mentors in my life who have helped me to pin less of my self-worth on a standardized system. I think of progress reports from my childhood when narrative type breakdowns of a students progress was more prevalent, and one on one conferences with gifted instructors of mine who worked to target and correct where my work went wrong, and professors that give sufficient opportunity for making up academic losses with the intention that we actually go back and work on our weakest areas. There are advantages and disadvantages, but I think even if our schools are entrenched in a quantitative system so long as there are teachers that help their students in the ways listed above there will be students better equipped and more enthusiastic for their futures.

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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Reading Notes: Jakata Tales by Ellen Babbitt

These readings are very much like the last readings, barely differing at all in method and style. I like that there are so many short stories to read since some rather than others stick with me. What makes some more compelling than others is hard to say, but I guess if I find the content of the story makes sense and shares a moral message in a clever way I like it more. Otherwise, I guess small things make a story charming in its own way. For example, some choices the writer makes isn’t what I would do myself but I suppose it keeps it interesting. In the first story, “How The Monkey Saved His Troop,” I thought it was funny that the author would choose to describe mangoes like peaches. Something about this comparison seems a little unusual to me and I don’t know why. This story in general confused me a bit, since logically the conclusion seemed a little far fetched since the human was sure they would shoot the monkeys. It does feature animals as main characters though, which is something that I for some reason associate with the Jakata Tales and prefer the stories that use creatures instead of humans. I think this is why “The Brave Little Bowman” wasn’t one of my favorites. I liked the one about the lion and the wolf a lot, it was sad but it’s tragedy like this that makes you feel so sad for characters that like the wolf dream too big. Something about lions or monkeys or whatever as main characters I suppose takes me back to childhood when I read stories like this. If I were to write a story based on these Tales I would surely be inspired by these stories that I have read since I was little.

Bibliography:

Title: More Jataka Tales
Author: Ellen C. Babbitt
Source: Web

(Image Source: The Wise Goat and The Wolf, Web)

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Reading Notes: Jakata Tales by Ellen Babbitt

The readings this week, “More Jataka Tales,” are very much like those we read weeks ago that were written by Buddha. You can see how they were inspired by the original multiple mythologies we were introduced to in message and style, as they in a short number of simple lines had a moral lesson within. Each was unique but they had similar elements as far as method is concerned, with clever use of language and certain contexts that gave rise to an ethical conclusion. It’s a toss-up whether my favorite of these stories were more overt ad obvious or whether it is the more witty and obscure of these that left a more lasting impression.

For example, between the first two stories “The Girl Monkey and the String of Pearls” and “The Three Fishes,” the first created a situation in which the tables could be turned on the character that was trying to be caught for her moral turpitude. In this case, the crime that was trying to be brought to light was theft, and through a contrived situation the monkey in question was essentially a “victim” of entrapment in which she unknowingly confessed to her peers when she bragged that she had a necklace of pearls when they only had glass beads. Whereas, in the second “The Three Fishes,” the principle of the story is more exaggerated from the start and choice of character names literally differentiates them based on the characteristics these names elicit: thoughtful, very thoughtful, and thoughtless. This simple word (or name) choice drives the moral message of the story home from the very beginning this way by then building character profiles as the story progresses that made themselves apparent from the initial introductions in which the reader associated and inferred future events based on first impressions. Lo and behold, as was expected the fish named “very thoughtful” was as one could assume the hero of the story whose prudency saved himself and his fish friends.

I guess in the grey area would be the stories that are more obscure and whose messages aren’t so cut and dry as the author seemed to intentionally leave an air of uncertainty and confusion for the purpose of dramatization when in the finale the message unfolds. This is similar to the context driven technique I talked about above, but instead of the reader being I suppose “omniscient” or “in the know” (even if through a hunch that the author provokes) they are kept out of the loop until the “big reveal.” I think the stories that fall under this category would include but are not limited to “The Tricky Wolf and the Rats” or maybe “The Otters and the Wolf.” Some of these may fit in a number of these categories, or not in one indefinitely but these are some general similarities or procedures I can detect between the several of them.

Bibliography:

Title: More Jataka Tales
Author: Ellen C. Babbitt
Source: Web

(Image Source: The Three Fishes, Web)

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Learning Challenge: Intensity vs Consistency

“Intensity versus Consistency” by Simon Sinek

I really enjoyed this video by Simon Sinek that talked about intensity versus consistency. He made some compelling points that dials down to how we allot our time and the results of said schedule. His examples of working out and going to the dentist, where doing at little every day to maintain either our muscles or teeth is more effective than one vigorous appointment for either. This concept of consistency is also romantic relationships go the distance, since as Sinek points out it’s the little things like kissing good morning (x) amount of days more than the grand gestures that gives two people that lifetime kind of love. I have never thought about how intensity and short-term gratification sizes up to it’s companion, consistency and long term results. Sure, consistency is a commitment that requires more time and effort but in contrast to intensity, it's more reliable. How he tied in these examples to life at a company was enlightening and made me mentally compare the types of business models America is more prone to. This translates to the culture of our immediate environment and our educational system as well if one really analyzes how greedy we’ve all become at pursuing personal ends through shortcuts. I liked his appeal that we should look at our community in our work or school or society as a place to build a communal vision together at pace that is natural. This very much translates into any area of life if one really realizes that purposeful attention and time, even a little every day, yields more valuable results that we’re all trying to unnaturally attain through intensity.

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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Reading Notes: Epified, Krishna (Part B)

Epified: Krishna, Part B

- Brahma, upon observing Krishna share the food off of his plate with his fellow cowherders and friends was surprised and perplexed at his generosity. To test the young man, he kidnapped the cows and villagers for the equivalent of one year, but Krishna created replicas of the lost creatures and people from himself and fooled all involved. In the end, Brahma bowed down to Krishna’s divinity after the ordeal.
- Against the warnings of his friends and brother, Krishna vowed to try and ride the vicious bull Hastin. To become acquainted with the beast before Poornima, Krishna played music for him and fed him sweet straw until after an amount of time he trusted him. When the time came, Krishna mounted him and shocked his audience who learned a lesson of kindness through his example of befriending the wild creature.
- After being denied by his parents when he asked to marry his soulmate Radha, Krishna was brought to the family priest, Gargacharya who told him the truth of his birth and fate as the deliverer that the sages have anticipated, the savior of Dharma.
- Kansa organized an event called Dhanur Yajna and sent his servant Akrur to invite Krishna and Belram in one final attempt at altering his impending destruction, but Akrur ended up spilling the beans on this plan when he went to fetch them since he was starstruck by Krishna. Stepping up to face his fate, Krisha went along despite the pushback of the gopi’s and cowherder’s of Vrindavin who were saddened and scared to see him leave the village.
- There was a warm welcome for the brothers in Mathura and on the off chance they got on someone’s wrong side, the were quickly able to solve disputes and became known for their kindness. Krishna even healed a deformed woman of her disabilities from a hug.
- Kansa tried to kill Krishna and Belram by trampling with an aggressive elephant called Kuvalayapida in one final attempt at changing the grave prophecy fast approaching, but this creature was no match for Krisna who rendered it unconscious with a single punch. In a last ditch effort he even sent wrestlers before the brothers reached the event, but again they were no match. They then proceeded to participate in the Dhanur Yagya, with Krisna lifting the divine bow shocking the crowd. This object was made by Lord Shiv and was meant for Vishnu. While stringing the instrument, it snapped and with this omen of imminent death Kansa set his army on the brothers but once again to no avail. Before he was able to flee the scene, he took his last breath after the brothers successfully attacked him.
- Krisha freed his grandfather Ugrasen and his birth parents Devaki and Vasudev who were all locked up by the tyrant Kansa, and Ugrasen was made king of Mathura and the family was together in one kingdom again.
- Angered at the news of his ally’s death, Jarasandh (king of Magadh) wanted to wage war against Mathura. Since Krishna wanted to keep his citizens safe, his grandfather agreed to have divine architect Vishwakarma build the city Dwarka for the Mathurans so that their enemy would find an empty city upon his next attack. In this new location, Krishna was crowned King. Knowing the fate of Jarasandh was well away in the hands of Bhima the Pandava, he didn’t kill Jarasandh and his city though he could have.

Bibliography:
Author: Epified
Title: Epified: Krishna, Part B (Playlist)
Source: YouTube

(Image Source: Screenshot by me of episode 13, YouTube)

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Reading Notes: Epified, Krishna (Part A)

Epified: Krishna, Part A

- Against the odds, Krishna was born despite so many attempts to prevent it. He went on to become a king and had many friends and foes who did not know of he wasn’t part of their world.
- An aakaashvaani fortold the cruel ruler Kansa of Mathura that the eighth child of his cousin Devaki and Vasudev. Rather than kill them after learning of his fate, Devaki talked him down from the ledge of that decision and he decided instead to kill all the children of this couple instead in a show of his demonic ruthlessness. He managed to slay six of them. The seventh fetus was transported from her womb to that of Rohini (Vasudev’s first wife) by the goddess Mahamaya and many suspected she suffered a miscarriage. The eighth child she bore came with a great spectacle- and in devalok the gods and animals were joyful at the thought of Vishnu’s eighth incarnation until word got to Kansa.  
- Vasudev held his beloved child but felt a divine urge to embark with his newborn to the Yamuna, so in the downpour he set out with his son. Once arrived, he beheld it’s vicious waters and from it emerged a serpent which used it’s body to shield the man and his child while he walked through the waist-deep river. On the other side was a cowherd camp where he found Nanda’s wife who just gave birth to a baby called Maya, and he switched their babies.
- When Kansa awoke from a nightmarish rest, he approached the couple’s cell full of anxious thoughts having heard about the boy slayer being born but noticed the baby was a girl upon arrival. He laughed out loud at the thought of a little girl bringing about his demise, and when he was about to kill the child from Yashoda she transformed into Durga. She criticized Kansa for his foolishness for underestimating her strength on account of her womanly form and reminded of the many demons (more mighty than him) that she had already annihilated. She also admitted to Kansa that the eighth incarnation of Vishnu was alive and safe, and that at the appropriate time they would meet and their fates fulfilled.
- Nanda’s wife, Yashoda, was surprised to find newborn Krishna in place of the baby girl she had remembered birthing but loved him and another boy she had been elected to take care of like her own children. After hearing about the many newborns being slaughtered by Kansa in Mathura in his anxious attempt to kill his future assassin, she became all the more protective of her children. So many people—merchants, travelers, holy men, and many more visited Gokul to see her kids, including a woman named Putana whom her children took to quickly and became close to the family. Until one night, she turned into a wicked demoness with intentions to kill Krishna with her poisonous breast milk. However, the tables turned and baby Krishna ended up sucking her strength, powers, and the hatred in her heart from her in the process. This is when it became apparent to his adoptive mother that he was different.
- Krishna was known in the neighborhood as a naughty kid who with his friends got into trouble and was known as the boy who stole butter. In an attempt at disciplining her boy after learning he was eating mud, when Yashoda went to examine his mouth saw not mud but the entire universe within—sun, moon, stars and all creatures and galaxies and cosmos connected by strings stretching eternally. It was at this point she came to terms with the fact that he was the Bramand itself.
- After learning of collective dreams urging the citizens to move elsewhere, Nanda and his subjects evacuated Gokul for Vrindavan, where Krishna and Balram explored endlessly. Krishna had an innate talent for the flute, and while playing one day he heard the sounds of his friends playing cease and upon investigation found that the poisonous air in the lake of Kalia the snake had made them all unconscious. Krishna with his rhythmic music played the snake back into the deep which in turn cleared the water and the atmosphere of poison. This is only one of many different monstrous terrors sent to the town from Kansa that Krisha ended up overpowering against all odds.
- Inda brought torrential rain upon Vrindavan after feeling neglected with Nanda agreed with Krishna’s appeal that they would instead worship the Govardhan Hill. The people ran to Krishna to seek shelter from the storm, who lifted the mountain with his litter finger making  it like an umbrella and urging Indra to put his pride aside and ask the mighty god of gods his forgiveness.
- Krishna was enamored with a Gopi named Radha, who was equally devoted to him as proven from a prank to drink scalding milk that was said to be an order from Krishna himself that resulted in Krishna’s somehow taking in the blisters and pain from the show. She also allowed him to lick her feet when he was ill since it was said that was the only thing that could cure him.

Bibliography:
Author: Epified
Title: Epified: Krishna, Part A (Playlist)
Source: YouTube

(Image Source: Screenshot by me of episode 1, YouTube) 

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Wikipedia Trails from Drona to Draupadi

Drona:

In my core and extra credit reading assignments this week, I watched the draw along videos by Epified for parts A through C of the Mahabharata. After being reminded of the conflict between Drona and Drupada I thought I would research more about this character who is so prominent in the story. Some interesting tidbits I learned from his Wikipedia page had to do with the details of his mystical conception and birth, marriage and family, and his talents as a teacher. It also mentions his mistreatment of Ekalavya who wanted to be his student but was refused. There seems a bit of karma in the story of how he stole the potential future for the exceptional young archer in the same way that his childhood friend Drupada revoked from Drona the prospective part of his kingdom that he once offered him.

Drupada:

Speaking of Drupada, I followed to his Wikipedia page to learn more about him. The summary of his history with Drona was similar to that of Drona’s page, but emphasized the wording which he used to humiliate him in their confrontation where he called him a beggar because the difference of status had gotten to his ego. This also went into the back in forth he had with his childhood friend turned foe and how the cycle of vengeance just kept circling since he got his when he was captured by Arjuna of the Pandava clan and taken to Drona who smited him by taking of his kingdom what he thought he was owed. In this it says he did the sacrifice that begot him his twins after the event of him being taken by Arjuna, and that the motive was to have a daughter to marry Arjuna and a son to slay Drona. I’ll have to review and see if this matches my understanding from the PDE and Epified video version of the story.

Dhrishtadyaumna:

Drupada’s first child from the grat yajna (Putrakameshti, a vedic ritual fire sacrifice) was Dhrishtadyaumna. I was interested to see if I could get any more information to do with him and his sister to help me shape a story I could write of them, either of their birth story or something more speculative like how they felt about each other or their identities. Interestingly it said he and his sister were born and immediately grew to adulthood with their full set of skills, his being martial and religious. He was prophesied to bring Drona’s eventual demise but also was his student confusingly. He was the commander of the Pandava army in the battle of Kurukshetra. After he beheaded Drona as predicted, Arjuna attacked him but his attempt was intercepted by Draupadi and Krishna. Lastly, in the analysis it speaks on his mindset regarding his siblings and his lack of respect for them on account of his understand of himself as superior given his godly parentage. That is, the sons Satyajit and Shikhandi.

Draupadi:

I feel like I know already a fair amount about Drapadi from the two versions of the Mahabharata I have read. Mainly here on her Wikipedia page, I wanted to find any new information on her relationship to her brother particularly if it’s available. While this page had a lot of information about her I could come back if I needed a refresher, I didn’t find anything new that really enhances what I have in mind for a story based on her and her brother in my Storybook so I will have to keep on with a different kind of search later.

(Draupadi; Image Source: Wikipedia)

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Extra Credit Reading Notes: More Mahabharata, Part C

Mahabharata, by Epified on Youtube

• Karna learned of his origins of his adoption. He went out to find a teacher and was denied by Drona on account of his not being a kshatriya, which really disappointed him but for the sake of honoring the parents who raised him he never corrected him. In his search for another teacher, he came upon one who in contrast with Drona, would refuse to teach a kshatriya. This teacher is was an avatar of Vishnu, Parsharam and Karna learned the art of war, including the use of the most devastating weapons in the world.
• One day a scorpion stung Karna, but so as not to disturb his sleeping teacher on his lap he ignored it. Instead of impressing Parsharam, he instead was suspicious and accused him of being a kshatriya as no Brahmin’s would have been able to suffer so silently. Thus, he sent Karna away and cursed him saying that he would not be able to use his skills in the future when he most needed to.
• The Pandavas and Kauravas learned from Kripacharya and Drona, they had a tournament to show their skills. Karna out-did Arjuna in his archery skills to Arjuna’s frustration but was refused the title of victor. When the Pandava’s tried to perform against him, their teacher Kripacharya intervened and demanded that they must learn of Karna’s lineage since he had to have royal ancestry to proceed. He told what he knew of his story, and Kunti fainted after hearing it. Duryodhan declared Karna king of Anga.
• The story of friendship turned foe between Drona and Drupad, disciples of the same teacher, tells a story of forking morals and ambitions leading to different paths. Drupad always promised Drona he would give him half his kingdom once he acquired one despite the fact that Drona had never cared much for material things or money except in the case that he need it to care for his wife and son Ashwatthama. Drupad was crowned king of Paanchal, but went back on his childhood promise and humiliated him. Afterward he was invited by Bhishma to train the Pandavas and Kauruvas at Hastinapur in the art of archery and arms.
• Arjun was the best archer, and Bheem was the strongest, and Yudhisthira with his wisdom was up next for the throne at Hastinapur much to Duryodhan’s dismay and jealousy. He devises with Karna and Shakuni to get rid of the 5 brothers.  He planned to set a palace for the brothers at Vanvrat on fire and to burn them to death, hoping it would be believed an accident. Vidura warned them and realized upon the completion of the building that was made of combustible material. The cousins escaped through a contrived passage.  
• Bhima was the pillar of strength for his family while they were in the forest, supporting their weak frames, fetching water for them, and keeping watch in the night. They settle in the city of Ekachakra after wandering far and put on disguises as Brahmins to prevent detection from the Kauravas. This place apparently had a problem with an asura called Bakasur who had an agreement with the city that human sacrifices must be made periodically. Kunti met a man who was scheduled for this duty and said no one had been able to kill the asura, and she assured him her son Bhima would take his place. The son of Vayu ended up defeating him and everyone celebrated.
• Drupad in anticipation of Drona wanted a son who could face him so he held a Yagya and invited sages to offer prayers and grant him a son. From the sacred fire came the fraternal twins, Dhrishtadyumna and Draupadi.

Bibliography:
Author: Epified
Title: Epified: Mahabharata, Part B (Playlist)
Source: YouTube

(Image Source: Screenshot by me of Drupad and his twins in Episode 26, Youtube)

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Learning Challenge: Open Heart + Open Mind = Open Dialogue

“Open Heart, Open Mind” by Jake Morgan and Neal Walia

I chose this video after I realized I recognized a name—Neal Walia. It took me a second to realize this was a video from an event called TEDxOU, and that though my only memory of him was as a teenager who knew a friend of mine, he obviously went to OU at some point! To see him speak here with Jake Morgan in this talk about understanding mental illness through empathetic storytelling was very interesting! It’s so cool to see that this event was held on OU's campus. Their message of connecting with our OU family on more than just the surface is one that should be taken more seriously by our students who so often needlessly suffer alone with the weight of personal problems. They shone a light on the fact that even the most stable seeming of individuals could be harboring a secret that they feel shame or anxiety about- like Neal’s bipolar disorder or Jake’s clinical depression. For two guys who seem on the outside such perfect examples to admit such truths behind the veil of their star-student personas shows how even those who most successfully cover their internal challenges are much like the rest of us who are actually visually a mess.

The stigma behind mental health problems leads to students bearing a load of shame in the shadows. The conditions that arise from chemical imbalances in the brain such as the ones they spoke about are all too common, but as they said are “not usually advertised on a stage.” I can say personally that this is true. They put a humorous spin on connecting through such a sad shared experience, but as Jake stated: “The statistics are there to show we aren’t alone, but the dialogue isn’t.” Their emphasis on how our ability as humans to empathize as not only logical but biological was something I didn’t know, so now thinking back to the many stories that shed light on such conditions I have such respect for the author giving their readers that ability to put on the shoes of someone so affected. As hard as it is, being vulnerable and putting our experiences on “paper” so to speak is key to starting a conversation about mental illness which is so often invisible.It is SO hard to be explicit about mental illness, so I really appreciate this video. Especially knowing these words were spoken in my own community puts my mind at ease and gives me encouragement that the project that they oversaw (whenever this video was shot) might have helped someone. 

(Image Source: Pixabay Stock Photos)

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Reading Notes: More Mahabharata, Part B

Mahabharata, by Epified on Youtube

• Dhritrashtra marries Gandhari, who blinds herself (permanently but without physically disabling herself), Pandu marries Kunti and Madri. Kunti has a secret from her past that ends up progressing the story. [I’m realizing how important flashbacks are to this story.]
• Through speaking a mantra shared with her by Durwasa, Kunti summoned Suryadeva (the Sun god) and after being bathed “in his light” was left with his child. Scared and unwed, she felt obligated to abandon the child. She placed him in a basket and on the bank of a river and asked his godly father figure to watch over him and the waves took him away to her anguish.
• While in the woods, when Pandu was hunting he mistakenly fired an arrow at a hermit couple who were in the middle of a love-making session. After misfiring, the hermit man cursed Pandu before he died since they were more than defenseless but distracted by their moment of passion. The moment Pandu has sexual relations with a woman, because of the Hermit’s curse he would die. In his devastation, he sent word that he would not return to Hastinapur and would stay in the forest forever.
• To give hope to Pandu for his despair that his brother Dhristrashra would be seated on the throne indefinitely without an heir of his own, Kunti revealed to him her gift of being able to summon a god to give her a child.
•  Kunti called upon Yama first, Pandu’s first-born son Yudhishthir who would be known for being calm and collected. Kunti then ushered Vayudev, the wind god, who gave her a son as strong and quick as air—Bhima. Then she called Indra, who gave her a son who would be known as a great warrior and archer—Arjuna. [I thought the videos descriptions of these supernatural births were done very well. The PDE version of these events was more straight-forward, but the way this video set up the scenes with drawings of each character involved with the voiceover of their titles and specific characteristics made it more special.]
•  Kunti, after refusing to use her mantra to have more children herself helped Pandu’s second wife Madri summon the Ashwin twins, who gave her Nakul and Sahdeva. [I thought this was especially touching that Kunti would use her own gift to give another woman a chance at motherhood. It’s almost like a strange form of adoption.]
•  After being cursed with celibacy after what happened in the forest, he forced himself on Madri in a moment of weakness and succumbed to death that was awaiting this abandonment of control. Madri chose to share her husband’s fate by following him into the flames at his cremation ceremony.  [It seems so sad to me that just after he was given children, he was so soon taken away before he could help raise them. Even sadder that the twins’ mother, Madri, who is their remaining parental figure would leave them orphaned. I can’t remember if the PDE mentioned guilt as a motivation for her to sacrifice herself, but I feel like given the circumstances it could have been likely.]
•  Kunti adopted Madri’s children and took the twins’ and her three boys out of the forest where she had lost so much and left for Hastinapur. [In this version, her sacrifice and commitment as a mother seem especially apparent.]
• The drawn-out scene at Hastinapur with Gandari’s pregnancy and birth is a strange one. She gives birth to a lifeless mass of flesh. To bring his prophecy to life and give her the hundred sons she was promised, Ved Vyasa returned and divided the lump into a hundred pieces and soaked them in vats until it was time. The firstborn from the vats, Duryodan was sensed to be demonic to everyone but his mother who on account of her blindness did not sense. [There seems to be underlying symbolism with the parents’ lack of sight and their ability to dismiss the obvious omens that surrounded their children.]
• Duryodhan felt left out since Bhima was favored by his grandfather Bhishma, a feeling that would turn into hate. This along with his mentor Shakuni (Gandari’s brother’s) advice would be the fire behind Duryodhan’s motive to destroy the Pandava children before they could take Hastinapur from him.
•  His first attempt was to put a sleep-inducing substance in the Pandava’s food, which subsequently led him to tie up Bhima’s hands and feet and pushing him into a lake. After fighting off deadly serpents, he found himself in ruler Vasuki’s realm, Naag Lok. He called him a grandson on account of their mutual relative Chief Aaryak, and he gave him a magic potion that would give him matchless strength and that he would become a hero remembered throughout history.
• Bhishma appoints the brahmin Drona as the Pandava’s teacher. Yudhisthira’s skill was as a horseman behind the reins on the battlefield, Madri’s twin’s talent was as swordsmen, Bhima was as predicted an all-around powerhouse with a mace and Arjuna wielded all weapons with utmost precision but preferred his bow and arrow and was likewise perfect in hand-to-hand combat.
• Arjuna and Ashwatthamama, Drona’s son and disciple as well, were shown the use of devastras—divine weapons that control the elements.
• The story of Ekalavya, a nishaad boy who was not a warrior, prince, or kshatriya but a simple huntsman. He claimed his teacher was Drona, but it turned out that he ,was only his teacher indirectly—through the inspiration of looking toward a figure he had formed in his image after Drona denied him as his student on account of his being only a forest dweller. This turn of events of this self-taught archer stunned both Drona and the disciples he had accepted.
• The guru put all justice and fairness aside when he asked the boy to cut his thumb off for him which he did promptly, making him physically unable to hold the title of the world's greatest archer. [This was dumbfounding, how Drona could put his principles aside and disrespect the very person who looked to him as an idol is totally demeaning of all Ekalavya’s hard work and devotion. Totally sickening and against all virtue and good consciousness.]

Bibliography:
Author: Epified
Title: Epified: Mahabharata, Part B (Playlist)
Source: YouTube

(Screenshot by me of Kunti in Mahabharata Episode 9, Youtube)

Leave a Comment Reading, Week 9