Week 14: "Famous Last Words"

A Different World

As the semester is starting to come to an end, I can’t help but to feel bittersweet. Graduation is upon me (in exactly 14 days to be exact). I never would have thought that the day would come when I could say that I am an alumni of The University of Oklahoma. I think one of my biggest fears now is “the land of the unknown”. What will be the next chapter of my life? What does the world hold for me? Am I ready to take on the responsibilities of being a grown women?

With that being said, this has been one of the toughest and at the same time easiest semesters that I have had in college. I think these last three weeks will be the toughest of this semester because of the quantity of work that I have left. I know that Wednesday after 4:30 I will be able to breathe with ease, as it will signal the end of the semester.  This semester has taught me a lot about myself and I have also learned a bit more of what my strengths and weaknesses are. This class has shown me how much I enjoyed writing when I was younger and made me fall back in love with writing. I have also learned that at times writing can be an outlet me. Which brings me to say that I really enjoyed the creative aspect of this class.

So, first things first I would like to say thank you to Professor Gibbs, for the creative aspect of this class. Second I would like to thank my peers for going on this Indian Epic journey with me this semester. Lastly, I would like to thank myself for pushing through even when I wanted to quit.

Signing off,

Jordan Pennon

Portfolio Guide

Rama vs. The Bow - Every day we are faced with tasks. It is how you face those tasks that shows your true character.

Living a Double Life - Beauty is only skin deep.

We Finally Meet - Every story has two sides to it. Are you able to handle both sides of the story?

Dear Diary- Only a diary can hold the deepest secrets of your heart.

Draupadi's Entry- Oh please don't let me be misunderstood.

Week 14: Storytelling "Debate Team"

Debate

Announcer: “Hello, and welcome to the 105^th annual Lets Debate About it showcase. Today we have representation from two very distinct universities in Oklahoma. The first University is located in Norman Oklahoma. The University of Oklahoma is known for having outstanding National Merit Scholars, having a phenomenal debate team that has placed first for the last six years, and of course the only all you can eat Chick-Fil-A in the world. Our Second University is located in Stillwater Oklahoma. Oklahoma State University is known for being the brightest orange in the state, having overpriced food, and being one of the rivals to OU. Now for today our topic for the debate will be focused on the similarities and differences of Christians versus Muslims. We will hear the differences from The University of Oklahoma and the similarities from Oklahoma State. Then our judges will give the closing remarks. Now let’s get started!”

OU Logo

The University of Oklahoma: “For this debate I stemmed a lot of my research from the series about the 7 Secrets from Hindu Calendar Art. One of the focuses in Chapter 2 is the discussion about Christians and Muslims. First, Christians don’t believe in rebirth but believe that they will be saved by God when they die. Christians believe that there is only one God and that he is the creator of all things here on earth. You might also here Christians referring to the Holy Trinity as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. While Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet and is not the only divinity. Jesus is seen as being messenger of God to the people. In the earlier days Christians were called Atheists (which is known as the lack of belief in a higher power) because they did not pray to the pagan Gods.”

OSU Logo

Oklahoma State University: “I would also like to point out that some of my research came from the series about the 7 Secrets to the Hindu Calendar Art. Some similarities that I found that were interesting was that Muslims also did not believe in rebirth like Christians. As my opponent mentioned earlier, Christians believed that they will be saved by God. However, Muslims believed that they will surrender to God after death. Both Christians and Muslims believe that everyone should follow the rules of the Ten Commandments for they are moral teachings. They also both believe that Satan is a poisonous and evil to all humankind."

Judges: “Now that we have heard each one of your arguments about Christians and Muslims I would like to share a little information with you about Hinduism. Now in Chapter 2 of the 7 Secrets to the Hindu Calendar Art, it mentions the secrets of Narayan. Some of the qualities are magnificent such as Narayan’s name which means infinite and all-pervading form. And also how Narayan is the observer of the world and is also associated with Shiva. Now with that being said, we can look at all of this information that has been presented and see that everything intertwines with one another. Even though it has another name to it does not necessarily mean that it is not the same (Potato vs. Potatoe). Good Job to both teams tonight."

Authors Note:

So I recently sat in on an interview that my boyfriend did with a worker from Couch Restaurants for his Human Relations class. He had to interview someone whose parents were not born in the United States but the interviewee was. It was interesting because the person was from Jordan and he talked a lot about the Quran and how similar the bible was to the Quran. When I was watching Chapter 2 of the 7 Secrets to the Hindu Calendar Art, it made me think of that interview.

Bibliography:

Notes: Islam vs Christianity. (n.d.). Retrieved December 3, 2015, from http://www.discoveringislam.org/islam_vs_christianity.htm

Video: 7 Secrets from Hindu Calendar Art

Link: Watch Here!

Week 14: Reading Diary A "Chapter 2"

Narayan's Secret: What dies is always reborn. 

• The Greeks, Christians and Muslims did not believe in rebirth
• Christians believe that they will be saved by God.
• Muslims believe that they will surrender to God. 
• Ocean of milk resembles possibilities. 
• Narayan is the name of God in his infinite all-pervading form.
• Sesha- endless remainder
• I think that it is interesting to see how much emphasize they put into Narayan.
• Does our world exist when we are in deep slumber?
• Without the observer, there is no observation
• Narayan's waking marks the creation of the world.
• Lakshmi- Goddess of wealth.
• The cow is known as the rescuer of the world. 
• Narayan is associated with Shiva (the remaking of the world)
• This talks about the waking and slumber of Narayan.

 https://youtu.be/AWqnjpbNGRo?list=PLrWYQjLLbXchYo2doM_EhRUCdsWy-ihW8

Week 13: Storytelling "So You Think You Can Spell"

Tree of Knowledge

Michael G. Looking: “Hello and welcome to the annual So You Think You Can Spell spelling bee contest. My name is Michael G. Looking and I am your host for tonight. Boy do we have a treat for you all tonight, I hope that you are as excited as I am. Tonight’s theme is the Seven Secrets from the Hindu Calendar Art. We have some of the brightest contestants that you will ever meet tonight on the show. Our first contestant is John Rogers. John is a 12 year old genius. He enjoys reading the dictionary, writing out lexicon words and watching the movie Titanic. Our next contestant is Lili Harris. Lili is a 14 year old spelling rock star. Lili enjoys reading comic books, listening the Eminem and doing homework. Our last contestant is Clayton Bradshaw. Clayton is your all american spelling champ. Clayton enjoys eating Chick Fil A, riding his bike, and reciting love poems. So folks are we ready to get started!”

Judge #1: “Okay you guys this is how the spelling bee contest is going to go. I will give you a word to spell. I will only repeat the word twice. Once I give you that word, you will have ten seconds before you have to spell the word. Within those ten seconds, you can ask for the definition or a sentence for the word. If you spell the word correctly you will advance to the next round. If you spell the word incorrectly you will be disqualified and that will end your journey to being the next spelling bee. Without further or due, John will you please approach the mic.”

*John approaches the mic*

Judge #2: “Hello John! Your word is Ganesha. I repeat your word is Ganesha.”

John: “May I please have the definition?”

Judge #2: “Ganesha is the Lord of Good Fortune. Ganesha is also associated with prosperity, fortune and being successful.”

John: “Ganesha. G-A-N-E-S-H-A. Ganesha”

Judge #2: “That is correct! You will advance to the next round. Next we will have Lili.”

*Lili approaches the mic*

Judge #1: “Hello Lili! Your word is Khandoba. I repeat your word is Khandoba.”

Lili: “Can I please have a sentence?”

Judge #1: “Khandoba is known as the God of war in the Hindu series.”

Lili: “Khandoba. K-A-N-D-O-B-A. Kandoba.”

Judge #1: “I’m sorry Lili that is the incorrect spelling of the word. The correct spelling of the word is Khandoba. You are disqualified. Next we will have Clayton.”

*The crowd cheers for Lili as she leaves the stage.*

Judge #2: “Hello Clayton! Your word is Annapura. I repeat your word is Annapura.”

Clayton: “May I please have the definition?”

Judge #2: “Annapura is the goddess of plenty. Annapura is also associated with Siva.”

Clayton: “Annapura. A-N-N-A-P-U-R-A. Annapura.”

Judge #2: “That is correct! You will advance to the next round.”

*The crowd goes wild*

Michael G. Looking: “Well folks there you have it. John and Clayton will be advancing to the next round. Make sure to stay tuned after the break to see who will become the champion of So You Think You Can Spell.”

*cuts to a commercial break*

Author’s Notes: So this week I watched a video called the 7 Secrets from Hindu Calendar Art and it is broken up into different sections. The video that I watched actually gave a little introduction to some of the main characters that we have been reading about all semester. It was hard for me to find a storytelling structure that I thought would fit this week’s reading. I decided to do a spelling bee contest to kind of introduce some of the people that I thought were interesting while watch the video. However, I think that this was the hardest storytelling week by far. Hope you enjoy!

Bibliography:

Video: 7 Secrets from Hindu Calendar Art

Link:  Watch Me

Week 13: Reading Diary B

7 secrets from Hindu calendar art.  

Ganesha's Secret:  

7 secrets from hindu calendar art

• I think that it is interesting how the calendar is associated with a God (Shiva). (one interesting feature is that he has a elephant head) 
• Ganesha removes obstacles  
• Kartikeya leads other gods in battles against demons 
• Shiva is also known as the destroyer 
• Divinity: formless but requires forms to comprehend it. 
• Khandoba: communicates the belief of the believers.  
• Deity: both God and god 
• Chandi and Chamundi don’t have a male escort. They feel that a male escort is meant to domesticate them. They are known as warriors and can't be kept down by maternity. 
• Andal: is also known as Gadai. 
•  The parrot and lotus are associations of love. They are also associated with Karna (cupid) 
•  Annapura: univeral goddess

Week 12: Stortelling "My dearest diary"

Dear Diary, October 5th  

The war has begun against Duryodhan! Each day my husbands go out as strong warriors and come back almost broken little boys. I can tell that this war is taking its toll on my dear husbands. I used to lie awake at night painting pictures of different ways that Duryodhan would die. A part of me wants him to have an humiliating death, as he humiliated me, while another part of me just wants him to suffer a painful death. I thought that seeking revenge against Duryodhan would satisfy my hunger for his pain, but instead I am more worried about the well being of my husbands. Essentially I felt as if they were fighting to protect my honor, in which I owe my life to them. However, something else has spark their interest in this war. As I stay back and watch the war unfold I wonder what will become of my husbands. Will the war change them? Will they come back a different person? Will I still have to husbands that I care passionately about? Whichever way their minds decide to lead them, I know that it will not lead them astray.

Karna

  

I feel that this war has brung out the truth of people more than anything. Although I have expressed my concerns about the war, I do have a confession for you diary. Last night, I decided to take a stroll around the palace to calm my mind for bed. As I was walking the halls, I happen to hear a familiar voice from behind one of the doors. That voice happen to be Karna. Karna was weeping into the lap of Grandfather as if he had committed a horrible crime. As he wiped his eyes he confessed that he was related to my husband's. At that very moment I felt so betrayed. How could the one man that I thought was my best friend, not tell me such news. At the same time a thought came to my mind. I wonder if my beloved husbands knew that Karna was their brother. I will not dispose of this news for I would hate to through my husbands off of their game during the war. Until next time diary, hold my secrets deep in this book.   

Sincerely,  

Draupadi 

P.S. On to more sad news. It is with deepest regret that I will have to write this down. Abhimanyu has died.   

Author's Note: This was the week that I got to read about the war that happened between the Pandavas and Duryodhan.One of the things that I thought was interesting while reading this week was the amount of truth that was stated. First Karna had a truth revelation, and he admitted that he was related to the Pandava brothers. It was interesting to see that Draupadi wasnted the war to revenge her opponent that had once embarassed her. Her mind soon changed after that.    

Bibliography:  

Book: Palace of Illusions   

Author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni  

Link: Palace of Illusions

Week 12: Reading Diary A

• Recap: Since Draupadi and her husbands have violated the terms of their condition they are now at war. However, Draupadi is looking to seek revenge due to embarrassment. 
• Bheeshma dies by a bed of arrows 
•   Karna is related to the Pandava brothers.  
• There was a part where they mention something about the fates and how they can be cruel. Sins are those that you commit out of not knowing any better. 
• Pg. 278 
• For each chapter they broke it up into the 5 brothers. The brothers fought on different days. 
• Ghatotkacha was the son of savage warrior Bheem. 
• Ghatotkacha had died on default. He died after the trumpet had sounded for the end of the war. 
• Drona knew that he couldn’t defeat the Pandava brothers by himself so he needed to get each one of them by themselves, in order to defeat them.  
• Padma Vyuha is known to be the most indestructible army there is. This army can only be destroyed from the inside like a lotus flower.   
• The only person that could defeat this type of army is Abhimanyu whom is the son of Arjun. 
• Pg. 288-289 
• Abhimanyu was not success and he died. 
• Karna became the commander. 
• I don’t know if Karna had something to do with the death of Abhimanyu but the text is making it seem like it.  
• Arjun and Karna go to war against each other. 
• Karna loses against Arjun. 
• However, that is not the end of Karna. 

Karna vs. Arjun

Week 11: Storytelling "From the mind of Draupadi"

Lionel Richie

Entry Date: July 17th  

Time: 1:13 a.m. 

Dear Diary,   

Once, I had gotten married, I felt a certain type of security that my husband's would always be there to protect me. Not only was I married to the Pandava brothers, but I was also married to five worthy men of my love. To be married to five people that were my best friends, five men that were in tune with a different part of me, five men that I would potentially grow old with. I just knew that they had my best interest at heart and would never do anything to jeopardize my integrity or their name. That all changed last night when my husbands decided to play what I thought was a harmless game of dice. Last night tipped the Richter scale of intensity. I never knew that five men whose heartbeat matched mine would ever stoop down to such a level that was even beneath the devil himself. I never knew that I would think of my husbands in such a manner that was so low, it passed the graves of our ancestors. My husbands, who I looked at as being such men of distinction have shamed me as their wife and more importantly as a women. Although each one of my husbands were in on this trickery as a game of dice, my dearest husband Yudhishthira took it too far. Yudhishthira took it upon himself to offer me up as a payment of his debt because he had nothing else to lose. Oh the anger and humiliation that spurred throughout my flesh. The only thing I could think about was how my parents would react to this. I don’t know whether to scream or to remain silent as I ponder this. The most humiliating part is that I was stripped naked as if I was Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. In a room full of men, all I could hear were the snickering and laughter of the men who watched me as I was being unclothed. My husband’s just stood there helpless and ashamed as they could not do anything but stand there and watch. As I thought that this would be the end of my worries, I have now been advised that I am to pack my belongings and leave the place that I call home. I don’t know what I am to make of this. Apparently, my husbands have also bartered our home and we are sentenced to a life of destitute for twelve years. After all of this news, the only thing that I can think about is 'what would my father think of me now'. His own daughter, who was born of the fire, now a women destined for a life out in the forest. I do not know when I will be able to write again, so I shall write my last farewell. Farewell to the one thing that kept all of my secrets and never judge me, but was simply a place that I could express my inner thoughts. Farewell to the one thing that kept me sane in this crazy world I call home. Farewell Diary, Farewell!  

Sincerely,   

Draupadi (Girl on Fire) 

  

Author's Note:   

So this story might be a little familiar to you all because we read about it at the beginning of the semester. In the Palace of Illusions book, it talks about the dice game away everything that they have including their beloved wife Draupadi. I from the perspective of Draupadi. In the dice game, the Pandava brother gamble decided to continue with the diary style because I think that it is an easier and what she is dealing with. While I was reading the book, I felt that way to get across how Draupadi was feeling at the time. I think that by writing it as a diary entry, you can actually get a sense of who Draupadi is Draupadi was giving a very detailed reaction as to what was happening during the in real life or in a television show or a movie. Hope you enjoy the story dice game. I think that this was one of the few story's that were interesting to me because I could easily relate to something that would happen in real life. Also I feel that people have seen how bad a game of dice can get either because this is the last story for my portfolio for the semester.  

Bibliography:  

Book: Palace of Illusions   

Author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni  

Link:  Palace of Illusions