Week 15 Story: Feminine Feelings?

Kyle was a cool guy. In high school he was the star quarterback, but he gave it up to focus on academics in college. He didn't need the football scholarship anyway. His dad's construction company could pay tuition, fees, fraternity dues, and basically anything else Kyle could need. Sometimes when he was running low on cash, he could ask his mom for a little deposit from the Lipstick Fairy. At least that's what she called it since it all came from her running the state's largest makeup distributor. Sometimes though, he had to work odd jobs so he didn't have to explain why he was short on cash after buying some Mary Jane. That wasn't fun walking his fraternity brothers dogs sometimes.

But overall, Kyle didn't have to worry about too much, and in fact, he didn't care about too much. He didn't know what was happening outside of his campus and he wasn't bothered by his limited worldview. He just wanted to hang out, have a good time, and live a good life. He wasn't hurting anybody, and nobody was hurting him.

One night, his fraternity hosted a house party. Kyle could only party until midnight until he had to sober up. He had a family function to be at in the morning. It was hard to leave such a rager, but sometimes life was hard for Kyle.

The poor guy had only a few hours of sleep before there was a pounding at the door. He ignored it the first few times, thinking it must be some drunk guy thinking it was his room.

"Kyle, open up dude!" He got up from his bed and opened the door to see his fraternity big in the doorway with no shirt on. "Listen, I just hooked up with this girl, but now she's crying and she won't leave. Will you get rid of her?"

Kyle didn't want to. No one wants to deal with some overly emotional drunk girl. But he owed his friend one. Kyle walked down the hall to his friend's room and saw a girl putting on her clothes, her appearance in complete disarray. She was drying her tears with the sleeve of her hoodie when she got the chance.

"Hey, I'm gonna walk you out." Better not to give a girl an option, he thought.

She followed silently. They got to the curb, and Kyle was about to turn back and go to the house.

"Can you stay with me while I wait for my uber? I just really don't want to be alone right now."

He didn't want to, but he shrugged indifferently, nodded, and stayed next to her.

Oh no, he thought. She's crying again.

"Sorry, I just can hardly stop. I checked my phone after we... well. I got a text from my brother. Our dog passed away. I've had that dog since I was 7. I just can't believe he's gone."

Kyle stared at her for a little bit, and then looked back at the road. He could remember when he lost his dog a few years ago. It was awful. I guess she's not just drunk, he thought.

Kyle tried to take his chance to leave. "Well I should really be going..."

"I'll never forget," she continued, "playing with him when he was a puppy. My friend Layla came over and he wouldn't stop chewing on her curly, red hair!"

Girl with curly red hair
Source: pexels

"That's funny," Kyle said, "Mys sister Layla has curly red hair."

"Layla Turner?"

"Yeah, how'd you know?"

"She was my best friend when we were kids! But we grew apart when your family moved."

Kyle didn't say anything, but now he was thinking of his little sister, only a freshman in college this year. He pictured her at age 7, playing innocently with a puppy dog. Then he pictured her left alone and disheveled on the dirty floor of a fraternity house after she received heartbreaking news.

"How far is your uber?"

"10 more minutes," she said.

"Come with me. I'll go get my keys and take you home."

She followed him silently back into the house. He wasn't going to let an upset girl go home by herself.


Author's Note: Based on the story from the "7 Secrets of the Goddesses" in which the Buddha doesn't allow women into monastic orders. It is only when he sees his mother crying over his father's death that he can recognize women are also people with feelings and emotions that merit acknowledgement. In my story, Kyle doesn't recognize the legitimacy of a young woman's feelings until he can see his sister in her. He realizes he wouldn't want his sister to ever be in a similar situation.
When hearing the story about the Buddha, it made me think of current feminist movements right now like the MeToo movement. Men often say "I'm a feminist because I want my mother/sister/female cousin to be treated right". "Rape is wrong because I wouldn't want my sister to be raped." To me that is such a pointless perspective. Men should hate rape and inequality because women are humans. But for Kyle, like the Buddha, he has to be confronted by the legitimacy of women's emotions to accept it.

Gaia's Secrets: Pattanaik, Seven Secrets of the Goddesses 2016

Week 13 Story: Finding a King

(This is a continuation of a previous story, To Save a Prince. You don't need to read it to understand this story, but you may read it if you would like the background story.)

The king was determined to find someone to succeed him. He wanted someone unselfish who would be caring and just towards the people. He needed someone completely unlike his sons who cared only for themselves and power.

The king set off to search the land for the perfect candidate. He came to a town that was filled with people, one of the largest populations he had ever seen. It was surrounded by large hills, so well hidden that most travelers would never notice. The king had been sending aid to this village for years, but with little progress. It was a black mark on his record for improving the lives of his people. The king spent a few days there, but couldn't find anyone with the potential to be king.

Rather than follow the map to the next city, he traveled off the beaten path, leaving behind his escort and taking only his valet. "I need some time before I continue the search," he told his men.

The king rode for half a day and almost turned back, having had enough time away from his search to think. Just as he was about to return to the village and his men, he saw a large farm with a beautiful, large house on the horizon. He pressed on.

When he came to the chateau, he saw a man on his knees, gardening.

"Good sir, who lives here?"

"I do! My family owned this land for generations."

"I am king and I have never heard of you. Do you not pay taxes? How do you live?"

"Well, I don't own anything. I donated the land to the village to the east. They come work the land and take what they harvest. I don't own this house either, but because of my generosity and in honor of my family's history, they allow me to live here."

"Why did you donate the land?"

"The village was struggling. I have no need of excess. I am happy to take what I need to survive and giving gives me purpose."

"Are you not aware of the extreme poverty of the village just to the west?"

"What are talking about? There are no nearby villages to the west."

"It is surrounded by hills. Very few people visit, and the people are starving. they often do not leave."

The man’s face became ashen. He began rambling about if only he had known, he would have helped them too. The king tried to console him, reminding of how he helped an entire other village, and he can’t help everyone, but nothing seemed to calm the man down.

“I must return to the village before dark,” the king said. “Please don’t be too hard on yourself.”

Village surrounded by hills.
Source: pxhere

The king and his men made camp, and in the morning they prepared to depart. Though the sun shone brightly on the new day, the king was feeling hopeless, and he worried he would never find the perfect king.

When they came to the center of the village, they were surprised to see everyone running about, gathering what few things they possessed and finding all their family members. They were frantic, but there was a joyous excitement in the air.

“Kind lady,” the king said to a young woman passing by. “What is happening?”

“Your highness, it’s a miracle!” She told the king the good news, but he couldn’t believe it.

He took his horse and raced to the enormous house from yesterday. Villagers were filing into the front entrance while the man stood by happily welcoming them in.

“Simon,” the king called out. “What is the meaning of this?”

“Your highness, I am happy to let you know I solved the problem. I spoke with the village to the east. They would only allow one quarter of the land to be harvested by the western village. However, I thought of a solution! The people can all live here! It isn’t perfect, but I hope that this is the right start to helping these people.”

“That’s wonderful!” the king said. “But, why are you carrying such a large bundle?”

“Well I must leave, I can no longer live here. When the eastern village learned I had given the home away to people when they were allowing me to live here, they weren’t happy. They’re running me out of town. But I gave all the artwork and most of the furnishings to the eastern village so that they would allow the western village to live here in peace.”

“You have given everything to these people you don’t even know.”

“It is not right to see people suffering and do nothing,” Simeon said.

The king smiled, happier than he had been in years. “Simeon, I have found a king.”  

Author's Note: This is a continuation of a story I wrote in which a king must choose which son to save so that he can be king. In my story, he chooses neither because both are selfish. He sets out to find a king who would be a caring as he is. 

This story is based off of the Jataka of the great elephant who sacrifices his life so that a group of starving men can eat and drink from his corpse so that they will survive. In my story, the man also gives selflessly and sacrifices everything (except his life) so that a village of people can survive. This act of selflessness shows the king that he has found the man who should be king. 

Inayat. The Great Elephant, Twenty Jataka Tales (1939)

Week 12 Story: Slithering Friends

"Lahana!" her sister-in-law shouted. "Why are there snakes in this pot?"

Lahana ran into the room. "Don't hurt them, Asalee! They are deities."

"What are you talking about?"

"Do you remember those fish I found? Well they turned into snakes! They are obviously deities in disguise! Now I must only take care of them and wait until they bless me and our home."

"Lahana, did you ever think the snakes could have eaten the fish and remained in the pot?"

"No, but I know-"

"How long have you cared for these snakes with no reward?"

"One month... but I know they will soon-"

"Lahana, get rid of these snakes."

"Asalee, I can't! We will be cursed forever!"

"Fine, but you can't have them in the kitchen. Take them out to the stable and care for them there."

Lahana solemnly took the pot and began carrying it to the stable to care for the two snakes.

"You better wash that pot twice when you're done with it!" Asalee called out to her.

One month later.

"What is happening?" Asalee was in the kitchen and turned to see her mother-in-law entering the kitchen, her face red. "Asalee, what is happening in this house? Why are there two snakes in a pot in the stable? Who is keeping snakes as pets?"

Source: flickr

Asalee sighed and set down the knife she was using. "Lahana believes them to be deities in disguise. She thinks if she cares for them, they will bless her."

"That girl has lost her mind. I told my husband not to marry off our youngest son to such a bizarre girl. But no one listens to me! I will tell him to kill them when he gets back from the fields."

"Oh dear mother, please don't kill the snakes. Lahana will be devastated and she will be no use to me. I can't run this household for you with no help! Please, just tell her to take them elsewhere."

"Fine, she can keep them out by the orange tree."

A few hours later.

Asalee was getting worried. Lahana had not come back to the house after moving her "deities". The sun was setting and it would be dark soon.

"That girl!" she said rolling her eyes. She grabbed her shawl and went out to find her sister-in-law.

She walked out to the orange tree, holding her candle close to her, trying to stop the wind from blowing out her light. One moment she was walking, the next she was falling. Her candle went out, and she was left in the dark. What could she have fallen over in a flat field? Tentatively, she reached back to feel for what tripped her. She felt soft silk. Quickly, she fumbled for a match and relit her candle. Though she knew what she would find and didn't want to see, she knew she had to.

There Lahana lay on the ground, empty pot by her side. She touched her sister-in-law's face and moved her hair back from her eyes. She saw bite marks, two red points marked her dark skin where a pair of fangs had pierced neck.

Asalee said a prayer. "May the gods bless a girl who wanted only to please them. May she find true divinity."




Author's Note: In the original story, the two snakes truly are deities who are testing her. However, Lahana has very little evidence to believe they aren't average snakes. So I thought it would  be interesting to explore what that story would look like if they weren't deities.

Sacred Tales of India. Dwijendra Nath Neogi (1916)

Week 10 Story: To Save a Prince

There once was a good, strong king who loved his people more than himself. He spent every waking moment trying to protect and improve the lives of his subjects, and even in his sleep he was tormented by images of the poor and forgotten. 

The king had two sons. He assumed that they would follow the example he had set before them to become good, strong leaders. However, as the two grew older, the king feared he should have been more direct with his sons rather than merely hoping they would follow in his footsteps. 

Instead, his oldest, Louis, cared for nothing except women, hunting, and himself. His younger son, Francis, was perhaps less selfish and did care for the kingdom's people, but he was still more concerned with being king than helping them as someone with a lesser title. 

One day when the king was in his office, looking over agricultural reports, a messenger ran into the office unannounced. 

"Your Highness, the princes have been abducted! They are being held hostage by a water-sprite who will negotiate with no one but you."

Without hesitation, the king sprang into action. After saddling his horse and riding off, it wasn't long until he had followed the river to a cave with a beautiful water-sprite standing guard.

Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth
Source: Wikimedia

"Welcome, king. Please, join me for a cup of the freshest, cleanest water you have ever tasted. There is no need to rush. Your sons are safe."

Once the king descended from his steed, the water sprite sprinkled water around the beast so that he could freely graze, but could not cross the barrier she had marked. The water-sprite then motioned for the king to sit on a smoothed rock, weathered to take the shape of a chair. She handed him a cup of water and the king was amazed by its crisp, clear taste, more delicious than the finest wine. 

"King, I have happily watched your reign from afar. You are kind and just. But your sons have failed you. I caught them near my river dueling. It turns out the youngest lured his older brother out here so that he could kill him and be king. I do not understand how a brother could take the life of another, but these two are the future of the kingdom."

"Yes, while the oldest is owed the kingship by his birthright, the other claims it by his talent and wit."

"King, you are wise and fair. Therefore, I will give you a gift: the gift of opportunity. You know, birthright or no, who should be king. So, you may choose who to save. Whoever is left, I will wash away his memories and he will be free to start a new life."

How could the king choose a son to save? How could he lose a son, even if it was best for the nation?

"May I have time to think about it?" he asked. 

"It is decision time, king. You must choose now."

Louis was chosen due the kingship by his privilege of being born first, but cursed with a selfishness beyond the good king's understanding. Francis was blessed with kindness towards the kingdom's subjects, but he was willing to kill his own brother merely for the title of king. Was either of them truly deserving of being granted great power?

"I have always acted in the best interests of my people and I will not stop now because my sons have chosen a life of violence and evil. I will find a king who is worthy of such power."

"You wish both of your sons to be sent out into the world without any memory of their past lives?"

The king knew he could not keep his sons and do right by the kingdom, but he still loved his children. "Yes, but could you grant me one request?"

The water-sprite nodded solemnly. 

"Can you allow them to remember they are brothers and their happiest moments together?"

"For you king, I shall."

And so the king took his horse and began his ride back to the castle. It was time to find a new king. 

Author's Note: This is based off the story of the Princes and the Water-Spite. However, instead of the eldest brother choosing between his middle or youngest brother to save from the water-sprite, the king must choose who he wants to succeed him. In the original story, the oldest bother chooses to save the youngest even though he was trying to kill his older brothers and the water-sprite says that was the kind choice. In my story, he chooses neither because he knows neither would be a good king. 

Jataka Tales by Ellen Babbitt. (1912)

Week 9 Storytelling: Saved

Draupadi was crouched in a corner of her apartment, hands clasped together tightly, shivering.

"Sorry about all that, Draupadi," her brother said. "But at least we saved you! See you tomorrow." Without another look back, her four brothers walked out of the apartment. 

She was left alone with the memory of her abduction. She had been simply walking behind her brothers, down the streets of New York, when a man suddenly grabbed, forced her into a van, and drove off. Yes, her brothers had saved her, but she didn't feel safe. Every shadow was after her. Every man was just waiting to grab her. 

Her brothers were powerful, and power naturally attracts enemies. Her brothers ran the city while everyone who wanted to hurt them used her as an easy target. 

She wasn't sure how long she stayed crouched in that corner of her apartment. Several mornings passed until she looked up and the rays from the sun shone so brightly in her eyes, filling her up with hope and anger. 

That day she enrolled in every self-defense class she could. She had a knife short enough to conceal, but long enough to do it's job. She wore nothing but running shoes and pants. 

A few months later, she was going for a run in Central Park when she tripped on something. There was nothing in her way before, but when she looked up, Kichaka stood over her. He was one of her brothers' sworn enemies. Before she could react, Kichaka kicked her in the head and the stomach. Her head aching and eyes blurring, she couldn't fight back as he put her in handcuffs and put her in a van. 

Photo of abandoned factory
Source: Wikimedia

The brothers of Draupadi heard rumors that their sister had been taken, abducted by Kichaka. They searched for Kichaka's hideout, but it took so long they were beginning to wonder if they would find their sister alive. 

Finally, they heard where exactly they could find their sister. As the busted into the abandoned factory, they expected to see their poor, innocent sister tied up and at the mercy of their enemy. 

Instead, Draupadi stood over the limp body of Kichaka, blood on her hands and victory in her eyes. 

"What are you doing here dear brothers?" she asked. 

"We... we came to save you," the eldest said shakily. 

"As you can see, I am no longer in need of your protection. Sorry to waste your time. See you tomorrow!" Without looking back, Draupadi left the factory leaving her brothers to shake in fear from the power and strength of their little sister.


Author's Note: This is a retelling and modern version of the story of Draupadi'a abduction. As I mention in my reading notes, I wish there was more strong women in the Mahabharata that kicked some serious butt. I also don't think Draupadi would be abducted by Jayadratha and then wait patiently to be abducted again and her brother to save her. So my story is set in modern New York (inspired by Law and Order SVU) and shows a bada** Draupadi who is unsatisfied with being saved by others. She wants power for herself and she works for it and overcomes her enemies. 

Bhima and Kichaka. The Indian Heroes by C. A. Kincaid (1921). 

Week 6 Story: Ending Love

Satyavati. Source: Wikipedia

When Satyavati married Mohabbat, she thought she would never be that happy again. She was proven wrong month later at the birth of her son. The couple cried happy tears and prayed never ending prayers over their child. 

A few years passed and the couple only grew more in love with each other. One day they were walking through a traveling bazaar and came across a fortune tellers booth. Satyavati insisted Mohabbat hear his fortune, as she was sure it would only be filled with love and happiness. 

"Only one person may stand at the booth at one time," the fortune teller said. "Multiple people with different futures in front of me will cloud my sight." So Satyavati kissed her husband, and carried her child across the street to wait. 

The fortune teller took Mohabbet's hand and closed her eyes. "You have a strong aura. You block the future of your wife and child. They have a destiny that can only be fulfilled if you are gone. If you remain in their lives, they will never live up to their fullest potential."

"I don't understand," Mohabbat said with tears in his eyes. "With me they have love in their lives. What more could they have?"

"Without you, not only would they be loved, but they would taste power. Every need they could imagine would be provided for. They would never want for anything."

Mohabbat looked back at his wife who waited across the street. She was laughing and nuzzling her nose against her son's. His son was laughing that purest laugh only an innocent child could have. They deserved everything. 

"What must I do?"

"When you are gone, all will fall into place."

He knew if he talked with his wife, he would not be strong enough to leave. Instead, he walked past the fortune teller towards the stream. Satyavati didn't immediately notice he had left, but when she did, she followed him into the forest. He stepped into a stream, and took the knife from his waist. With one hand he held the knife to his throat. With the other, he reached up to the heavens.

"Mohabbat! What are you doing? Please stop! Come back to me!" She desperately searched for a safe place to set down her child while also keeping an eye on her husband. 

"I will now leave this life and promise myself to the gods so that my wife and child may have their best chance at a great life. My only condition is that my son protect my wife, no matter the cost. Because that is what I would do for her." And with a flash of his knife, he was gone. 

Satyavati collapsed to her knees, clutching her child to her breast, sobbing. Moments passed until she could feel her child moving. She looked to see that he was growing. Suddenly, her son was a fully grown man. 

"Mother, the gods have blessed us due to my father's sacrifice. I am now grown, strong, and able to protect you. I must go now to find a life for myself. But if you ever need me, just say my name three times and I will come to your aid."

With that he was gone. Satyavati looked to the stream, her husband's body was gone, taken by the gods. She was alone. She curled up into a ball and lay there for many nights, unable to leave the spot where she had lost everything. 

Author's Note: In the original version, when it discussing the father of Satyavati's son, it doesn't go into great detail and we don't know why she didn't stay with him. I liked the sacrifice Bhishma made so that Satyavati could be married to his father. So in my story, it is clear the sacrifices made so that Satyavati could marry the king. It all truly began with her first husband. While the original story doesn't say that she was married or why the father of her first child doesn't stick around, I imagined that they must have been in love. Because if Satyavati is really so beautiful and loved by all who see her, how could someone not have loved her before the king?

Mahabharata Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913).

Week 4 Story: Brotherly Love

Two brothers were walking in the woods when suddenly a creature ran violently through the forest. The younger brother was prepared to ignore it, but the older brother screamed, "There is a child in it clutches, we must save it!" The brothers chased the creature into a cave. When the older brother noticed the other wasn't following him, he asked him why he stopped.

"Brother, I would be no help against a creature of that ferocity. Allow me to stand guard at the mouth of the cave. This way, if the creature is victorious, I could finish off the wounded animal before he went back out into the world." The older brother shook his head in frustration, but didn't bother to waste time arguing.

From the mouth of the cave, the younger brother could hear the loud noises of an intense battle. Shaking in his boots, he awaited the outcome. "What if I cannot even finish off the animal if he comes out?" he wondered. "Perhaps I should protect the world, no matter the cost." And so the younger brother used all the nearby rocks he could to seal off the mouth of the cave, shame burning in his heart.

Years passed. The younger brother had a wife and kids, but he always regretted his decision to kill his brother. A decision he made out of cowardice. One day, a messenger came. It was from a kingdom he had never heard of. The messenger said he was summoned to appear before the king and stand trial for murder. He couldn't understand what this was about, but he appeared before the king, simply to clear his name. While he did feel the guilt of a murderer, there was no way anyone could possibly know about it.

A king on his throne. (Bible card of Jehoiakim)
Source: Wikipedia

The king was a man a little older than himself with a long beard and a cap pulled low over his eyes. "Do you know why you have been called to stand trial?" the king asked.

"I have no idea your majesty! I am innocent of this crime!"

"Let me tell you a story. There once were two brothers. The younger betrayed the eldest who always acted out of love and bravery. The cowardly young brother left him to die. However, the elder brother found a way to escape the evil plot of the younger brother. He crossed the path of a great, elderly king who took pity on the brother. The king who had no children treated the brother like a son. So that when the king died, the brother inherited the kingdom. He was a good and righteous king, beloved by all. However, he was plagued by the knowledge that his murderous younger brother was free to wreck havoc on the world."

Recognition spread across the younger brother's face. He begged for mercy, but the king had hardened his heart against his younger brother for years. His brother's tears could not move the king, and the brother was executed the following day.



Author's Note: For retelling the story of the monkey brothers, I decided to tell it from the perspective of the younger brother who was truly a coward and must suffer the consequences of his actions. While he did not act out of hatred, he wasn't good for trying to kill his brother either, even if it was to stop the creature.

Sugriva's Story. Rama and the Monkeys by Geraldine Hodgson (1903).

Week 3 Story: The King's Sandals

Isabella entered the king's chambers. She had traveled hundreds of miles from her farm, but it was necessary to save her village. they were starving from the famine, and the king had sent no help as she had requested in her letter. She had to look him in the eyes and let him know he couldn't let his people starve without consequences.

She had waited in line for hours, and now it was finally her turn! But when she looked at the throne, a man stood beside. No one was seated on the throne, only a pair of sandals.

"Hello, I am Jerald, the king's right-hand man. How can the king help you?"

"Excuse me, but is the king unwell? Where is he?"

"As you come from the such a small town from the south, perhaps you have not heard of the king's traveled. Before he took the crown, he wanted to enjoy life for a bit. So he left to explore the surrounding nations."

"How long has he been gone?"

"Ten years. But as you can see from his pair of sandals which guard his throne and lead his nation night and day, he is still a strong leader."

Perhaps this is how other countries are run? Isabella thought. Maybe I'm crazy for thinking this is weird? I should just tell him my problem and get the help we need.

"You mean to tell me that while my village is starving, the king is ON VACATION?!?"

"Miss, just tell me your problem and I will help. With the guidance of the king, of course."

"What guidance? What king? It's a pair of sandals!" Enraged, Isabella left the chambers.



Leroy,

Gold Sandals Source: Wikimedia

I regret to inform you that after ten years of royal bliss, you have lost your kingdom. It appears a woman was not happy to discover your sandals had been symbolically leading the nation all this time. She informed large mobs of your whereabouts and united them to take the castle. If you would like your sandals back, you can find the hanging from the gallows.
All hail Queen Isabella!

Jerald

Author's Note: In the original story, the fact that the king is away while ruling symbolically by his sandals is brushed over as completely acceptable. It never says how the people themselves would have felt about this arrangement. I imagined they would be pretty upset and so here is what I think would actually happen!

Ramayana. Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913).