Reading Notes: The Hypocritical Cat

The Hypocritical Cat

    There was a cat that wanted to eat many rats and wanted to trick them to be able to eat them all. So he stood on one leg one day and the rats asked him some questions. The rats believed him to be a pious cat. The cat then ate the last rat in line for a while until the rat chief noticed the group becoming smaller. The chief was at the end of the line the next day and baited and outsmarted the cat. The chief then attacked the cat with the rest of the rats following suit and they ate him.

The Hypocritical Cat by W. Robinson. Source: Gutenburg

Bibliography

"The Hypocritical Cat" by W. H. D. Rouse.

Extra Credit Reading Notes: Babbitt. Jataka Tales, Part B

 The King's White Elephant

    An elephant stumbled upon some carpenters with a limp. The carpenters examined his foot and pulled out a splinter. The elephant appreciated the care and wanted to return the favor. He helped with the trees and was fed. The elephant had a son who was white all over wanted him to help the carpenters. Once told of the kindness from the carpenters, the young elephant went to help. At night he played with the children by the river. One day, a king came down to the river and saw the beautiful elephant. He immediately bought him and took great care of him.

White Elephant by Ishikawa Ken (April 2008). Source: Flickr

Bibliography

"The King's White Elephant" by Ellen C. Babbitt.

Reading Notes: Babbitt. Jataka Tales, Part A

 The Turtle Who Could n't Stop Talking

    Two geese met a turtle and they all became friends. The geese were going to go far away, invited the turtle, and devised a plan for him to join them. They told him he musn't say a word and to bite onto a stick that the geese would hold. The turtle agreed. Some people taunted the turtle when they saw him. The turtle tried to respond and fell to his death.

Turtle by David Reid (April 2011). Source: Flickr

Bibliography

"The Turtle Who Could n't Stop Talking" by Ellen C. Babbitt.

Extra Credit Reading Notes: The Indian Heroes: Mahabharata - The Princes of Elephant City

 Part A - 7 Hidimba and Baka

    After fleeing from the burning house, Bhima and his family rest in the nearby forest. Hidimba smells them and sends his sister, Hidimbi, to bring them to him to eat them. However, Hidimbi fell in love with Bhima when she saw him and warned him. Eventually, Hidimba came over since his sister took too long and fought Bhima. Bhima kills him and has a relationship with Hidimbi. 

Bhima Fights Baka the Asura by Ramanarayanadatta astri(1965). Source: Wikimedia

    Eventually, the family settles in a village that is being "taxed" by Baka. The tax is a blood tax in the form of human life. Luckily for the town, Bhima comes back to the family, from his relationship, and fights Baka. He winds up killing Baka and the family leaves for Panchala.

Bibliography

"The Indian Heroes: Mahabharata - The Princes of Elephant City" by C. A. Kincaid.

Reading Notes: PDE Mahabharata, Part D

69

    As Duryodhana was dying, Ashwatthaman, Drona's son, Kripa, and Kritavarman were given permission to attack the Pandavas while they slept. As they approached the gate, they encountered Shiva and retreated. Ash then there himself into a fire to receive the good graces of Shiva. Shiva then entered his body and helped them slay the sleeping Pandavas as revenge. Duryodhana died happy knowing of what his son did.

 

Ashwatthaman propitiates Shiva

before the night raid on the Pandava camp. Source: British Museum

Bibliography

"Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition" Part 69 by Dutt and Mackenzie.

Reading Notes: PDE Mahabharata, Part C

60

    Intense atmosphere described. War drums, evil omens, blood everywhere, animals howling, and "thunder" was taking place. The armies had been fighting all day. The Kauravas had the advantage for a bit because of Bhishma's power. Him and Arjuna fought but called a truce at the end of the day. Sounds like Kaurava forces took heavy losses. Day 2, Bhishma attacked but Arjuna drove him back. Day 3, Pandavas continued to drive back the Kaurava army. Heavy losses at this point. Bhisma  then drive back the opposing force after being taunted by Duryodhana. Bhima won the fourth and fifth days. On the sixth day, Bhima over extended and almost got killed from being surrounded but was saved by Arjuna's son, Iravat. Bhisma won the seventh day and cut down the standard of Yudhishthira. The 8th day, Bhisma's chariot fell and Iravat was slain. Bhima's son, the rakshasa Ghatotkacha got revenge for Arjuna. 

The Pandava and Kaurava armies face each other. Source: Wikimedia

Bibliography

"Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition" Part 60 by Mackenzie.

Reading Notes: PDE Mahabharata, Part B

 21-30

    Vidura caught on to the plan Duryoudhana had set to burn his family. He managed to save his family's lives, but a different family was in the house and died, so people thought they died. They went into the forest and encountered rakshasas. Bhima fought and killed Hidimba. Bhima then married Hidimbi, Hidimba's sister, and had a son, Ghatotkacha. Bhima and his family then stayed in a town and he slayed the wicked chief, Baka, the same way he killed Hidimba, by breaking his back. The Pandava brothers then heard of, met, and wanted to wed Draupadi. Bow reference to Rama. Arjuna "won" Draupadi but she married all five brothers. They then created a city, Indraprastha. Arjuna exiled himself for 12 years for "intruding" on his brother and Draupadi. He then met Ulupi and had a son, Iravat. He also gained the ability to become invisible in water.

Indian Crocodile by N.A. Nazeer (March 2013). Source: Wikimedia

31-40

    Arjuna then encountered an alligator and saved himself with the invisibility. He then saved 5 water nymphs who were cursed to be alligators. He never saw them again after that. Arjuna then met Chitra and also had a son with her after 3 years. Arjuna then met Subhadra, married her too, and stayed with her until his exile was over. They went back home and made truce with wife 2 (I think). 5 brothers, 5 sons, and the 2 wives at this point. Krishna and Arjuna helped "feed" Agni a forest in exchange for many celestial weapons. With Indra defeated, only six creatures survived. Arjuna saved Maya from the fire and was built a very nice palace in gratitude. The Pandavas (brothers) grew very powerful and killed Sishupala. Duryodhana, a cheating gambler with loaded die, "won" Draupadi and Yudhishthira because Yud could not refuse a game due to norms. Dur then took her by force. Bhima was very upset and Yud still did nothing. Vidura then showed up and undid all the wrong doing that took place but allowed for another match to exile the Pandavas. They lost again and were exiled.

Bibliography

"Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition" by Arnold, Besant, Devee, Dutt, Ganguli, Kincaid, Macfie, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Seeger, and Tagore.

Reading Notes: PDE Mahabharata, Part A

1-10

    Vyasa authored the Mahabharata and told it to Ganesha who would only write it down if his pen would not stop. One day two children, one boy and one girl, were born in a river and a fisherman got them out, so he showed the king. The king took the boy and left the girl to the fisherman and his wife. The girls name was Satyavati. Vyasa was born on an island, he arranged the Vedas, and is Sat's son. Ganga married a king and drowned 7 children, but left the 8th one, Devavrata/Bhishma with the virtues of the Vasus, when the king yelled at her and she departed. Satyavati married the king, and she had two sons, Chitrangada and Vichitravirya. Chit died after waging war for 3 years, so Bhishma took over since Vich was still a kid. Bhisma killed many and kidnapped 3 princesses to become brides for Vich. Amba left to be with her king, but was rejected by him too so she went AWOL. Shiva then met with her and wanted revenge on Bhishma and Shiva said she will slay him. She entered a fire to be reborn into a man to slay Bhishma. Dhritarashtra and Pandu were born, the blind and the pale one respectively. Pandu was a warrior and leader. Karna was born, and became a mighty bowman after being put in a basket and sent downriver. Pandu died after hugging his favorite wife as was foretold by a "deer" he hunted.

Bhishma fight in Swayamvara by Ramnadayandatta Shastri Pandey (1968). Source: Wikimedia

11-20

    Dhritarashtra had now taken over the throne. Duryodhana, his son, was born and was evil but he could not kill him. Duryodhana tried to poison and drown Bhima. However, he was not destined to die and reached the underworld, where he was given strength and returned to his world. Drona and Drupada were once friends who grew apart and Drupada renounced Drona when they met again. Drona then trained the princes with weapons. Ekalavya wanted to be trained by Drona and cut his thumb off to show his dedication. There was a combat contest and Karna showed in the evening and challenged Arjuna. Duryodhana and Karna teamed up against Arjuna, Drona, and Bhishma. However, battle was avoided when Bhima came and spoke to them. Drona then had his warriors, the Pandavas and Kauravas, attack Drupada's kingdom. They managed to capture Drupada, and he agreed to be Drona's friend and keep half of his kingdom. Prince Duryodhana then convinced his father to build a wooden building to kill his cousins and Queen Kunti so he could take over.

Bibliography

"Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition" by Arnold, Besant, Devee, Dutt, Ganguli, Kincaid, Macfie, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Seeger, and Tagore.

Reading Notes: The Divine Archer, Part B

 Sections 7-8

    Sugriva fights his brother, Vali, to come back home, but Rama is the one who delivers the finishing blow on Vali with an arrow. After hunkering down for the storm to pass, they resume the search for Sita. Hanuman heads south and meets Simpati, Jatayu's brother, and is informed that Sita is in Lanka. When Hanuman gets to Lanka, he meets Vibshana, Ravana's brother, but Vib is an ally of Rama. Vib informs Han where to find Sita, where he sees her deny Ravana's advances. He then infoms Sita Rama is coming and causes a ruckus. He is catupred with his tail lit on fire, but uses that to set the city ablaze. He ruturns to Rama to inform him of the situation. Both sides prepare for war, and Rama has a bridge made to Lanka.

Leader of the pack, in Gibraltar by #13 (January 2015). Source: Flickr

Sections 9-10

    Rama's army then arrives in Lanka and the conflict begins. Lakshmana is wounded in battle but is saved by Hanuman flying away and returning with special herbs. Eventually, Rama faces Ravana and Indra arrives and sends his chariot and weapons to Rama. With the assistance, Rama slays Ravana. Ravana is given a funeral and Sita's innocence is proven with fire. Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana then depart to go back home. Unfortunatey, Rama exiled Sita as people would spread rumors about Sita's innocence. Sita would give birth to two boys who eventually meet Rama and learn that he is their father. Sita then returns home but is consumed by the earth to prove her innocence.

Bibliography

"The Divine Archer" (1911) by F.J. Gould.

Reading Notes: The Divine Archer, Part A

 Sections 1-3

    King Dasharatha had four sons, one being Rama who is also a manifestation of a god. Rama and his brother, Lakshmana, go to fight some demons and see Princess Sita. Rama and Sita fall in love and Rama bends/breaks the bow of Shiva to prove his worth to her father. Rama then also bends the bow of Vishnu to prove himself to Parashurama. Rama and his three brothers then marry their wives. King Dash was about to name Rama as successor but Queen Kaikeyi, influenced by Manthara, convinces King Dash to exile Rama for 14 years and name her son, Bharata, king.

Archers by Andrea Kirkby (February 2011). Source: Flickr

Sections 4-6

    Sita and Lakshmana join Rama in his exile. Dash then dies of grief and realizes that the events are do to his curse for killing a boy. Bharata eventually comes home and learns of what happened and is furious. He tries and fails to sway Rama to come back and leaves golden sandals on the throne to symbolize Rama's rule. The trio then meet a sage, Agastya, who gives Rama godly weapons to help him in his travels. The trio then run into Shurpanakha. She tries and fails to win over Rama so she sends rakshasas to attack them but the rakshasas are defeated. Shur then runs to her brother, Ravana, and begs him to help her. Ravana then sets a plan in motion and tricks the trio. Ravana manages to kidnap Sita and kill Jatayu, the king of the vultures and an ally to Rama. Rama then meets Sugriva and Hanuman and they promise to help eachother.

Bibliography

"The Divine Archer" (1911) by F.J. Gould.

Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana, Part D

 

61-70 

    Rama spoke with gods to build a land bridge to Lanka. Once there, the battle began and many lost their lives. Rama managed to slay a giant who was awoken to feast on the apes. Ravana tried to trick Sita and failed. Sug managed to keep the ape troops rallied and Hanuman managed to recover a special herb that revived the dead from Himalaya. Lak then fought and slayed Indrajit, Ravana's son. Ravana wept and was going to get revenge by killing Sita, but the female raks persuaded him not to. He then went to battle and slayed Lak, but Lak was revived thanks to Hanuman and his herbs. Rama was then given a ride and weapons in Indra's chariot and went to battle Ravana. He emerged victorious after beheading all of his heads.

Rama battles Ravana. Source: Mewar Ramayana

71-80

    Vibi then became king of Lanka and Mandodari wept for her slain husband, Ravana. Rama then met with Sita and had the gods and fire prove that Sita was still pure to him to avoid any rumors that may come from her living with another man. Then he took Sita on a trip back home, reminiscing of their journey on the way. When they returned, Rama was made king and the people rejoiced. However, Sita was banished due to public criticism and gave birth to two sons. Rama learned of this 16 years later and wished to redeem Sita. Sita was redeemed and was consumed by the Earth and went to heaven. Rama saddened and met with old age also eventually went to back to heaven/land of the gods.

Bibliography

"Public Domain Edition: Ramayana" by M. Dutt, R. Dutt, Gould, Griffith, Hodgson, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Oman, Richardson, and Ryder.

Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana, Part C

 

41-50 

    Rama and Lak met Sugriva and Hanuman and learned of Sug's pat, which had similarities to Rama. Sug promised to help if Rama helped him face his brother and they did. Sug challenged his brother to a duel and, mid duel, Rama shot an arrow through the brother's heart. Sug wept but became king and gained his wife again. some rain kept them from pushing forward, but as it went away, the brothers urged Sug to use hi army to help find Sita. He sent his army out to search and the southern troops ran into the vulture Sampati, Jatayu's brother, and told him of his brother's fate. Sampati informed them of Sita's location and offered to help them. The held a funeral and Hanuman had slain a sea rak.

Rama and the Monkeys Go to Lanka. Source: Mewar Ramayana

51-60

    Hanuman then went to Lanka to recce the city in search of Sita. He eventually found her and told her that Rama was coming, but also learned that she had 2 months to live if she kept rejecting Ravana. He then caused a ruckus and got captured intentionally as he figured it'd be a good idea to talk to Ravana. He was questioned and his tail was lit on fire, but Sita's prayers ensured a cool fire. Noticing the cool, Hanuman made his move and slain many raks and destroyed much of their city. He then checked on Sita and signaled the others that he found her. Rama and the army then headed that way. Ravana gathered his people and banished his lil' bro for suggesting giving up Sita to save their people. So the lil' bro, Vibhishana, joined Rama and the army.

Bibliography

"Public Domain Edition: Ramayana" by M. Dutt, R. Dutt, Gould, Griffith, Hodgson, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Oman, Richardson, and Ryder.

Extra Credit Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana, Part B

 

21-30 

    Bharata was summoned and learned of his father's death. He chose to spare his mother and Manthara, and he rejected the throne and wants Rama to return. The funeral proceeded with many offerings and a large fire that I believe the body and offerings were burned in. Bharata then found Rama and tried to convince him to come back. Jabali also tried by speaking heresy. Rama refused and wished to carry out his father's orders. Bharata then gave golden sandals to Rama, to which he refused to keep, and kept them at the throne as a symbol of Rama's authority. Wandering the forest, Sita met Anasuya. Anasuya seemed to lighten her mood. Going further into the woods, the trio encounter a rakshasa that wants to wife Sita and kill the brothers. It advises the trio that he is unkillable by weapons and thus the brothers beat him and bury him to ensure he can't escape, but they actually free him of his curse and he goes to heaven. The trio then meet Agastya. The writing is a bit difficult to follow, but he seems to give them weapons, directions, and warnings of dangerous areas. Rama then encounters Shurpanakha, a rakshasa, who tries to swoon him away from Sita and his brother, and threatens to eat them. Rama refuses but suggests she swoons his brother as he is single. Shur then talked to Rama's brother and tried to attack Sita, so the brothers cut off her ears and nose. Shur ran away and urged her brother, Khara, to do something, and they sent 14 rakshasas to kill them. All 14 died, so the Shur's brother took up arms and prepared to send an army of 14,000 rakshasas. Rama stood his ground and sent his brother and Sita to hide in a cave. The rakshasas were scared to attack but followed their leader, who was slain just after his brother was. Rama won with the remaining raks scattering.

The Battle with Viradha.

Illuminated Ramayana ms (circa 1700). Source: Huntington Archive

31-40

    Shur then went and told another brother, Ravana, who is the lord of the raks. Ravana then met with Maricha and threatened him to help him. He agreed and took the form of a jeweled deer to draw out Sita. Sita then tells Rama what she sees and Rama goes to hunt the deer. Rama killed the deer/rak but it imitated Rama's voice as it was slain. Sita heard and urged Lak to go help Rama and threatened suicide if he died. Lak refused at first, but Sita launched hurtful accusations, so he changed his mind. Ravana then approached Sita, asked to wife her, and kidnapped her when she refused. She called out for help and a vulture, Jatayu, went to save her and there was a battle in the sky. Ravana slayed the vulture and flew off again with Sita while she gave her belongings to some monkeys on a mountain top. Captured, Sita kept turning down the lustful Ravana time and time again. He could not force himself upon her as he was cursed to death if he did that again. Rama and Lak then return to find Sita gone and the Jata, the vulture, laying on the ground dying. They question the vulture and Rama wails in sadness. They then run into Kabandha, another cursed rak, and kill him and burn his body, per his request. Kab then tells the brothers of the location of Sita, who Ravana is, and to seek help from ape chief Sugriva. Not sure exactly what happens at the end, seems like a lady blessed the brothers.

Bibliography

"Public Domain Edition: Ramayana" by M. Dutt, R. Dutt, Gould, Griffith, Hodgson, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Oman, Richardson, and Ryder.

Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana, Part A

1-10 

    Setting seems nice. Large mountains, palaces, temples, lakes, and foliage. Maharajah Dasharatha is well protected by a thousand warriors. Also have eight sage counselors and two family priests. Dasharatha had no son. Dash then persformed a horse sacrifice that had the gods promise him four sons. The horse wandered for a year and was slain by a sacred scimitar. Vishnu divided himself into the four sons and had other gods like Indra become apes to help him in the future. The wives that ate the sacrificial food had the sons. Two of the brothers, Lakshmana and Rama, set upon a dangerous service. The brothers had slain Thataka who was terrorizing a country. As a reward, Vishwamitra chanted mantras which allows Rama to think of celestial weapons to appear next to him. He then used these weapons to fight off a couple of rakshasas. Vishvamitra told Rama the story of Bhagiratha and Ganga. Rama then met with Ahalya and lifted her curse set by her husband because she cheated on him. The brothers then went into town and saw Princess Rita. Her and Rama had a love at first sight connection. They then met with King Janaka and were shown the bow of Shiva. The king will allow the person that can bend the bow to marry his daughter. Of course, Rama could bend the bow, broke it actually, with no problem and won Sita and broke Janak's war bow. 

The breaking of the Bow of Janaka by Monro, W. D (1911). Source: Wikimedia

11-20

    A man, I assume to be Parashurama, appeared and was upset that someone broke a holy relic. He had Rama draw the bow of Vishnu to prove himself and he did. Then the wedding ceremony happened and several other people got married too. Rama's father then wants to retire and put Rama in charge. He set a council to see what people thought and everyone was happy and approved. Everyone except Manthara that is because Rama smote her back in the day. She then convinced Queen Kaikeyi to use her favors of the king to save her son, I believe, this part kind of confuses me. The queen essentially threatened suicide unless her son became heir to the throne and Rama banished for 14 years. The King agreed as he owed her the favors but was very sad and reluctant to do so. Rama took the news quite well as it was his duty and he wanted to fulfill his dad's vow. Sita and Lakshmana insisted on going with Rama but were not beholden to the same standards, in terms of shame/limitations, as Rama. Rama had to wear bark, though Lakshmana did as well. The people of the kingdom were sad to see him go and thought of the new rulers as evil. The trio traveled and vowed to protect each other. In the past, Dasharatha had accidentally killed a young boy who took care of his elderly and blind parents. The father had cursed Dash that he too will know how it feels to lose a son and that only Dash's death during his sorrowed time will bring retribution. Dash then passed away two nights after Rama left in the company of his other two wives, the mothers Kaushalya, of Rama, and Sumitra, of Lakshmana.

Bibliography

"Public Domain Edition: Ramayana" by M. Dutt, R. Dutt, Gould, Griffith, Hodgson, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Oman, Richardson, and Ryder.

Reading Notes: Week 2 Reading Anthology

    My favorite stories are the The Turtle and The King and The Cunning Crane and the Crab. I like these stories because the prey outsmarted the predator that really should have known better. I like turtles and I am glad that the story ended happily with the turtle going back to his old home and not being needlessly killed. However, I am a bit surprised that no one in the story knew that a turtle would be safe in the water. I also like the crane story because the crane was a bit smart at first and then made a really dumb play. Why one would ever let a crab's claw around their neck is beyond me. I think the crane would have had a better chance of eating the crab with a direct attack. Either way, I'm glad the to see that the crab lived happily ever after and that the crane met a fitting demise.

Illustration by W. Robinson. Source: The Cunning Crane and the Crab

Bibliography: 

"How The Turtle Saved His Own Life" by Ellen C. Babbit.

"The Cunning Crane and The Crab" by W. H. D. Rouse.

Week 2 Reading Overview

    I have chosen to read the Public Domain Edition of the Ramayana because it seems to be more easily accessible for me and it is free. I chose this image because it looks like an interesting battle scene, especially because of multi headed and armed individual.

The battle of Lanka
Ravana wounds Lakshmana; Hanuman attacks Ravana
(British Library: Mewar Ramayana)

    The two comic books I chose are Paurava and Alexander: Battle Of The Giants and The Jackal and the War Drum: Panchatantra Stories of Courage and Curiosity. I chose the Battle of The Giants largely because of the battle aspect as I am quite fond of those kinds of things. I then chose The Jackal and the War Drum because of the word "war" and because there was a cartoony turtle on the cover.

   

    The two videos I chose are Foods for Gods | Epified and Stages of life. I chose the food video because I like to eat and explore different kinds of foods, so I thought it would be interesting to find out what gods eat. I find it somewhat amusing that the video had several cool sounding and mythical items, and then just butter. I also chose Stages of Life because I was intrigued to find out what would be similar and different to how I live. I suppose I would be somewhere between stage 1 and stage 2 of life as they describe it.