Casey's Blogs: Indian Epics 4993-995

I looked into the use of celestial weapons in Hindu writings and how I could incorporate them into a story. Specifically, I looked at the Sharanga . The Sharanga is a celestial bow that is used by Vishnu. Since I am big into Star Wars, I'm thinking about using it in some way to relate by to Star Wars. The bow was crafted by Viswakarma the cosmic architect of these weapons. In the story of Ramayana the person who puts the bow together is Rama. He is able to do this because he is the reincarnation of Vishnu. The second thing I researched was Ganga . Again, I would try to incorporate it somehow into the Star Wars setting because it is what I am most familiar with. In Hindu, the Ganges is personified with the washing away of sins. It further leads to moksha, which is the liberation from the cycle of life and death in Hinduism. This topic leads further into the discussion of different gods and goddesses that are used within Hindu epics.  The third topic I researched was Rama ...

The Difference Between Praise and Feedback By Anya Kamenetz Kamenetz discusses many of Carol Dweck's ideas about her "growth mindset." She also discusses some of the criticisms that she has received. While Dweck's ideas many seem all fine and dandy, Alfie Kohn sees it differently . The kind of praise that Dweck suggest to give seems manipulative and in fact hinders the ability of a child to grow. Ultimately what it comes down to is the parents involvement with the child. The theories that were discussed seem good, but it takes time and effort to understand your child. It also takes effort to figure out what works for your child and what doesn't work. It's a continuous cycle of growing and adapting to what is the best thing to do. Preschoolers and Praise: What Kinds of Messages Help Kids Grow? By Deborah Farmer Kris Kris discusses further about Carol Dweck's "growth mindset" initiative and how process praise is the correct praise to give y...

One day, in a galaxy far far away, there was a Jedi who went by the name of Rama. Rama was a skillful warrior who was powerful in the ways of the force. To complete his Jedi training, he was required by the Jedi council to go to the planet of Alderaan and protect the princess. He was sent to protect her because a group of bandits are threatening her family. Naturally, the people of Alderaan are pacifist, so in the event that something happened, they would not be able to defend themselves. This is why Rama's mission was so important because he was the only thing protecting the princess from the bandits, if they attacked.  As Rama arrived to Alderaan, he was greeted by the royal family and was introduced to the princess. As soon as they met each others eyes, they fell in love. Realizing that they were just staring at each other, they became embarrassed and blushed. King Janaka introduced Jedi Rama to Sita formally and then they continued on to the royal feast. As the days went on ...

Reading Notes: Part B After being exiled by his father, Rama's brother Lakshmana is outraged by this. Rama on the other hand is not completely distraught by this. The people are also outraged that Rama is being exiled. To go into exile, Rama takes a chariot with Lakshmana and Sita accompanying him. After departing, Rama's father, Dasharatha dies. At the same time, Rama's brother Bharata returns home and learns of his fathers death. Bharata's mother Kaikeyi tells him of her plans to make him king and he is not happy with this. Instead, he goes and finds Rama who wants to fulfill his exile. So, Bharata serves as regent of the land, but he is adamantly against the title of king and does not accept it. Meanwhile, Rama moves into the forest with his companions. While in the forest, Rama meets Kamavalli (who is really Shurpanakha). She is actually the sister of Ravana, but convinces Rama he has rejected her. She states that she loves Rama, but Rama cannot do anything becau...

Reading Notes At the beginning of the story, we are introduced to Dasharatha who is the king of Koshala. He has one main dilemma, he has no children. At the same time, the gods needed someone to kill Ravana. Therefore Vishnu becomes incarnate as Dasharatha's son, Rama and acts as his son. A sacrifice is made by Rishyashringa the sage and through the sacrifice Dasharatha has four sons; Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna. He is then visited by an old sage that use to be a king. This person is Vishvamitra and he is on a mission to kill some demons. He ask the king if Rama can assist him on his quest. The king is hesitant, but agrees to it and Rama's brother, Lakshmana comes as well. They begin their journey and travel through the desert. This area is accompanied by the demon Thataka. Rama battles her and kills her. Along the way Vishvamitra teaches Rama mantra and astras. They continue to travel through the desert and they meet Thataka's sons - who are also demons - an...