Week 11 Story: Redemption

Kali (Pinterest)

Redemption

Ashwatthama continued to wonder the desolate wasteland.  His thoughts always return to past events that occurred over a millennium ago.  The unforgivable actions he committed against the people he loved replay in his mind.  At last he releases a gut-wrenching scream to the heavens, “I was not always like this.  Once I was good and kind.  The war twisted me, I did not act like I normally would.”

A bright orb of light appeared before Ashwatthama.  Out of stepped a great tiger with the mighty Durga astride it.  With an imperious glance at Ashwatthama, the great goddess stated, “I to have fought in countless wars over the ages.  However, not once in the heat of battle have I ever done anything that I am ashamed of later.  Ashwatthama, son of Drona, be honest with me.  Were you truly a good person before the war?”

“I had friends and loved ones.  I trained under my father with the Pandavas and the Kauravas before everything fell apart,” said Ashwatthama.

“That was what you did, not who you were at the time.  Be honest with yourself.  Be brave enough to admit your faults.  It is the only way you can ever move on,” replied Durga.

“No! I was petty and weak!  I was jealous of my father’s relationship with Arjuna.  I felt like a second-rate warrior compared to Arjuna and Bhima,” answered Ashwatthama.

“Now we are getting somewhere.  It feels good to be true to yourself.  If you did that from the beginning perhaps you would not have been cursed of all eternity.  Do you remember what choice you made that started your downfall?”  said Durga.

“Yes, I should have fought with the Pandavas.  In my heart I knew they were in the right.  I just could not abandon my father,” said Ashwatthama.

“I warn you, one more false statement like that, and I will leave.  You can continue to wander the land cursed until the end of days.  Is that what you want?”

“No, please stay!”

“Fine,” replied Durga, “Now answer the question.”

“I wanted to prove that I was a better warrior than Arjuna,” answered Ashwatthama.

“That is the answer I was waiting to hear.  Answer my next question honestly and in no uncertain terms.  After your father died and the war ended; why did you not surrender in peace?” asked Durga.

“Because I had nothing left.  I had no family, no home.  The Pandavas took everything from me.  All I had to cling to was my rage, and my desire for revenge.  I wanted them to know what it feels like when everything you ever loved is destroyed right in front of your eyes!”

“So, you felt justified in your actions against the Pandava family?” asked Durga.

“Of course not!  My quest for revenge turned me into a monster.  An evil man who killed innocent children while they slept.  I killed Arjuna’s grandchild while it was still in the womb.  Actions like that can never be justified,” said Ashwatthama.  With a heavy sigh, and a defeated posture, Ashwatthama whispered,” It was not the war that twisted me.  I did this to myself.  I deserve this curse.  Leave me great goddess, I do not deserve your attention.  However, I must thank you.  Until now I have never taken responsibility for my own actions.  It was talking to you that finally made me see things clearly.”

A brilliant flash of red light surrounded Durga, and in an instant she was gone.  In her place stood the awe inspiring, fear inducing Kali.  When her fearsome gaze made eye contact with Ashwatthama; he fell to his knees.

“I am the dark blue night.  I am creation and destruction.  I am the divine protector who grants moksha.  It is I alone who has the power grant liberation form this life, and all incarnations.  I am Kali!” said Kali.  As she strode toward Ashwatthama she continued, “Ashwatthama, your curse has served its purpose.  You have admitted your faults.  It is time for you to take the next step.  I grant you a release of the life and death cycle.  Be at peace Ashwatthama.”

Still on his knees Ashwatthama gazed adoringly at Kali, with tears in his eyes.  He said,” Thank you, divine goddess, you honor me.”   With that Kali swung her sword and gave Ashwatthama a warrior’s death. 

Author’s Note

This story is loosely based on The Kaurava Empire:Volume 2 The Vengeance of Ashwatthama graphic novel.  It was written by Jason Quinn, with art work by Sachin Nagar the graphic novel is based on the Mahabharata.  It describes the events before, during, and after he war from the perspective of Ashwatthama.  It is all flashbacks that he tells Governor Aiken, who he saved from an attack.  Conversation occurs thousands of years after the great war.  Governor Aiken passes judgment, saying the slaughter of children is unforgivable.  She leaves Ashwatthama stranded on the planet.  It tells how war can twist person and make them do unforgivable things.  It is a cautionary tale of the evil actions war can cause.  

My story starts at the end of the graphic novel.  I felt like Ashwatthama’s story was not over.  In the epics I read in this class if a demon did what Ashwatthama did they would be killed by a hero.  Since the gods cursed him with immortality I thought that they should eventually end the curse.  So, the whole point of my story was to get Ashwatthama accept his guilt.  Then he would get peace through death.  I chose Durga and Kali for several reasons.  One, they are the same goddess.  Two, both are awesome.  Three, Kali has the power to free a soul from the reincarnation cycle.  Four, according to Kali’s Wikipedia page she appears in the Mahabharata and interacts with Drona and Ashwatthama during the war.  Although I have not read that version.  I thought it would work well for them to meet in my story.

Week 9 Story: Brawl at the Bar

A Bar (Wikipedia)

Parvati had one of those days at work.  Murphy’s Law was in full affect, whatever could go wrong did.  For the last two hours of shift she kept repeating her mantra in her head; it is almost beer thirty.  This gave her the strength to power through to the end of shift.  As soon as she heard the bell signaling the end of shift, she jumped in her car and headed to the closest water hole, McNellie’s Ale House. 

Parvati was a regular at McNellie’s.  In fact, she considered it her cheers.  It is where everybody knows her name.  She settled in at the bar and ordered her favorite beer, Moose Drool by Big Sky Brewery.  She was not even halfway done with her pint when three frat boys walked in and sat next to her.  The leader introduced himself as Shumbha, and his cronies Chanda and Munda.  She found them rude and crude.  All she wanted to do was enjoy her beer in peace, and not be harassed by three jerks. 

In desperation she sent a text to her best friend Durga.  The 911 text was a plea for help, to get rid of the three frat boys.  Durga immediately responded and said she would be there in fifteen minutes.  When she arrived, she tried her best to shut down the frat boys’ advances.  After twenty minutes the three wastes of space did not get the point that the two ladies wanted nothing to do with them.  In fact, Shumbha said that if they invited one more friend then they could have three couples.

That was when Durga realized that the only way to end this was to text Kali.  Fortunately, Kali was just finishing up her jujitsu training session down the street.  It just so happens that Kali dominated her last mixed martial arts match.  She said she would take care of the oxygen stealers then the three girls would have dinner.  This made Parvati and Durga breath a sign of relief. 

Not two minutes had passed when Kali strode into McNellie’s.  Kali had a presence that made everyone in the pub stop what they were doing and take notice of her.  Kali walked right up to the three frat boys and informed them that they had two choices.  One, they leave Parvati and Durga alone, or she would make them.

All three started to laugh and said they would like to see her try.  Kali bared her teeth in a wolfs grin, and said they just made a huge mistake.  Chanda and Munda were the closest to her and the easiest to dispatch.  In no less than three moves she had both men eating the hardwood floor.  Shumbha, taken aback by her ruthless efficiency said that she would have no such luck doing the same thing to him.  With a sneer Kali said she would not have too.  Out of nowhere, Durga grabbed Shumbha in a classic choke hold, and he passed out in forty-five seconds.

The three best friends looked down at the three unconscious men and admired their handy work.  Everyone in the bar cheered, because the three frat boys had caused trouble at McNellies’s time and time again.  The manager was so happy, he gave all three of them free food and drinks for the rest of the evening.  Parvati smiled and thought that her day was finally improving.

Author’s Note

This story is based on the Amar Chitra Katha comic Tales ofDurga: Tales of the Mother Goddess.  Written by, Subba Rao, art by Souren Roy.  In the original comic Durga came out of Parvati’s body.  Durga fought Shumbha.  He was a powerful demon who kicked all the Gods out of heaven.  When Shumbha’s army attacked Durga she became so angry that Kali came out of Durga’s head.  Kali killed the army and Shumbha’s commanders Chanda and Munda.  Together Durga and Kali kill Shumbha.  Kali prevents his blood from being spilled, while Durga throws him to the ground from the sky.

For this story I focused on plot changes.  First, the goddesses are human and separate people.  I liked the idea of the events happening in a bar.  The reason is because most people have had an experience with that one obnoxious drunk person in a bar.  Also, since it is a modern day setting the ladies only beat up the three guys instead of killing them.

Week 7 Story: The Ties That Bind

Pandavas Leave This World (Indian Epics: Images and PDE Epics)

The Ties that Bind

Vayu, the Wind God, left his breezy path and returned to heaven.  He sought out Dharma, the Lord of Death and Justice.  Upon reaching his chambers, Vayu asked for Dharma for his counsel.  The reason was a delicate matter that is best left between family members.

“Dharma, we should discuss the trials that face our son’s.  I have observed their choices, and I fear they are on a dark path.  My son Bhima, has become crueler during their exile.  He cares not about the destruction of flora and fauna.  While your son Yudhishthira, caused their banishment by having no self-control, and did not stop gambling when he should,” said Vayu.

The words caused Dharma to pause and reflect.  He too had grown concerned over the choices that the Pandava brothers have made in recent weeks. Eventually he turned to Vayu with a furrowed brow.

“I to share your concerns Vayu.  However, you know we are forbidden to interfere,” said Dharma.

“We must do something!  They are our children.  Surely, there must be something we can do?” said Vayu.

After a few moments, Dharma said, “How about a compromise.  We help guide them but not directly.  They would never know it was us.  We would just nudge them along the proper course.”

So, the two Gods parted ways and started to devise plans to help their children in a time of need.  They both knew that the exile was hard on the sons because their mother Kunti did not accompany them.  Even though they are grown men, there are times when they still need their parents’ help. 

Vayu rode the wind currents back to earth.  He sought his oldest son Hanuman.  Vayu had nothing but the greatest love for Hanuman.  As luck would have it Hanuman was wondering through the same woods that Bhima lived during his time of exile. 

“My son!  Please help your half-brother.  He is so much younger than you and could use your guidance.  I would talk to him myself if I could, but such a thing is not possible.  I fear he treads a dark path, and it is a fate that I wish to spare him from,” said Vayu.

“Of course, father,” said Hanuman, “I have seen the destruction he has caused.  He kills tigers and elephants with no remorse.  I will speak to him about the four Yuga.  Also, I will remind him of the four castes and what is expected of each.  Perhaps this will make him consider others and lessen his pride.  After all, Bhima is my brother, and I do not wish to see him fail because of his arrogance.”

“Thank you my most beloved son.  I knew I could count on you,” said Vayu.

“Ha-Ha! Think nothing of it! What is family for?” said Hanuman.

With a great weight lifted off his shoulders, Vayu returned to heaven.  He wanted to speak with Dharma.  First, he wanted to inform Dharma, about the progress he had made with Bhima.  Second, he was curious about how Dharma fared with Yudhishthira.  He was greatly surprised to find out that Dharma would not return to heaven for quite some time.

For years now, Dharma had concealed himself in the form of a hound.  Yudhishthira, loved the hound.  He was Yudhishthira’s best friend and loyal companion.  Eventually, Dharma realized that Yudhishthira needed a reminder to be humble.  So, he asked his friend the mongoose to tell the story of the Brahman and his family.  The mongoose recounted the tale after Yudhishthira’s great horse sacrifice.  Dharma was pleased that it had the desired humbling effect on Yudhishthira.  Content, Dharma decided to remain as a hound until the Pandava family returned to heaven.  He could not bring himself to abandon his son when he would need his father the most.  After all, they were family.

Author’s Note

This story was based on the PDE version of The Mahabharata.  I found it interesting how the family connections of the Pandava family were so complex.  So, this story focused on the two Gods and their sons.  The Mahabharata only briefly mentioned the fathers.  I chose to take a lot of liberties with this story.  I found it hard to believe that the fathers would not take an active interest in their sons’ grand adventure.  I took snippets of the four stories and created a back story where the fathers caused the events in The Mahabharata to occur.  The original stories can be read by following the links in the sources section.

Sources
Bhima and Hanuman, The Mahabharata, A Summary, John Mandeville Macfie.
The Mongoose, The Story of The Great War, Annie Besant.
The Pandavas Depart, Indian Myth and Legend, Donald A. Mackenzie.
The Sons of Pandu, Indian Myth and Legend, Donald A. Mackenzie.

Week 5 Story: The Exclusive Interview of Hanuman

Hanuman mistaking the sun for a fruit (Wikimedia Commons)

The Exclusive Interview of Hanuman

Interviewer:  First I would like to thank you Hanuman for agreeing to meet with me for this exclusive interview.

Hanuman:  Not a problem, I always enjoy a good conversation.

Interviewer:  May we begin with your formative years?  Although your adventures with Rama during the war with Ravana, not many know about your childhood.

Hanuman:  Sure thing, I have very fond memories.  However, depending on who else you ask you may get different answer.

Interviewer:  It is well known that your father is the god of wind Vayu, and your mother is the monkey Anjana.  In your known opinion who do you take after more?

Hanuman:  Both of my parents are a huge influence on me.  My powers and immortality of course came from my father.  However, my wit and cleverness I inherited from my mother.  She always told me that there will always be someone stronger and faster than me and told me not to rely on my powers only.  My father agreed and said that the mind is the most powerful tool.  There is no limit to what I can achieve when I put my mind to it.

Interviewer:  It is true you showed your cleverness, and quick thinking when you infiltrated Lanka.  Is there anyone other than your parents to who helped with your education as a child?

Hanuman:  Oh yes of course there is!  Although I got my tenacity from my parents.  The strategic, decisive, and unorthodox think came from my teacher.  Well, to be honest he is more than my teacher, mentor would be a better word.  Surya was my instructor for most of my childhood.  Although, he did not care for me at first.

Interviewer:  How so?  Do you care to elaborate?

Hanuman:  Well, when I was a toddler, maybe two or three, I looked up at the sky and thought the sun was a nice juicy mango.  So, pushing my fledging powers to the limit, I grew large and jumped as high as I could, so I could eat it.  To say the least, Surya did not enjoy the experience, and he took it personally.

Interviewer:  Ha- Ha!  I dare say one would enjoy that!  So how did you convince him to take you on as a pupil?

Hanuman:  Well, at first, he refused.  He claimed he was too busy traveling all day, then resting all night.  However, I did not accept that answer.  I decided to train my strength and endurance at the same time Surya educated my mind.  So, I pushed my mass manipulation abilities to the maximum, by increasing my size to where I had one leg in the east and the other in the west.  I held that shape all day, and I always faced Surya, giving him my undivided attention.  Fortunately, he changed his mind and tutored me since I did not keep him from his daily travels.

Interviewer:  How long did he tutor you?

Hanuman:  Well, it is difficult to say, I have a lot of foggy gaps in my memory. 

Interviewer:  Could you take a guess?

Hanuman:  I guess I would have been about eleven or twelve.  I can definitely say the lessons stopped when my powers were bound by the sages and monk’s.  There spell was so complete I forgot that I had powers.  Let alone even using them to continue my education with Surya.

Interviewer:  Oh my.  That must have been so tragic for you.

Hanuman:  Not at all!  You can’t miss what you don’t know you possess.  Besides they did not permanently separate me from my powers.  They allowed me to regain them when someone reminded me that I had them.  Can’t say that I blame them.  All they wanted was peace and quiet to meditate.  I never allow them either one as a child.  My powers are fully restored now.  So, I say no harm no foul.

Interviewer:  Well Hanuman, I am afraid that that is all the time we have today.  I was wondering if we could do this again?  I and my readers would love to hear your firsthand account of your adventures with Rama.

Hanuman:  Of course!  I would enjoy that as well.

Interviewer:  Thank you for your time.

Hanuman:  No problem, anytime.

Authors Note:
I chose to use an interview format instead of a prose style for this weeks story.  Without a doubt, Hanuman is my favorite character in the Ramayana.  He is just so cool.  So for the reading this week I read the graphic novel The Triumph of Hanuman.  I really liked it, but I wanted to know more about what Hanuman was thinking.  So I thought an interview with him would be the easiest way to do that. Also, I enjoyed the last pages in the book the best because it give me more background information about Hanuman.  I focused on that information so that way people who have only read the Ramayana would learn more about Hanuman.

Source:

Tulsidas Sundarkaand, The Triumph of Hanuman

Week 3 Story: The Fall of the House of Thataka

Rama and Lakshmana battle Thataka (Indian Epics: Images and PDE Epics)

The Fall of the House of Thataka

Listen now to the tale of the destruction of the evil house of Thataka.  For these events occurred long ago when man was first evolving into their own.  Originally, the race of demons was a proud and noble race, with powers that far surpassed the abilities of mankind.  Over time the demons grew increasing cruel and sadistic toward the humans.  Eventually, the demon’s main source of food was human flesh.  The Gods and Goddess looked down and upon the suffering of the humans and grew angry.  They could not in good conscience allow the subjugation of the humans continue.  So many of them sent avatars of themselves to liberate the humans.  

Two cunning avatars were brothers know as Rama and Lakshmana.  Although their ultimate goal was to destroy the high ruler of demonkind King Ravana, they decided that it would be better to weaken him.  To do this the brothers went after King Ravana’s allies first.  The first mission was to cause the House of Thataka fall into ruin.

The House of Thataka was a matriarchy, whose clan leader was a female demon named Thataka.  Word reached her about the brothers entering her territory.  After consulting with her son, Maricha, she sounded the call of the hunt.  A great reward was offered to whoever killed the brothers and gave their heads to Thataka as tribute.  

Unfortunately for Thataka, the brothers caught her unware.  Using her formidable powers, she attacked the brothers.  However, the brothers were seasoned warriors, and quickly dispatched Thataka.  The battle was the stuff of legend.  Rama aimed to slow her down by shooting off her arms.  Infuriated Thataka attacked with all her might.  Lakshmana, without pity or remorse cut off Thataka’s ears and nose.  Gravely injured the demoness turned invisible to escape the brothers, while causing an earthquake to bury them with rocks.  Rama using his enhanced sense of hearing and fired an arrow, which struck down the great matriarch Thataka.

Maricha entered the forest clearing as Rama struck his mother with the fatal kill shot.  So clouded by anger Maricha called upon his personal guard to help him avenge his fallen mother.  However, the demons did not notice the celestial weapons that the Gods had given Rama as a reward for slaying Thataka.  When the demons attacked the brothers, Rama tested out his new arsenal.  First, the great firebolt incinerated Maricha’s lieutenant Subahu.  Rama, knowing Maricha still had a part to play in the coming battle, used the tempest rod, and swept Maricha out to sea.

For months Maricha mourned the loss of his mother in an abandoned hermitage near the sea.   King Ravana decided that enough time had passed, went to talk to Maricha.  The king ordered Maricha to return to the frontlines and do his duty.  If Maricha refused Ravana would behead him as a warning to all other demons.  King Ravana, with his gift of foresight knew that Maricha was the linchpin to divide the brothers.  The plan was a simple one.  Maricha, using his shape shifting powers would lure Rama away.  This would weaken the brothers enough to destroy them both.  

Maricha, being clever, transformed into a deer.  This deer had a golden pelt with silver spots, antlers tipped with sapphires, and eyes of blue lotus flowers.  As Maricha lead Rama on a merry chase, Lakshmana stayed behind to look after Rama’s wife Sita.  Once again Rama’s aim was true, and his arrow pierced the heart of the deer.  As Maricha returned to his true form, he used the last of his strength to play one more trick on the brothers.  Disguising his voice to sound like Rama, Maricha cried to Lakshmana and Sita for help.  At Sita’s request Lakshmana went searching for Rama.

As the events were witnessed by those who dwell in the heavens, all deities celebrated.  For they all knew that it is the beginning of the end for all demonkind.  Because as they foresaw it all starts with the fall of the House of Thataka.

Author's Note:

The original versions I read was the PDE epics version.  After this note is a bibliography for each of the four sections I used as a starting point.  The four were Thataka, Ravana and Maricha, The Golden Deer, and The Chase.  I focused on these because they focused on one family of demons.  This allowed me freedom to expand on their backstory.  I found myself wanting more information about the antagonists of Rama, because they all seemed a little one dimensional.

Bibliography:

Thataka: Indian Myth and Legend, Donald A. Mackenzie

http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/pde-ramayana-slaying-of-thataka.html

Ravana and Maricha: Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists, by Sister Nivedita (1914)

http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/pde-ramayana-ravana-and-maricha.html

 The Golden Deer: Indian Myth and Legend, by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913)

http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/pde-ramayana-golden-deer.html

The Chase: Indian Myth and Legend, by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913)

http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/pde-ramayana-chase.html

Week 2 Story: Curse of the Praying Mantis

The Curse of the Praying Mantis

Praying Mantis (Open Photo)

Note: An updated version of this story can be found at my portfolio website

https://sites.google.com/site/monasstorycollection/home

One of nature’s viscous creatures is the praying mantis.  Although the insect is a sleek and elegant creature, few people know how it came to be.  The following account is a tale that has been lost over time, but recently was rediscovered in an ancient temple near Amritsar.  For fans of folk lore please enjoy the Curse of the Praying Mantis.

On the island of Lanka, a tribe of female goblins know as, rakshasis, controlled it and the surrounding waters.  By casting a glamour these demon females hunted their favorite delicacy, man flesh.  Not only did they enjoy the taste of flesh, but they also craved a man’s companionship.  The goblin tribe thought that the more a man trusted his companion, the sweeter his flesh tasted.  Therefore, the hunt happened in four stages.  First, the female goblins caused shipwrecks at the narrow straight near Lanka island.  Second, as the sailors washed ashore the female demons would attend to all the sailors needs.  Third, the goblins would bide their time until the sailors claimed them as wives.  Fourth, was the great feast, in which the men realized to late that they were nothing but a demon’s meal.

Overtime, the rakshasis’ appetites became insatiable.  Soon not one trade ship survived the narrow straight.  Which became a major concern to the capital city on the main land.  Food, textiles, and other supplies never arrived. The result was an epidemic of famine, crime, sickness, and death.  As the capital city citizens cried for relief from their pain and suffering, Saraswati answered the call.

Saraswati in her infinite wisdom descended upon goblin city.  Her mission involved justice for the lost lives, and punishment for to the rakshasis.  Her course of action was swift, final, and absolute.  Saraswati proclaimed that the female demons’ glamour abilities were to be stripped.  The goblin queen declared that they only acted according to their nature and should not be condemned.  Saraswati, not one to be outwitted stated that the demon tribe will be transformed. Much to the rakshasis’ displeasure, they were forever locked in their true form, but on a smaller scale.  So, the entire tribe became praying mantises.

Authors Note
For this story I focused on plot changes.  For example, instead of a fairy I chose Saraswati the goddess of wisdom.  I also through in a plot twist that explained the origin of the praying mantis.  Similar to old myths that tried to explain things before the scientific method was the standard.  

Goblin City from The Giant Crab, and Other Tales from Old India, by W. H. D. Rouse
https://sites.google.com/view/jatakas/goblins