David Walsh's Blog

I read Badarika Ashram from the Mahabharata. The first paragraph immediately grabbed my attention. The idea or rather the theme of Dhrtarastra's anxiety as he awaited the word of the Pandavas' exile. The Pandavas are an important part of the Mahabharata. The emotions when the King fears that his son will not become successful is a hard hitting emotion. However reading of the individuals around him and them not worrying due to this being a common occurrence. But still his sons did as they pleased. He quickly saw how his life events quickly got out of control due to his lack of remaining firm in regards to his sons actions. Allowing them to do as they wished and never being able to say no. Over all the story is creative and interesting. I am interested more in the Padavanas and the journey that they embark upon. The Padavana brothers as they endure all that their journey through the Himalayas is interesting and creative. The Himalayas Bibliography: To Badarīkā Ashra...

The Dice Game Chapter 19 The description and imagery used at the beginning was very interesting and showed well the great wealth and opulence of the area they were in.  I find it interesting maybe it is just the way things are these days but that they find their streets being wide to show wealth. I found it funny that they quoted "Gambling is the root of all misery" because that is true as when I go and gamble I always come back miserable. Even in their travels, they carry themselves in such a wealthy and "proud" manner displaying their wealth and power in any way possible. I see this whenever I go to the casinos and I read this here. "...although more skilled at the game, could not match his wealth and was thus not a suitable opponent for him". I find this funny because unless you made your money through gambling most people who throw around wads of cash typically loose. Dice Game Bibliography The Dice Game Chapter 19

The kidnapping of Sita This story is a tale of how too much power can be dangerous and should not be in the hands of certain individuals. Ravan is in a fit of rage seeking power in order to exact revenge. Revenge can be dangerous because it does not always fill the wound. Even after being warned Ravan still will be defeated. However, Ravana is so focused on what he wants and his power that he is blinded with a fit of rage and anger. This leads him to continue his focus on kidnapping Sita. Ravana's plan works but just barely. Sita is kidnapped after a fierce battle she is kidnapped. But knowing Rama and this story that will not last for long because Ravana will be killed over these actions. Ravana Kidnapping Sita Bibliography: Krishna Dharam  The Kidnapping of Sita Chapter 9

Panic in Lanka. I decided to focus on this story of Lanka because I was not as familiar with this part of the Ramayana. It is impressive how a single monkey can cause so much damage to such a large fortification such as Lanka. I really like the character the "Demon King". Even so that the demon king has incredibly powerful generals who command vase armies. Although, they lack intelligence and political wisdom. This reminds me of some generals in the 70's and 80's in the United States Airforce and how they did not care what the smart and affordable moves were but rather what the "job promoting" moves were. The blunders of the Rakshasas continue to be evident as Hanuman snuck into Lanka. This reminds me of the Normandy invasion and how British commandos would sneak onto the beaches and take photos and soil samples. Additionally, Lanka could be compared to the Maginot Line in France and how the Germans simply went around these massive defenses. Sometimes gre...

Pandu Cursed and Blessed I find it interesting that although he can not enjoy material opulences Pandu is still disinterested in sensual enjoyment. This almost sounds boring. But this also makes sense as to how he no longer enjoys his two wives. He almost reminds me of myself and my attention span. I get excited about one topic and then five minutes later I am on another topic. Pandu began to sink his time and efforts into other things and other interests. These interests included seeking out those who have strayed from the "path of righteousness". Clearly, something that in their culture is very important to them as it reflects their ancestors. A force was assembled including, infantry, horseman, elephants, and chariots. Maybe I missed something but this was the first story involving elephants... I think? Maybe there was some mention of this in the Mahabharata, but I can't remember. Overall this is an epic story of a great battle. In the end Pandu has five sons that gro...

I read the Giant Crab because I thought "wow a giant crab, that has to be interesting!" Sure enough, it was! I really found the story to be interesting. I like how the lesson to be learned from this story is that you should never keep something entirely to your self when if there is enough for everyone it should be shared. This giant crab did just this, although he did use the only water source as a way to lure in his dinner he was also preventing every other creature in the mountain from drinking from the only water source. Additionally, the lesson in the story could be that it is your responsibility to stand up to those who hurt others. The elephants did just that and faught back and helped out everyone in the mountain. I do not think that the crab needed to die, maybe get beat up a bit or relocated but still, you live and learn. A giant Crab Bibliography: The Giant Crab, and Other Tales from Old India  by W. H. D. Rouse with illustrations by W. Robinson, onli...

The story of the Foolhardy Wolf is a story about ambition getting the better of you. The wolf at first sees an opportunity to take part in the lions spoils. Later the wolf gets the idea that he is capable of taking down an elephant. The lion tells the wolf he is not capable but more than anything I think the hidden meaning is that the wolf is not ready for something of that size. The wolf still insists that he is capable of seizing the elephant even after the wolf tells him its not possible. But the lion gives the wolf the chance and his ambition gets the better of him. In this case the wolf was killed by his ego. The lion saw this coming and did nothing to persuade him other wise after telling him that he would not be able to accomplish this task. The story here is one of taking your time and working within your means or preparing and listening to help to accomplish a different task within their own means. Wolf and Elephant Bibliography: The Foolhardy Wolf , Ellen C. Babbit

I really like the telling of this story and showing the Pandavas as the heroes. I really like how I have the ability to incorporate these individuals into my story and play them as a "rag-tag" team of guys and have them play the role almost like the "Band of Brothers". The great battle could be told in my story of the Battle of the Bulge in my story book. I could tell the story of how the two forces met on the battle field and tie in Rama into the story. I could find a way to tie into the telling of Arjuna wounding Bhishma. At the end the story "resumes" I can talk about the few snipers hidden in Bastogne that dragged the battle on a bit longer and creating a bit of chaos. And at the end there is this great victory with a celebration of the drinking of Duhshasana's blood. The Christmas Day the Snow Turned Red

I read the story from The Indian Heroes: Mahabharata - The Princes of Elephant City. The story tells a lot about deception and disguise. And I think this is actually a topic or elements of which that I can include into my Storybook that I am creating that can play along with my intended themes. I can include ideas about Arjuna disguised as a brahmin and incorporate his victory in the archery contest. Additionally I can include themes from Arjune and Subhadra and incorporate that into some of the battle scenes I intend to incorporate. Bibliography: The Indian Heroes  by C.A. Kincaid

The night Raid is an element that I think I could include in my story. Ashwatthaman's men snuck into the camp of the Pandavas and looking at where I want my stories to go with my project I could tie this into the battle of the bulge. Just as Ashwatthaman snuck up on the Pandavas and attacked brutally and did so swiftly with a brisk rushing move. Just as the germans took the lead in the battle of the bulge in the beginning Ashwatthaman did the same and left the Pandavas in dismay. In Ashwatthaman's rushing attack and as the germans out stretched their abilities Ashwatthaman did the same. And as a result Ashwatthaman was punished by the gods for his actions. The Germans lost their foothold and the ground that they had gotten back and the Ashwatthaman lost the gem that was so special to him. These stories are a great example of Karma and how your actions have consequences and you need to be careful of what you do because if you aren't careful you can loose something very dear ...

The Burning of the Forest is definitely an interesting tale to read about. The story once again shows an interaction between the gods and people of elevated power. It is interesting how Agni refers to the forest as food. Because he is the god of fire the forest is full of "nutrition" for what he needs. Just as a fire grows bigger and stronger with the increase of resources to supply the fire Agni saw the same. The more of the forest he could consume the more powerful his fire would become. This story seems to place Agni who appears to be a what I would consider to be the villain. Since the "heroes" appear to be intoxicated they are quickly turned into play the bit of the fools who helped the bad guy. Rewarded with gifts Krishna and Arjuna assisted in the defeat of Indra as the forest was completely consumed. Wildfire near Fawnskin, California. Photo from  Columbia Magazine Bibliography: John Mandeville Macfie,  The Mahabharata, A Summary

The Mahabharata is definitely not the Ramayana. This epic takes everything to a completely different level. The Mahabharata brings things to a different level right from the beginning. Incorporating a level of gods and mythical levels. The first story Vyasa and Ganesha quickly brought everything to that elevated level that the Ramayana built too. I was a bit overwhelmed and caught off guard with the story but quickly saw how the story brought everything to the level of the gods. So based off of the first part A I am intrigued. Even in King Shantanu and Ganga you can continue to see how the influence of Gods and Goddess continue to influence the story writing. That Escalated Quickly from  Know Your Meme Bibliography: John Mandeville Macfie,  Vyasa and Ganesha Donald A. Mackenzie,  King Shantanu and Ganga

Part B of Sita sings the blues truly shows how old stories or even life events can influence a new story from a different perspective. Sita sings the blues definitely shows how your events surrounding you can inspire a different perspective of a story. With this version of the Ramayana we see more of Sita's story and less of Rama's. This gives me a different approach and idea of the story. Just as Nina was calling for Dave to take her back Sita taught her sons to call for Rama to find them again. Sita Sings the Blues is definitely a different approach to and a different view on this old story. It definitely is an interesting approach and is very enjoyable. Cover Art of Muppets  Grover Sings the Blues Bibliography: Animated film by Nina Paley,  Sita Sings the Blues

I watched the video Sita sings the Blues for this week. I will say watching this really helped me get a better and more clear grasp on the Ramayana. Reading is not my greatest gift, I am a slow reader and I often have to read back a couple times. So when I find a video that helps elaborate or explain it really helps me. This gave me a better grasp on what exactly is taking place in each part of the story. I like how they connected Sita to Jazz and Swing music singers. I am a huge Jazz fan so hearing that connection and how they tell their stories through music is really cool. In addition I found the Narration from the three narrators and their banter amongst themselves is really entertaining. I really connect with humor and I find a lot of humor in this. I will say the multiple animation styles is verryyyyyyy confusing and often I find it unnecessary. Regardless though seeing the story and actually watching it play out along with the notes very much helps. Fox's Animation Domi...

Again working my angle to tie these stories to that of WWII, Indra's Chariot has the potential to work well into just that. Just as in World War Two the axis and the allies were all in search of a bigger and better weapon or vehicle. Just as Indra provided Rama with a better vehicle to assist him in battle so did engineers throughout world war two. Just as the Jeep propelled equipment forward for US troops so did the Chariot propel Rama into battle with Ravana. Just as the B-29 was able to deliver a greater payload and inevitably the atomic bomb the Chariot was able to give Rama the ability to give Ravana the final blow. Eventually the greatest and most advanced technology will lead to the most epic battles. USAF Photo of B-29  Superfortress Painting of Ingra's Chariot from  Quora Bibliography: The Epic of Rama, Romesh Dutt,  Indra's Chariot The Epic of Rama, Romesh Dutt,  Ravana's Death Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists, Sister Nivedita,  B...

This Part of the Ramayana seems like the "everything bad is going to get worse" part of the epic. Soley based off of Bharata Returns and Dashartha's funeral. However, this is what sets in motion the rest of the story. This is the "trial stage" of the story. Here Rama will be put through many of his trials that I think will help and shape him for the future. From my limited knowledge of epics I think there is a trend of fail, succeed, fail, succeed, fail, learn, prevail. Im curious to know if this trend continues as the story progresses. Looking a head to the end of part B with Shabari you can see what is now, I would say, a "cliche". And it is the "old wise lady/man" and they have a great amount of wisdom to deliver to the weary traveler. I am slowly starting to see many of the connections to modern movies and tails and how the all kind of seem to fit this mold that was created way back when. I like however how this part of the story is a bit...

Starting off with King Dasharatha... now I am starting to pick up on a trend that I am drawn too, there was a line right at the very beginning "there were two mighty kingdoms..." immediately making me picture "Game of Thrones" and Robin Hood. Reading further into the the story of Ramayana and the Dasharatha's Sons the detail in the writing to help convey the environment is very unique. There is a lot of flourish into the writing which I think gives it a unique flare that makes these stories what they are. As I keep reading I can not help but see Game of Thrones, I don't know why my mind keeps coming around to this theme but This is what I keep seeing when I read. I will add that sometimes the dialogue is a bit bulky and wordy. I think that is the style of the writing and what I am assuming this is a common style of epics, but thats just my two sense. The Crossing of The River reminded me of Arya fleeing after her father was killed. Living the life of peasant...