Reading Notes: The Book of Saints and Friendly Beasts, Part B

Notes
Title: The Wolf-Mother of Saint Ailbe

An uncaring human couple no longer wanted their child. They wrapped their son up and abandoned him by a mountainside to be found. As it turned out, a wolf mother was going on her evening stroll after taking care of her wolf pups when she came across this human baby. She sympathized for the helpless little one as she had her own at home, and the thought of them being abandoned and hungry was a disheartening thought. The wolf mother took the baby home to be raised with her wolf pups.

The baby, who came to be known as Ailbe, adapted well to the wolf mother and her children out in woods. Ailbe's growth was seemingly uninhibited--he grew strong, tall, and handsome. But, one day a hunter came around and snatched Ailbe up. Realizing that he was raised in the woods like a wild animal, the hunter felt that him and his wife could take better care of Ailbe. Ailbe did not find relief in this. He wanted to stay with his wolf mother and wolf brethren. Nonetheless, the hunter and his wife ended up being a prince and princess that lived in a grand castle. Ailbe grew up in wise, human teachings and eventually obtained the title of bishop as well as a palace in his town.

 Many years later, all the lords of nearby lands met together for a great hunt. As the cries of many animals rang through the woods. Ailbe's wolf mother, old and gray, came to plead for her life. Ailbe received her and his brethren. He pardoned them from the hunt and ensured that no hunter would harm them. Ailbe then invited her wolf mother and her children to come eat at his table as they wished. In doing this, he returned the same love, respect, and care which she gave to him in his time of need. They were now a reunited, happy family again.

Bibliography
Abbie Farwell Brown, The Book of Saints and Friendly Beasts, source

Wolves are such beautiful creatures! Source

Feedback Thoughts

Feedback Article 1- "A fixed mindset could be holding you back — here's how to change it"--Source

I really liked this article because of the emphasis put on the medical field. As a pre-health major, and an individual that's pursued the medical route since forever, I have always been aware of the whole "I'm perfect" vibe that lots of healthcare providers have. It happens all too often that a doctor or a surgeon is pompous and unwilling to submit to anyone or anything. I use that phrase lightly in the sense that they sometimes step all over fast-food employees, retail workers, and those below their station in their hospital/clinic. This article mentioned letting these soon-to-be doctors know that they aren't perfect right off the in medical school, that they would make mistakes, and that that's okay. I think that's a huge part of what's been missing in the medical field. With it being so competitive, we are always expected to do our best and be the best. Any mistake is seen as a major setback for one's pride and ability, and that's what needs to change for the betterment of healthcare.

Having met a few surgeons, it's crazy how similar they can act. Source

Feedback Article 2- "Why rejection hurts so much — and what to do about it"--Source

One line in particular from this article really stood out to me! 

"And when a first date doesn’t return your texts, call your grandparents and remind yourself that your voice alone brings joy to others."

This is such a powerful method to combat ill feelings that I feel more people should utilize. As social animals, it makes sense why just being around loved ones in our time of distress can help so much. It is crazy to see the impact a mere phone call can make on your mood, self-doubt, fixation on the issue, etc. There's nothing like calling your dad or mom and seeing how positive an effect it can have. This idea is definitely something I am a fan of!

Topic Brainstorm--IMPORTED FROM IE

Project Idea: Death Stories
I am interested in this topic because the Hindu religion is pretty interesting in that it views reincarnation as the next step after death! Being from a religion that involves heaven or hell after death, I haven't learned much about this reincarnation. All that comes to mind is that cows are considered sacred because of this? If I were to write a storybook on this I'd definitely need to read up more.

First stepping stone: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reincarnation#Early_Hinduism,_Jainism_and_Buddhism

Project Idea: Epic Battles
I am interested in this topic because I have always been interested in battles of all kinds! Battles that have cool formations, strategic tactics, and opposing forces with a reason to fight really capture my attention--especially in a medieval time period! Hopefully I could find a way to incorporate multiple battles into one big story kinda like LOTR!

First stepping stone: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_India#The_Vedic_period

Project Idea: Weapons of the GodsI am interested in this topic because, in much the same way for epic battles, I love medieval weapons! I remember reading a storybook last week about being contracted to steal these ancient weapons, and I have wanted to do something fascinating like that ever since. I know the basic weapon types, but would have to read more into specific weapons that are used in Indian epics. I think this would be a challenging and fun one to write about!

First stepping stone: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_magical_weapons#Indian_mythology

Project Idea: Supernatural Characters of the RamayanaI am interested in this topic because a friend of mine said that I would be about it. Hearing about supernatural characters being in Indian epics reminds me of the tall tales that I would love hearing as a kid. I don't know much about these characters, but am curious to see to what extent their abilities are taken.

First stepping stone: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakshasa -- my friend that had taken the course said the demons are pretty fun to learn/write about :)

I'm so ready to dive into these battles between different gods and powerful opponents. Knights in armor are bada**!
Source

Week 2 Story

There once was a school teacher who set out to be the best elementary school teacher she could be. She brought extra supplies to school for her kids, she stayed late after school just to help students who needed it, and she even went above and beyond outside the classroom. However, there was just one student who wouldn't listen to her. The rest of the class always put in the effort to be good, obedient students, so she knew it wasn't entirely her fault.

The student in question would always be a nuisance in class. He would be loud and disruptive. He would steal pencil lead from other students' pencils. He would make weird noises from his corner when he was in timeout. He would throw eraser bits at the students he didn't like and say "HEADSHOT" anytime he pegged someone right in the head. Time after time of being told to stop, he would never correct his behavior. Because of this, the teacher decided to tell the troublesome student a story about how she once had a student named Walker that failed to listen.

"Walker was about your age, 9 or 10. He was an energetic lil kid, loved breaking the rules, and always tried to push his luck with me. On one day in particular, he felt extra extra mischievous. Walker had tried Indian food for the first time the day before, so he was feeling fairly gassy. To make the best of an otherwise poopy situation, he let his bottom fill up with gas and tried his hardest to keep it all in. When he couldn't hold it all in any longer, Walker started running across the classroom from desk to desk, farting on his classmates. One by one, he made run-by farts on his friends, all the girls, everyone. He didn't treat anyone differently when it came to sharing his gas. All the students already thought he was a smelly, obnoxious turd, so their yelling and pushing and shoving were nothing new to him. If anything, it only encouraged him even more. If you're wondering what I was doing, I was actually chasing Walker across the room...yes, right behind him...and unfortunately catching most of his farts. His legs were so small, yet somehow still faster than mine. So, I eventually had to stop and call the principal of the whole school to come stop him. Principal Sheehan quickly made his way down, but Walker didn't think I was actually going to call the principal. As it turns out, Walker was near the end of his gas tank. He saved the best for last. He joyfully bent over as if he were snapping a football to a quarterback behind him, saw Principal Sheehan walk into the classroom from between his legs, and mistakenly let out the biggest, grossest, and loudest fart he had released. It was too late. He failed to clench his bottom closed in time and immediately knew that he had signed his death certificate. The principal immediately yanked Walker by the ear and took him off to his office to be paddled. All it would take is for me to make the call, and your bottom would be just as red and swollen as Walker's was on that day. The students had spread rumors that Walker wasn't ever able to fart again because of how bad he got spanked by Principal Sheehan. Walker learned from his mistake and never gave me a reason to have to call the principal ever again.

So, take this story as a lesson. When I tell you to stop and listen to me, I mean it. You won't like who may come after me if I can't get you under control."

The teacher imparted quite the tale upon the difficult student, and it had hit its mark. The student corrected his behavior and gave the kind and patient teacher no trouble from then on.

Author's note: I adapted this from the story of Buddha and his Unruly Monks. I put more of a modern twist on it, while trying to make it funny.


BIBLIOGRAPHY
Author: Robert Chalmers, Title: Unruly Monks, Source

I have always loved hearing parables that demonstrate a valuable life lesson, which Jesus often used. -- Source

Reading Notes: Jataka Anthology - Unruly Monks

Unruly Monks is a set of two parables told by Buddha to instruct disobedient monks how to act and the consequences for their lack of action.

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THE SELF-WILLED DEER

Chars: Master (Buddha), unruly Brother (monk), Brahmadatta (Buddha?), Kharadiya (the Bodhisatta, sister of Brahmadatta), Nephew (son of Kharadiya),

Plot: One day when Brahmadatta was in Benares, Kharadiya bore a deer son that she wanted wanted to learn the way of the deer from Brahmadatta, the deer child's uncle. Nephew no-showed to training x7 and then got caught in a deer snare.

Mother Kharadiya came to complain to Brahmadatta to only learn that her son had not attended the training and that his demise was his own doing.

Brahmadatta said:
"For when a deer has twice four hoofs to run
And branching antlers armed with countless tines,
And when by seven tricks he's saved himself,
I teach him then, Kharadiya, no more."

The hunter then came and received his reward.

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Buddha then made the parallel that he was the deer teacher/uncle and the foolish deer/nephew was the unruly monk.

Buddha then uses another story for a noisy monk that was loud and expressive out of turn.

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NOISY OUT OF SEASON

Chars: Master (Buddha), unruly Brother (monk), Brahmadatta the Bodhisatta, Kharadiya (sis of Brahmadatta), Nephew (son of Kharadiya),

Plot:

Young Brahmins had a chicken that was a nice chicken. This nice chicken crowed at appropriate times and woke the Brahmins up to begin their studies. When this chicken died, they sought out a new one. They found one in a cemetery. This chicken in particular had no sensible crowing patterns, as it crowed throughout the day. Because of this, the Brahmins' in their pursuit of knowledge were affected. As a result, they killed the chicken. Their teacher instructed them:

"No parents trained, no teacher taught this bird:

Both in and out of season was he heard."

Despite the pain, sometimes we all need to go our own ways first before we can see the correct path. Stubborn Salmon: Source

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Author: Robert Chalmers, Title: Unruly Monks, Link: https://sites.google.com/view/jatakas/unruly-monks

Growth Mindset Thoughts

I definitely had not heard of Carol Dweck nor any of her work before watching her TED talk. The Growth Mindset is a totally new concept to me, and it seems that it would make sense. As a psychology major that tries to remain on top of psychological ideas and is a fan of positive psychology, I think the Growth Mindset is a concept that has substance and potential. I wonder how long it may be until this idea hits psychology textbooks.

I see myself as growing and changing in my mindset/perspective towards many things in life; this is to be expected of someone that has accepted the unending challenge of learning. I feel that I am further along the spectrum of the Growth Mindset than when I was in high school. I do admit that I am probably not quite where I should be. One of the most discouraging things about myself that I have come to learn while at OU is my propensity to put things off and complete them at the last second. I think this may be linked to a lack of self-control in regards delaying gratification, which can be tied back to my not having challenged myself throughout my K-12 education. Because of this, as I realize I could be better adapted to college if I had learned this before, I am hoping to learn more about the growth mindset and neighboring ideas that can help me with procrastination.

One class that I am particularly excited about this semester is this course itself. I have heard so many positive things about it from peers and would like to use it to make myself rise to the challenge/act as a litmus test. I want to stay ahead of the course and never turn in assignments late. I don't think I've ever been more than 2-3 days ahead in any college course ever. Not to say that this course is a cakewalk or a breeze by any means, but rather, that I may be able to use the structured setup and the freedom therein to my benefit--not as another thing to fret about and let negatively affect me.

I guess the brain is much like a muscle in that it needs to be worked out before growth can be achieved: Source

Time Strategies Thoughts

The articles I went over were pretty resourceful. There were a few things here and there that I already have gravitated towards--such as checklists. The idea of making easy-to-achieve checklists serve as a jump-pad to doing bigger and more difficult things. The other bit of info that I saw as being helpful was the idea of just starting! I've kinda sorta tested that on my own and have, in a way, come to the same conclusion. A lot of my own procrastination is rooted in just putting starting things off, so it makes sense as to why just beginning a task is an effective start-point that can help you move things along.


The schedule you sent me early last week seems to work well! I just may have to fine-tune it as the groove of this semester becomes more established.

Doing this assignment in an IHOP was so difficult with my food staring right back at me... Source 

Technology Tools Thoughts

Most of the tech tools mentioned weren't new to me, but the "Twine" one was! How cool is it to have open-ended, interactive stories?! It kinda reminds me of RPG games. I will definitely have to learn how to utilize that nifty little thing this semester. This online class and environment differs in that it allows for awesome, intuitive tools these these to be used. I cannot remember the most recent time that a traditional course had us explore and expand the boundaries of our technical knowledge. Keeping a diary/storybook of sorts is a great way to keep students incredibly creative and on top of course material; blogging/diary writing is something that I have always wanted to do, so that will be a skill I'll try to hone quite well this semester.

Who knew hedgehog cuteness could be reproduced via woodworking? Source

Assignment Thoughts--IMPORTED FROM IE

Of the assignment types discussed, I am most excited for the readings. I have waited so long for a solid, calm way to learn about Hindu/Indian texts. I am quite ready for a course to facilitate that in such an engaging way! This class is unique from other online courses in that it has such a seamless, tidy setup. Along with that, the honor system and a self-graded system works beautifully. I've taken quite a few online courses that ended up being a hassle, with its failed attempts at innovating and beating out traditional courses. I feel that this online course is one that has finally accomplished that!


And not to mention all the extra credit! I am so stoked to have so much EC be available for students to take advantage of and learn from. That is such a smart way to increase student engagement in the course and offer a wider array of mediums to soak knowledge up from. I am most intrigued by the extra readings (the comic books) and the tech tips (such useful stuff)!

What's got this lego dude so angry with this daisy? Source

Introduction to Lance the Pretend-Writer (IMPORTED FROM IE)

I have always loved the idea of writing and creating my own story. I remember back to 8th grade when I thought up my own medieval story that I really wanted to extract from my brain and finally write down. However, that never panned out in thirteen year old me. The idea of doing a storybook for this course is alluring, but I just am not sure in what ways I could tie all the pieces together..pieces I have yet to learn about. But, it will be something I will be considering! I loved going over the example storybooks from past students and getting ideas from those.

I never felt super confident in my ability to speak and write English growing up; my parents raised me on Malayalam as my first language. It wasn't until pre-school that I got true English exposure. Because of this, I always felt the need to better myself in my speaking and writing ability. Nonetheless, once I got into school and started speaking English more, I ran with it. I consider myself blessed and incredibly lucky to have learned English to the degree that I have, and still know a small portion of a South Indian language. This sort of semi-bilingual ability has helped me set myself apart, and I am incredibly grateful to my parents for instilling that in me. I definitely see the value in learning two languages and experiencing the culture surrounding both. Because I never focused on my Indian roots as much as I would have liked to in my childhood, this course is an awesome way to go about that in an easy, manageable way. I am excited to learn more about Hindu/Indian culture and different cultures from around the world. On top of that, I get to write my own thoughts by way of blog posts and stories. Two birds with one stone!

Can you find the longest palindrome in my post above? Source: Flickr 

Storybook Favorites--IMPORTED FROM IE

The first storybook that I came across that I liked was Indra Lord of Thunder. What drew me in to this storybook was quite literally the words "vs." and "battle". I have always been a sucker for stories that have battles or big conflicts that spill over into other facets of a story. This being written on a topic I knew nothing about, it intrigued me even more. I initially did not know that Hindus have their own god of thunder, so even the title alone served to educate! I really liked how the author combined two distinct worlds and in a fun, easy-to-read way. I will definitely try to establish that same level of readability in my blogs this semester.

The second storybook that I particularly liked was I've Got a Job For You. This storybook was so so so fun to read! It places you in the shoes of a contractor that is assigned to retrieve ancient weapons! This storybook was even more intriguing than the first!!! The incorporated imagery as well as the use of language, while still including a necessary amount of the foundational epic, was quite a literary treat as a reader. I am excited to maybe try something similar to this; it definitely got my creative juices flowing.

The third storybook that I really liked was Race for the Prize. This storybook was able to pull of a beautiful blend of history and fiction: Indian epic and a thrilling Indiana Jones-esque narrative. It really seems like the author utilized multiple ways to engage the reader by connecting it back to various times in our history/pop culture: nuclear arms race, Nazis, Indiana Jones, etc. I now see the value in having all those things to draw you into the main theme of the story. One technical thing that I liked about this storybook was the blog setup--the sidebar served as sort of a chapter listing which did not detract as much from the reading of the storybook as having the chapter listings at the top of the blog. If I end up doing a storybook, I will definitely keep this in mind, as this storybook was just a tad more easy/enjoyable to delve into.

While looking at the second storybook listed above, I actually got sidetracked and started looking at possible Vajra keychains! They would make a totally awesome key ring addition.
Three-pronged Vajra - Source

My Favorite Place--Taj Mahal

Of course, an Indian would choose Taj Mahal (Agra, India) as a place they consider one of their favorites.  Despite being born here in the U.S., I actually have gone there...a long time ago when I was about 4. Now thinking back to it, all I remember was it being very hot and humid. Oh, and that there was a body stuffed in a step/holy resting place in the ground of some sort? But, other than that, I don't remember much. Mind you, I was 4 and had gone with my very restrictive, conservative, Indian parents. I think going back at a more appropriate age, so any age above 21 (:P), would yield a much more fun, enjoyable, and memorable trip. I am excited to go back to this astonishing monument and beautiful city.  

Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Source: Wikipedia

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