Reading Notes: PDE Mahabharata, Part C
There were a few places in this reading that almost felt like informercials to me. The first few tales, including Arjuna's encounter with Shiva, his curse of five year's worth of dancing, and Bhima's encounter with Hanuman all feel like they could be advertisement blurbs in the back of an ancient magazine or subway ad (should such things have existed in that time frame).
Breatharianism, as endorsed by the mighty Arjuna:
"Are you searching for the ultimate cleanse? Have supplements and fad-dieting just brought you closer to giving up? Look no further, for Arjuna himself endorses the incredible inedia lifestyle approach referred to by hermits and Rosicrucians as "The last diet you'll ever need!" In fact, the sun diet worked so well for Arjuna that his purity levels and internal electric rhythms skyrocketed within only four months, permitting an ascension to the revered Shiva-level of the exclusive members-only Breatharian Brethren. Valuable prizes and substantial income can be achieved should you choose to become a Breatharian Lifestyle Consultant; Arjuna took home the boon of divine weapons at the last conference, and a substantial blessings package aside. Sign up today! Consult your local Breatharian Representative and breathe yourself slim by the power of the sun!"
Arjuna's time spent in Indra's city, Swarga, during which he is cursed by Urvashi to remain a celibate dancer and musician for five years could be toggled just a bit to reflect an advertisement for an exclusive dance studio. This time period is important as he learns how to work with the new celestial weapons he recently received as a divine boon from Shiva.
The Swarga Dance Academy:
"Seeking skilled applicants for competitive arts teaching certificates. Five year-minimum position offers valuable on-the-job learning in music, choreography, and competitive dance. Only the chaste may apply; physical and mental distractions are strongly discouraged. Extracurricular activities will include yoga and mixed martial arts (but your must bring your own weapons)."
Finally, Hanuman's encounter with Bhima strikes me as practically a proselytizing pamphlet! The discussion of each Yuga and each caste (save that of the shudra, which is both predictable and disappointing), in the context of why man is doomed and what man's responsibilities are. I did not prepare a sample blurb for this because there's too much information to cover in this note. I hope I get a chance to come back to this at some point because there is so much to unpack in this story.
Bibliography
Arjuna and Shiva, Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists, Sister Nivedita
Arjuna and Indra, Indian Myth and Legend, Donald A Mackenzie
Bhima and Hanuman, The Mahabharata, A Summary, John Mandeville Macfie
Image Source: FindingSource
Breatharianism, as endorsed by the mighty Arjuna:
"Are you searching for the ultimate cleanse? Have supplements and fad-dieting just brought you closer to giving up? Look no further, for Arjuna himself endorses the incredible inedia lifestyle approach referred to by hermits and Rosicrucians as "The last diet you'll ever need!" In fact, the sun diet worked so well for Arjuna that his purity levels and internal electric rhythms skyrocketed within only four months, permitting an ascension to the revered Shiva-level of the exclusive members-only Breatharian Brethren. Valuable prizes and substantial income can be achieved should you choose to become a Breatharian Lifestyle Consultant; Arjuna took home the boon of divine weapons at the last conference, and a substantial blessings package aside. Sign up today! Consult your local Breatharian Representative and breathe yourself slim by the power of the sun!"
Arjuna's time spent in Indra's city, Swarga, during which he is cursed by Urvashi to remain a celibate dancer and musician for five years could be toggled just a bit to reflect an advertisement for an exclusive dance studio. This time period is important as he learns how to work with the new celestial weapons he recently received as a divine boon from Shiva.
The Swarga Dance Academy:
"Seeking skilled applicants for competitive arts teaching certificates. Five year-minimum position offers valuable on-the-job learning in music, choreography, and competitive dance. Only the chaste may apply; physical and mental distractions are strongly discouraged. Extracurricular activities will include yoga and mixed martial arts (but your must bring your own weapons)."
Finally, Hanuman's encounter with Bhima strikes me as practically a proselytizing pamphlet! The discussion of each Yuga and each caste (save that of the shudra, which is both predictable and disappointing), in the context of why man is doomed and what man's responsibilities are. I did not prepare a sample blurb for this because there's too much information to cover in this note. I hope I get a chance to come back to this at some point because there is so much to unpack in this story.
Bibliography
Arjuna and Shiva, Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists, Sister Nivedita
Arjuna and Indra, Indian Myth and Legend, Donald A Mackenzie
Bhima and Hanuman, The Mahabharata, A Summary, John Mandeville Macfie
Image Source: FindingSource
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