Reading Options: Option 2: Public Domain Edition

           During middle school, all students were required to take language arts. Within the language arts unit, there were several modules that focused on Greek and Roman mythology, fables, and epics. These were my favorite topics to study in middle school, and I've carried those stories with me into adulthood. I've always enjoyed those stories because they parallel to real life and other stories and proverbs in the Bible. I liked learning about the gods and goddesses. After reading to Rama: Avator of Vishnu of Public Domain Editions of  the Ramayan, I read about how the gods ascended to earth as humans and how sacrifices were being made. The passage focused a lot on the war between good and and evil between gods and demons. It continued to speak a sacrificial offerings, wisdom, and the mark of higher gods. I'm excited to learn more about the Indian culture and history. I've only skimmed the surface of the Indian culture, meaning the only information that I really know is about the religion and the capital. Despite my lack of knowledge, I still aim to get a deeper understanding. I know very little about Islam, but I have meditated. Meditation is very calming, and everyone has their on form of meditation. As a non-denominational Christian, my version of meditation is carried out through prayer and visualization. Even though I am not Islamic, there are similar values and mores that we share. Indian influences are everywhere. I have watched Indian films on Netlfix and some of the customs were depicted, such as dancing. I think that Indian dance is very cool, and I would love to take a class to learn. There are some Indian influences in American music, such as in Coldplay's song Hymn for the Weekend ft. Beyonce.
Image Information: Che and Ganesha, Graffiti in Barcelona Wikimedia Commons

This image above is similar to the graffiti and wall art illustrated in the Hymn for the Weekend music video which was filmed in India. I believe that this figure in the art represents some Indian monument, deity, or symbol of the culture. I feel as though there is a message behind the image that I would love to understand. There is more to the eye than the surface, which is why this course is helpful. I can get a deeper understanding about the culture. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Introduction from a Coffee Connoisseur

Image
  Image information: Personal photo at Coffee Shop and Pizzeria in Italy May 2015          Coffee is available in all types of flavors and states; you have hot coffee, frozen coffee, coffee beans, chocolate covered coffee beans, frappes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. Beyond the different consistencies of coffee there are thousands of flavors. Life is a lot like a cup of coffee. At first, coffee can be bitter, but you learn to love it or find another blend that best suits you. I've always loved coffee, but there are definitely a few flavors that prefer over the rest. Everyone has different aspects of their lives that they enjoy and choose highlight. Now, you will learn about the favorite aspects of my life, (outside of the coffee). {A hot caramel macchiato with an extra shot of espresso is my go-to beverage all year round.} My full name is Hannah Elisabeth Pope and I’m a full-time junior here at the OU. I’m studying Health and Exercise Science/Pr...
Read more

Storytelling: MyLife's a Charm

Image
On the hard,cold wooden desk I sat just waiting until the day we would chat. I was yours since the day you were born, but not for long I shall warn.  I watch you both day and night, but never on your mind, always out of sight. I was there to see you walk and cry,  but I hope that when it's time to meet you're not shy.  You toss and turn all night long , trying to fight this pull that's so strong. You wake up with sweats and eyes full of terror,  but then you turn over to see me on you dresser.  You pick me up and twirl me around, knowing that I'm your comfort when comfort can't be found.  Your attachment to me weakens as you mature through the years,  but there's a calling on your life so it appears.  A whole new world and kingdom awaits for you and me, just step into the world of the rakshashi. Beep! Beep! Beep! After five minutes of hearing the annoying alarm clock, Shala finally reaches out from underneath her five d...
Read more

Week 4 Storytelling: My Savior In Ashoka Grove

Image
Ashoka Grove was a beautiful resting ground in the middle of a dark, evil-ridden forest. The flowers ranged from pink, puffy ashoka blossoms, orange lotuses, to beautiful Malobar daffodils, orchids, and magnolias. The aroma was overwhelming and enchanting. It was a scene so serene. The crisp, warm spring breeze would blow and pick up the swirling pool of petals collecting on the ground  in a whirlpool and sweep them up into the air. The whistle of the wind was a harmonious sound to the ears of the grove's visitors; it is a sound so hypnotizing and enticing that the visitors go numb to the razor-sharp teeth of the rakshasas that are sinking into the veins of their warm, fleshy necks and limbs. For years, Ashoka Grove was a hot attraction. Thousands of visitors would venture across the world to experience such a magnificent wonder of Mother Nature. People from all walks of life could be seen lying down in the mounds of petals on the ground trying to make a "flower angel....
Read more