Indian Epics Spring 21

photo by Helen Haden at Flickr For this weeks feedback assignment, I decided to read these two articles, and here are my thoughts on both:  A fixed mindset could be holding you back — here's how to change it : This article really resonated with me, especially after learning more about Growth Mindset so I was able to understand where the ideas in this article were coming from. I just started a new job this week and our boss constantly talks about how when we make mistakes she wants it to be a learning experience instead of her getting angry and being negative. I hadn't even thought about it until reading this article, but my boss and my workplace subscribe to a growth mindset! That's so exciting for me. I also thought it was interesting how this article used doctors as an example. I could never be a doctor, I just can't imagine how I would feel if I ever made a mistake that cost someone their life. But at the same time I'm so grateful for doctors and I'm gratefu...

Devadatta attempting to assassinate the Buddha. Could not find artist info.  Source . One day, as the Buddha was tending to his garden, one of his most beloved monks, Sāriputta, came to him with great concern. "Sāriputta, what is troubling you?" the Buddha asked. "Teacher, I must tell you that the monk Devadatta is plotting to kill you," Sāriputta said with quiet urgency. "I overheard his plan, he desires to take your place. Tell me what you want me to do, you know that I and your disciples will protect you." The Buddha simply smiled and nodded. "I knew this day would come," he said, not seeming nervous at all. "Since the day I encountered him in this life, I remembered. We met in a past life, I a monkey and he a crocodile, and he tried to kill me then as well so that his mate could have my heart. He wasn't successful then, and he won't be now, brother." "But-" Sāriputta started, but was cut off with the Buddha raising...

Crocodile in River - Tecolutla - Veracruz - Mexico - 01 I loved this week's reading, I liked that it was several short stories. That made it easy to keep my attention focused. My favorite story of them was 'The Crocodile in the River' . It was the first one that was the Buddha telling a story about a past life, and I just thought the whole murderous monk being the crocodile was really interesting. I decided that's the story I will retell this week, so here are my reading notes. The story begins by saying the Buddha is telling it when he finds out about one of his monks, Devadatta, planning to kill him. My first question was that I wonder who exactly he's talking to. He says "brethren," so it seems he's talking to more than one person. I wonder if it is only his most trusted monks. I would want to include more detail on that in my retelling. I also have to wonder why these crocodile females are so obsessed with a monkey's heart??? I don't really...

Shiva and Parvati ( British Museum , circa 1800) I chose this image because I mention a comic about Shiva and Parvati and I am interested in learning more about their love story. For my reading of the Ramayana, I've decided to go with the tiny tales book! I'll be honest, the biggest factor influencing this decision is that it's the shortest version and I know that while I would love to read the one that is more like reading a novel, I probably wouldn't read all of it. So this is just me helping out my future self. I also like that I can just read it on my computer! As for the comics, I am interested in  Shiva Parvati: A Story of Divine Love (Volume 506)  for sure! I'm interested in this because, like I mentioned in my storybook favorites blog post, I'm somewhat familiar with the story of Parvati and Shiva because of the book series Tiger's Curse . I'm also interested in  Savitri: The Perfect Wife (Volume 511) . This one is interesting to me because of th...