Indian Epics Journal

Episode 10 - Pandu's Curse Dhrithrashtha and Pandu get married. Kunti has secret son from Surya. Three of them enjoyed the forest and each other's company. Pandu hunted in the woods. He made a mistake. Shot an arrow at hermit couple making love. Killed him in a moment of passion. Whenever he becomes intimate with a woman, he would die. They made a decision. Pandu would not be returning. Kunti and Madri stayed back too. Dhritarashtra thought throne was his for good. Kunti spoke the mantra and gave rise to Hastinapur's future kings. Episode 11 - Sons of Pandu Pandu kills kermit and gets cursed. Kunti called Yama, God of Truth and Death, gave her son to be embodiment of patience, Yudhisthir. He became mental block of the brothers to be relied on in times of turmoil. Wind god gave Kunti son who was as strong as the wind, named Bheem, known as hero later on. Mantra was called upon to Indra, which gave her a son to become a great warrior. Kunti summoned twins for Madr...

Growth mindset is the best mindset. Source: TeachThought. I experience the strongest growth mindset when I consider myself apart from my academics and extracurriculars. Instead, I focus on who I am as a person, what my passions are, how I define them, and what I can do to better myself as this ideal person. Realizing imperfections are not a bad thing works well for me to adapt a growth mindset. I've come to the conclusion that imperfections are what allow people to be unique and without imperfections, you cannot improve yourself, your ambitions, nor can you understand how to move forward from mistakes and hurdles encountered. Now, whenever something does not go as planned, I do my best to remain calm and focus on how I can get over this set back. Of course, I think it's human nature to be upset and express your true emotions if you are distressed, but the most important thing to remember is to never give up your original passion.

A relatable image. Source: We are IU. Wow! I cannot believe this semester is coming to an end. I feel like just yesterday I was crafting my very first blog post of the semester: "Introduction to a coffee fanatic." This semester had its ups and downs but I've realized how much of a reality that reflects. All of us and our moods are continuously oscillating between two extremes because there is neither absolute happiness or sadness. The most valuable thing I've learned this semester is never to give up. You can have the whole world at your hands if you simply do not lose sight of your passions. I am excited for this summer as I will most likely be traveling or relaxing in some way, shape, or form, after I've applied to medical school in June. Luckily this semester, I only have three finals, which I am ready to ace. Regardless, I am stressed out because how can you not be?! To all my readers, wish me good luck as I embark on the journey of final exams.

Queen Satyavati ordered King Shantanu's son, Vyasa, to father children to both widows of his deceased son, Vichitravirya. When Vyasa visited his mother, he was under the influence of ascetic penance and thus, was not ready for the union with a woman who was still under the influence of worldly matters. Vyasa's mother, Satyavati, was adamant about her son fathering a child from the widows, as the Hastinapur throne was without any king. Vyasa knew that due to his unattractive appearance and smelly body, a woman might have distaste mindset during the Niyoga ritual, or marriage proposal. This, Vyasa decided, would affect the new born child in positive or negative way. Ambika could not face the rishi, Vyasa, with a peaceful mind. Thus, whatever were Ambika's bodily symptoms at the time of mating, were passed to Ambika's son, early on in her womb. Ambika, in the first instance, entered her chamber while the lamp was burning. The princess, seeing Vyasa's dark visage, h...

Episode 6 - Satyavati's Secret beloved king Shalwa, who refuses her. The kingdom no longer had a prince or king. Satyavati came forward to Bheeshm about her son with a former man. She summoned him to come and take over the reign of king. He became known as sage Vyasa. Unfortunately, he was no gem to look at and actually, people were terrified by his appearance. The throne of Hastinapur would finally be filled! Episode 7 - Sons of Vyasa Vichitraveerya dies so Vyasa takes over. Vyasa pays visit to Ambika, who closes her eyes when he takes her in an embrace. The child born to them was blind. Ambalika was visited too but she turned pale with fear and so their child was born pale and was in poor health. Servent girl fell in love witht he Sage. Blind child, Dhritrashtra, grew to be kind. Panda was pale and weak but grew to. Vidura grew to be wise and the god of truth and death. There was rivalry between Dhritarashtra and Pandu that Vidura noticed. There were too many contenders to ...

Mahabharata: the epic story of love, heros, villains, war, and importantly, a culture of India. Source: Wikipedia . Episode 1 - Shantanu the Unfortunate King Shantanu of Hastinapur fell in love with river goddess, Ganga, and asked her to marry him. Ganga said yes but made Shantanu promise her that he would never question her decisions. And so Shantanu said nothing as Queen Ganga killed each and every one of their newborn children. Finally one day, Shantanu could no longer bear Ganga's killings, so he interfered with her attempt to kill their eighth son, Devavrat. Ganga explained to him that all of the children she killed were celestial beings and she meant to end their mortality by drowning them in the river. Since Shantanu disregarded Ganga's wishes to never be questioned, Ganga left him and took their only son. Episode 2 - Devavrat returns Sixteen years after Ganga left him, Shantanu was strolling alongside the river when he noticed a young archer had tamed the riv...

In the land of the Gopis, winter time passed in its somber majesty. This followed with bright lotus petals coloring the land for warmer days yet to come, waving in the breeze and radiating happiness in brilliant shades. The prancing peacock’s exuberant calls, the sweet fragrance of the lotus spreading on cool, gentle breezes, and the overall fresh springtime atmosphere all contributed the perfect touch to the most anticipated event in Vrindavan: the meeting of Radha and Krishna. Krishna began playing flute as tribute to the spring day. Not too far away, the beauteous Radha was collecting water from the Yamuna river when she heard the melodious flute music. She ceased her water collecting and followed the sounds into the nearby forest. She let her eyes flow from tree to tree, noticing the buds ready to open into the light. Soon enough, the eyes of Radha met those of Krishna. Sparks flew with great ferocity as the immediate passion both had for each other became obvious. Following t...

Krishna Epified Episode 11 - Krishna Humbles Brahma Grazing voes by the lakeside. Brahma- creator of the universe say him sharing food. Tested divine power. Krishna found that the cowherd were kidnapped by Brahma. So Krishna created cows. Life went on normally in the village. Krishna fooled people. Every child and cowherd was Krishna. Episode 12 - Krishna Rides Hastin Balram told everyone he wants to kill ferocious beast. Krishna announced he would ride the beast on the full moon. Krishna did not listen to anyone. Fed jaggery to Hastin from a distance. KRishna got closer and closer to Hastin. Poonima. Krishna leaped onto Hastin. He rode Hastin all around the village. Krishna knew that even the strongest men did not do so. Krishna played the flute and reminded people that kindness is the ultimate strength. Episode 13 - The Savior of Dharma Radha and Krishna's love for each other made them one soul but Yashoda refused. Nanda decided to take him to Gargacharya. He could not m...

Krishna Comes - Intro Kamsa hated Krishna even before he was born. Krishna grew enemies who tried to keep him from being born. But when the enemies failed, they tried to keep him from growing up. But when this failed too, Krishna made allies with kind people and was loved by many. Eventually, he slays his ultimate enemy who is also his uncle, Kamsa. Episode 1 - Kamsa Kunti gave birth to Indra's son, Arjuna. Another birth took place far away... this birthed son would guide the Pandavas into war and bring about victory.. This birth was that of the one and only, Krishna. Kansa is a cruel ruler of Mathura. The gods above demanded that the eighth son of Devaki would slay Kansa. Kansa loved his cousin, Devaki, and decided not to kill her but instead throw her and her husband in jail until he found their son and killed him. He thought killing the eighth child would rid of his doom. Out of pure evilness, Kamsa killed all of Devaki's children, six in total. Vishnu came to Earth as a...

Krishna refused to be nursed by Putana. Source: Wikimedia Commons . A heavenly voice prophesied that Devaki's eighth son will slay King Kansa, so when Krishna was born, as an avatar of the god Vishnu, he was transported to Gokul. Here, Nanda and Yashoda became Krishna's foster parents. In response to hearing the eighth son was born, King Kansa ordered a rakshasi, named Putana, to disguise herself as Yashoda and pretend to be Krishna's foster mother. Putana arrived and kidnapped the real Yashadoa, who she hid far away from Gokul. Then, she returned to the home where Krishna dwelt. Putana tried to nurse him with poisoned milk, but the wise infant-god realized she was not his beloved foster mother, Yashoda. He cries and refuses to be nursed by Putana. Putana acts oblivious and in disguise, she tells Nanda, and asks him to leave Gokul so that she can bond with Krishna. While she's away, Krishna kills Putana, who as he assumed, is an ugly demon. Soon after, Yashoda ...

Shri Krishna of Dwarka and Other Stories  by C. A. Kincaid (1920),  Krishna and Yashoda, who presumed he was her son. Source: Wikipedia Commons. Chapter 2: Krishna's Childhood Yashoda found Krishna by her side and understandably presumed he was her own son. She loved Krishna with all of her heart. Kansa was incredibly distressed to know the eighth child was born but was not with them. In spire, he called the demons Dhenuka, Keshi, and Pralambasura to join his intent to kill all male children in the kingdom. The entire kingdom was oozing with blood everywhere, following the slaughtering of male children. Prince Vasudeva begged Nanda to take him to Gokula to protect Rohini's son Balarama. In the meantime, when King Kansa had accomplished his intentional massacre, he wished to kill male children outside his borders as well. For this, he called the demon Putana. She disguised herself as a beautiful woman crossing the Yamuuna river. She went from village to village and...

Yudhisthira and Draupadi. Source: Wikipedia . I would like to focus my next story on Yudhisthira's final test before entering heaven. I could focus on writing a love story about his willingness to literally go through hell in order to be with his beloved wife, Draupadi. Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913) The Afterlife link Article on Yudhisthira Conceived in a not traditional type of way Test of patience in Hell On reaching heaven, Yudhishthira did not find either his virtuous brothers or his wife Draupadi. Instead, he only saw Duryodhana and his allies. The Gods told him that his brothers were in Naraka, atoning for their sins. Yudhishthira loyally went to Naraka to meet his brothers, but the sight of gore and blood horrified him. After hearing the voices of his beloved brothers and Draupadi calling out to him, asking him to stay with them in their misery, he remained. Yudhishthira ordered the divine charioteer to return. He preferred t...

Yudhisthira and the final test before ascending to the heavens. Source: Wikipedia . The Afterlife Once in heaven, Yudhishthira faced one final test of his virtue: he saw only the Dhartarashtra Clan in heaven, and he was told that his brothers were in hell. He insisted on joining his brothers in hell, if that were the case! It was then revealed that they were really in heaven, that this illusion had been one final test for him. The epitome of all that is virtuous and righteous, Yudhishthira refused Indra’s offer. He said he couldn’t travel to heaven without Draupadi and his brothers. To this, Indra told him that they all ascended to heaven after falling to their deaths. It was a test of dharma and Yudhishthira had once again proved his righteousness by not abandoning people who stayed with him throughout. Yudhisthira loyally went to Naraka (hell) to meet his brothers, but the sights and sounds of gore and blood horrified him. Tempted to flee, he mastered himself and remained o...

Life in the Forest Pandavas go into exile in the deep forest. Yudhisthira sobbed with sorrow as he prayed to brahmins about losing the kingdom. He prayed to the sun god, glorifying all the roles he plays. The sun god, Surya, responded by appearing with a copper pot full of food.  During their time in the forest, the Pandavas and their wife Draupadi experienced beautiful sunshine and also, powerful heavy rains.  Riddles at the Lake Before departing the forest after living twelve years in exile, the Pandava faced quite a disaster.  An animal carried away twigs used to kindle a holy fire. The Pandava desired to kill this animal or at least retrieve the twigs. They grew weary after chasing the animal so they stopped to rest.  Yudhishthira told Nakula to fetch water from a pond they discovered nearby.  Nakula was very thirsty and when he stooped low to take a sip from the pond, he heard a Voice, instructing to answer. But Nakula ignored this, since he was s...

Looking back, I am mostly pleased with my progress in the class so far. Despite this, I know there is aways room for improvement: I could do better in terms of following my weekly routine or at least, creating a realistic schedule. At the beginning of the semester, I spent 2 hours every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to complete the weekly assignments. However, as I got busier, this time would decrease. So I ended up spending less and less time on the assignments. Due to this, I fell behind on some reading assignments. I really appreciate the extra credit opportunities because in cases like falling behind, I can make up for missed assignments. I enjoy the writing assignments the most because they encourage creative writing and thinking.  Looking forward, I hope to be more realistic in following a routine schedule. I need to avoid procrastination, which almost always leads to falling behind and poor performance. I want to try allotting at least an 1.5 hours every Monday, Tuesday...

Comments and feedback are definitely helpful than if I didn't receive anything. I admire the concept of feedforward, which most everyone gives me in their comments. I especially appreciate comments that are specific to exactly how I can improve my stories. For example, reading that my story could use more dialogue is more useful than receiving the feedback that there is not enough information about my character's emotions. I do my best to leave well thought out comments and feedback on the posts of my classmates. The best strategy for this, in my opinion, is thinking about how to improve the post as if it were my own. I try to not be so harsh and just focus on providing helpful comments over criticizing others' posts. When I read my classmates' stories, I am very often inspired by their creative writing skills. I try to improve my own skills as we progress through the weeks. I love how interactive this online course is. I try going to different student's bl...

Wow! I cannot believe half of the semester is over! Reflecting on the previous reading and writing assignments, I have really enjoyed the opportunity to demonstrate creative writing. There are a couple of shortcomings I could work on. For example, I need to do a better job at keeping up with submitting the assignments on time, as procrastination often gets the best of me. I think I could also improve my proofreading and revision skills.  My favorite reading thus far has been the Ramayana. The plot is very original and it is like something I have never read before. I admire how many love stories there are in the Ramayana. The characters are all very different but unified in terms of playing their roles in the telling of the story. My reading notes definitely help me with storytelling because I can look back and refresh myself on the plot. I do my best to record important details in my notes. It helps me when I research background information on the characters in the story t...

My goal to journal more! Source: Flickr . The Neurologists Who Fought Alzheimer's By Studying Nuns' Brains The article presents a study in which participants were nuns exhibiting Alzheimer's disease. They found that nuns who shared written accounts of their lives and personal essays tended not to develop symptoms. Additionally, one particular sister remained intellectually competent and active in her 80s, even with Alzheimer's! This article confirmed my understanding that writing is a useful life skill. Although I was somewhat aware of the beneficial aspects of record keeping, I had no idea of the extent to which these benefits would go to. I think the Alzheimer's study is fascinating, especially how this reveals that everyday writing can help people be cognitively skilled well into older age.  I am curious to explore how journaling may or may not long term influence my mindset. If I journal my experiences encountered everyday and then reflect on these wh...

Some words of inspiration. Source: Flickr . This spring semester is flying by! Unfortunately, I did not have time to do both portions of the reading so I will be making up reading through the extra credit opportunities. My favorite part about the Mahabharata so far is the various characters we meet because they are all so different, yet unified in aspects like intentions or fighting in the war. I think the story I told this week is one of my best works. It might need some editing/revision but I definitely put in 100% when I thought of how to retell the love story of King Shantanu and Satyavati. You can read my story here . I have written a couple of love stories now and I hope to become better at storytelling, rather than just presenting information. I've discovered that in order to write a good story, I need to start early and avoid procrastination. If I experience writer's block, I take a break until I am inspired. This week, I tried writing from the perspective of t...