My Feedback Thoughts

Positive and Negative Feedback

(Source: withMartijn)

Feedback is ultimately one of the most important things that happen in our every day lives. Feedback in the gateway for improvement. It allows us to see from a different perspective. Without it, we would be doomed to isolation with our thoughts alone. We would convince ourselves that our work is utterly perfect and there is absolutely no option for growth. Feedback is what we need as human beings. We need to be told what we are doing wrong and how we can fix it. However, it gets very difficult in this area.  I definitely think there is an interesting relationship between giving and receiving feedback. People may be somewhat sensitive to what people tell them, but have absolutely no problem dishing out over the top feedback. There is absolutely no room belittling in feedback. You have to find the right balance. You can inform a person on how to improve without being rude about it. I think it's important to find that balance and never stray from it.

Story: An Unexpected Love

Lakshmana stopping Shurpanakha from attacking Sita

(Source: Exotic Indian Art)

Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana traveled through the forest as they were deep into their exile. Moods were surprisingly positive given the circumstances. Rama was at peace with his exile and his wife and brother followed this with ease. There was a sense of comfort flowing through Rama as he was with his dearest loved ones. He knew that this stretch of inaction would not last, but he was sure to enjoy every second of it until the next surprise was enacted upon him. Demons? Not a problem. Rama was more than skilled at this point at utterly destroying any demon that crossed him.

Just as Rama had predicted, an absolutely gorgeous woman appeared before them. She instantly eyeballed Rama and gave him a soft smile.

"Hello, travelers, my name is Kamavalli," the woman said.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Kamavalli. My name is Rama. I'm traveling here with my brother, Lakshmana and my wife, Sita," Rama replied.

The group embraced the stranger. They began to converse with her with stories of their pasts and how they ended up in this exact spot in the forest. Kamavalli was shocked to hear of Rama's exile and commended him on his bravery.

"I must admit. Rama, when I first laid eyes on you, I knew I was in love with you," Kamavalli confessed to the group.

"While I am flattered by your compassion, I mentioned before that I am married to Sita," Rama said gently.

"Well then, I'm sure there's something we can do about that," Kamavalli said.

Kamavalli charged at Sita but was suddenly met by the strength of Lakshmana. Kamavalli looked into the eyes of Lakshmana and begged him to let her through so she could kill Sita and be with Rama. Lakshmana, who is nothing but loyal to his brother and his wife, began to draw his sword. Violence would ultimately be the way to warn Kamavalli not to mess with his family. As Lakshmana was about to strike Kamavalli, he looked her straight in the eyes. He could see the pain in her eyes as she longed to be loved. Lakshmana knew he could be the one to fill her desires.

The two suddenly locked lips and compassionately showed their love in a physical nature. Rama and Sita looked at each other with absolute confusion. Kamavalli and Lakshmana confessed their love for each other and made plans to marry. Rama figured love could cause no harm and he was happy for his brother and his new found love.

As the four of them made their way through the forest, Kamavalli revealed her true name was Shurpanakha and she was the sister of Ravana. Rama was hesitant of the woman after this fact, but Shurpanakha assured him that she was sincere with her love for Lakshmana and would bring no harm to him or his family.

The two couples went to meet with Shurpanakha's brother. Contradictory to popular belief, Ravana was so thrilled with his sister's new found love that he decided to put aside his hostility with Rama and completely support the marriage between the two. After the marriage, Ravana had several conversations with Rama that ultimately ended his evil nature. Rama taught Ravana the beauty of the world and how to channel his anger. For the rest of time, there was peace in the land which was the result of an unexpected love.

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Authors note: For this story, I thought I would use the Ramayana in a somewhat loose sense. I altered the meeting between Shurpanakha and the three (Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana) for simplicity. I really like the idea of having Lakshmana fall in love with Shurpanakha instead of violently attacking her. I also thought it would be entertaining if the love was completely genuine between the two and this ultimately caused a happy ending.

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Bibliography: Narayan's Ramayana
Link to this reading guide

Reading Notes: Part B of Narayan's Ramayana

Rama and his brother Lakshmana

(Source: Krishna's Mercy)

I'd like to just state a general thought before I dive into the reading notes. I thought this reading was a lot easier to read and probably took me half the time as the first. I'm sure this is because I have become more familiar with the characters and I don't have to constantly refer to a character or location guide. Reading B was definitely a smoother assignment.

I thought it was amusing but also admirable how Rama was determined to keep his terms on his exile. Not only did he go peacefully, but he refused to return to the kingdom even when his own brother (and newly named king) begged him to return to rule.

Relating to my previous post, I was somewhat surprised on the loyalty of Bharata to Rama. He was clearly named to be king and instead of taking the title, he instantly knew that his brother should be the true king. I just enjoy the loyalty of his brothers.

It's honestly fantastic how quick characters are to fall in love with each other. From reading A, we had the connection between Rama and Sita. One love at first sight moment is enough to satisfy the entire story. However, we have two more instances of this love occurring. Shurpanakha instantly falls in love with Rama in the forest. I love the brotherly loyalty shown here as Lakshmana has absolutely no desire for this and instantly attacks here. Even Ravana falls in love with Sita by a mere description! I just like the consistency. 

I enjoyed how Rama is still clearly seen as the absolute hero. He's easily my favorite character just because he is so likable. Lakshmana comes in a close second with his loyalty. Rama is constantly praised by his peers and family. He is a complete warrior with his ability to defeat demons with ease. I'm eager to see what awaits Rama. 

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Bibliography: Narayan's Ramayana
Link to this reading guide

Reading Notes: Part A of Narayan's Ramayana

Rama and his bow

(Source: Harekrsna)

I would like to start of this post by just expressing my happiness with the smooth nature of the literary work. I found this first reading assignment fairly relaxing in relation to my expectations. I thought I would have a difficult time reading and analyzing the work, but I was greatly surprised with how easily Narayan was able to adapt the story in simpler terms.

In the troubles of Dasharatha, his multiple wives, and inability to produce a son, I instantly thought of the King Henry VIII. That is about as far as the similarities go, but I figured it was a fun comparison to make.

I really enjoyed the similarities between what was seen in the Ramayana and that of various stories that are embedded in the common mind. Rama emerges quite suddenly as the suave hero who completely captures the definition of strength through his actions. This is quite evident when the wrath of Rama is unleashed on all the demons who dare cause chaos. Another great example is the simplicity of love. The relationship between Rama and Sita is the love at first sight phenomenon that the average person as seen many times before. The fact that they are literally star crossed lovers given by their second lives support this idea favorably.

I am completely relieved by the healthy relationship between Rama and Lakshmana. It's refreshing to see a positive connection between brothers instead of one filled with absolute jealousy.

I thought it was not necessarily funny but something along those lines that lead to Rama's exile. He was slated to become the next ruler and the people of the kingdom seemed overjoyed to have a ruler as strong as Rama. However, that seems to go completely out of the window just because of the the favors that were owed. I guess I have a hard time understanding that a favor/wish would be equal to who rules a kingdom. I like it though.

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Bibliography: Narayan's Ramayana
Link to this reading guide