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Week 14 Lab: Storybook Research

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Peepal Tree Image Link Guide to the Peepal Very long life- 900-3000 years Can live in almost any climate; sometimes considered a weed because of its invasiveness Ashwattha means a very large tree first-known depicted tree in India Sacred fig trees meditate beneath/around as a mark of worship can be worshipped to escape contagious diseases and enemies vriksha rajaya namah- salutation to the king of trees ancient stories tell of many times the tree was destroyed by jealous naysayers; faithful supports always regrow it cutting down a peepal is as great a sin as murdering a Brahmin; whoever does so will surely go to hell one who plants the tree may be liberated from the bond of life and death anyone who water the tree should earn merit for his descendents, sorrows redeemed and diseased cured Sita is believed to have sat under this tree too; somehow this lady has sat under every tree in India there was an incident in which the demons defeated the deities 
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Week 13 Story: Value

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When Values Are Uneven Image Link There once was an administrator charged with our country's highest honor- protecting our environment. Lisa McCarthy valued all of Earth's systems and it was her duty to make sure others understood such value. Under great leadership, the environmental administration was able to harmonize natural resources and industry. As the saying goes, we never know a good thing until it's gone. One day, the wealthy industry men got together and decided they did not want to pay the true cost of using the Earth's resources. So, through suspicious elections and dubious appointments, Scotty Prune was now the one tasked with defending the planet.  This was devastating to those who knew how precious the environment is. They thought surely the higher government would do more than open a window and appoint the first person they saw to be the administrator. Over time, the citizens’ concerns were repeatedly validated. Scotty Prune cared not ab
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Reading Notes: Eastern Stories and Legends Part D

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A version of the Judas Tree one brother saw Image Link Notes: The Crow That Thought It Knew- Not sure what the moral of the story is but I interpret it as don't try anything just because you supposedly aren't the right species. The crow wasn't supposed to try something new I guess. The Judas Tree - Again, not sure what I'm supposed to take away from this. Maybe the sons should've been more curious instead of accepting what was given to them at the surface. The River-Fish and the Money - The brother was messing around and lost the money. The money ends up with the Bodhisattva again and is warned to not give any of it to his brother. He gives half to him anyway because it's the Bodhisattva. The Dreamer in the Wood - The Buddha just wishes for everyone to live simply and happy like him. The Rice Measure- The king was trying to be tricky and hired a fool but in the end only the expert Bodhisattva could properly do the job. This is something our governm
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Reading Notes: Eastern Stories and Legends Part C

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The Buddha with an Elephant Image Link Notes: The Hawk and the Osprey - The animals created bonds that will help them survive through trials life throws at them. Grandmother's Golden Dish - Some people have so much greed in their hearts, they take out their misfortunes out on those who are unselfish. This was the first time this semester I remember seeing Devadatta. I almost forgot about him. The Elephant That Spared Life- 5 commandments = 5 precepts; someone complained to the king saying people weren't breaking the commandments therefore not buying his sinning products. The king tries to kill the Bodisat but the elephant knows how true his followers and him are and won't follow through. How the Antelope Was Caught- You should not go against your nature to follow something that is unfulfilling to the soul. The Banyan Deer- The Buddha is thought to have reached enlightenment under the Banyan tree so it's interesting that he is born as the king of the Bany
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Week 12 Lab: Storybook Research

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Kamadeva Shooting Arrows at Shiva Image Link Ashoka Tree and Kamadeva Sacred Trees and Plants in Hinduism, Richa Sharma, Source Ashoka is a legendary and sacred tree in India, fascinating flower essence;  very fragrant, bright orange-yellow flowers, which later turn red; delicately perfumed flowers are used in temple decoration  very handsome, small, evergreen tree, with deep green foliage and  Ashoka can mean without grief or that which gives no grief the tree of love blossoms;  a symbol of love dedicated to Kamadeva, God of Love; he  cannot be destroyed by demons or gods and permeates the entire cosmos A Brief Guide to The Sacred Trees of India, Jyoti Jennings Roth, Source Ashoka: A Guard Against Grief water in which the Ashoka flowers have been washed is used as a protective and healing draught against sorrow also associated with fertility; the bark of the tree is used as a remedy for reproductive disorders and to restore fertility. Wikipedia, Sou
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Reading Notes: Eastern Stories and Legends Part B

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Wise Elephant Image Link Notes : The Bull That Demanded Fair Treatment- You should not let people walk all over you when you know you are worth way more than that. As the title says, you should demand what you deserve(even though I don't love that word). The Bull That Proved His Gratitude- The Bull thought that he needed to do something extravagant to help his mother out but once he did she didn't think it necessary to exhaust himself for her. She was appreciative and he stayed by her side until her death. The Horse That Held Out to the End- I interpreted this story a lot different than the Master explained it at the end. I was thinking the horse was in it for the good of the team, a good soldier ready to give it all up for the cause. The Monkey That Saved the Herd- Using a bit of innovation and wit, the Monkey King was able to hydrate his team without getting eaten by the water ogre. The Mallard That Asked for Too Much - The mallard wanted to help his family b
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Reading Notes: Eastern Stories and Legends Part A

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The Buddha in a Tree Image Link Notes: The Hare that Ran Away - This one would be funny to tell from the point of view of the tree the fruit was rustling from. The tree was probably just shaking out its leaves and the hare runs away in fright. Taking a step back from a situation can provide clarity. The Monkey and The Crocodile - Another story my Mango tree could have told in the storybook. I don't understand why the monkey agreed to go across the river if he was already content with what he had. Was all this really to teach the crocodile a lesson? The Spirit That Lived in a Tree - Trees provide life to many organisms around them and when one tree is sacrificed, many more beings fall too. The tree saves itself and the Sal trees by being wholly selfless. The Hare That Was Not Afraid To Die - Another story the Mango could have mentioned. The Hare was the most virtuous of the group and was willing to offer up himself to someone who needed sustenance. The Parrot That Fed H
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