RDB 12: Ramayana 3 and As You Like It

The Catepillar asks Alice "Who are YOU?"

“Don’t you want to know who you are?” (1013).

This question seems to be the driving question behind all of life’s mysteries. Everyone is constantly seeking where his or her true identity lies and I do not believe that anyone ever really finds the answer. We are continuously growing and finding new things out about ourselves to the point where life almost becomes an infinite cycle of curiosity, discovery, and renewal. Much like a hermit crab, when we finally grow into our shell and begin to get too big for it, we move on in pursuit of something more. Essentially, each new period of our lives brings about a new self, yearning to live and grow. College has become yet another exploratory era of my life. While I was pretty sure of all of my opinions when I graduated from high school, encountering new people and new scenarios has broadened my mind and allowed me to consider things from different viewpoints. Although I continue to cling to my virtues and everything I have learned in the past, I have begun to add experience to these ideas and form a new respect for others views while really learning how to define my own. Each new day and each new encounter sheds new light onto the question of who I am supposed to become, and I believe I will continue to evolve into that person until the day that I die. While “One man in his time plays many parts”, a unique and individual self lies rooted deep within every person that guides us through all of these other experiences and molds us into who we truly are (1089). This cycle of constant restoration through understanding “has gone on without pause for millenniums”, and offers us hope in its continuity (1019). At the end of the day, no one every truly knows who they are, because life is the journey to uncover their own distinctive truth. When the time comes to find out my exact identity I “will not see; (I) will be” me (1019).

ODB St. Mary's Cathedral

Our excursion to St. Mary’s Cathedral brought me back to my childhood and made me gain a new appreciation and respect for the Catholic faith. Although I have attended numerous masses with my family and at my Catholic high school over the years, I have never absorbed or come to understand more than I did yesterday. I have always known that Catholicism is a universal religion, but actually observing and taking part in a Spanish service made this concept become a reality to me. Seeing fellow believers of a different culture actively worshiping and professing their faith gave me a sense of hope and reassurance and made me realize the power of the message of Christianity. Even though the entire mass was in Spanish, I was able to understand just about everything and recognize its uniformity with services I had attended in the past. It seems to me that the Catholic Church remains an unwavering force in the changing world around us. The traditions and rituals remained the same as in previous Masses and their consistency only deepened my admiration for their significance. During the prayers, I was able to recall the words in English while interpreting their meanings in Spanish. Although the music was of a Spanish influence, its message was the same. The variety in songs and beats intrigued me and made it obvious how each culture has molded religion to make it unique and relevant to their surroundings. While I have always been skeptical of certain views and rules that the Catholic Church teaches, I now understand people’s attraction to its steadfast beliefs and values that are capable of breaking even the toughest of boundaries. Its unfaltering principles create its history and will continue to guide it into the future. Throughout the service, the story of the Tower of Babel kept entering my mind. I began to wonder if there was a deeper purpose to the story of God creating the language barrier between us. I now believe that it was to instill an even deeper understanding and commitment once we realize that although we may all be different, we are united in our devotion to Him. In Genesis 11:1 it says, “Now the whole world had one language and a common speech”, and I believe that it is up to us to reach this goal once again.

The architecture of St. Mary’s further reminds Christians of their conviction and faith. Nestled between modern buildings in downtown Austin, St. Mary’s Cathedral is reprieve from the busy world outside its doors. Its tall steeples and pointed windows reaching towards the heavens establish the purpose of this life on Earth. The rose window located in the center of the structure casts a warm light of hope upon the church and reminds believers of the incarnation and presence of the Holy Spirit. The statue of the Virgin Mary stands in front of the window welcoming all that come, and reminding us of her importance to our faith through this dedication. Inside the cathedral, the ceilings curve in a shape much like the hull of a ship. Similar to in the Episcopal Church, this shape of the sanctuary calls us to be fishers of men and proclaim our faith the world. The long aisle leads to the altar and the crucifix, maybe symbolizing each individual’s spiritual journey. The altar and crucifix lie below a beautiful blue dome endowed with stars that represents Heaven and our connection with nature. The altar is endowed with a tree that embodies the tree of life from which the first sin came and the simple, yet extraordinary cross above it signifies Jesus dieing for these very sins. The stain glass images that line the walls depict several important people and occurrences throughout the Bible while the Stations of the Cross remind us of Jesus’ painful journey to ensure our salvations. On each side of the altar are images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a flaming heart shining with divine light, pierced by the lance-wound, and surrounded by a crown of thorns. This symbol is a devotion to Jesus' physical heart as the representation of the divine love for humanity and is an important symbol in the Catholic Church. Also, on the right side of the altar, is a statue of God and Son. This statue glorifies the foundations of the Christian faith. St. Mary’s Cathedral is overflowing with ornate religious symbolism and hidden meaning. It was exciting to explore its architecture and find hope in its significance.

RDB 11: Ramayana 2 and As You Like It

A Journey through Reality

Exile into woods provides an escape to reality for the main characters of both the Ramayana and William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It”. Coming from a shelterd, court like atmosphere of power and conflict, the characters in both stories are given the chance to absorb and experience their surroundings in a way they never have before. They begin to see life for what it really is and appreciate the simplistic beauty around them. Inspired by the free spirit of their new home, they live and explore, finding love and themselves along the way. As Duke Senior says at the beginning of “As You like It”,

“And this our life exempt from public haunt
Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks
Sermons in stones and good in everything”

Sita and Ram, Orlando and Rosalind, Oliver and Celia, Silivus and Phebe, and Touchstone and Audrey, all unearth the good in each other from their encounters in the wood (1079). Sita and Ram, Orlando and Rosalind, Oliver and Celia, Silivus and Phebe, and Touchstone and Audrey, all unearth the good in each other from their encounters in the wood (1079). While the forest’s mysteries seem to unite everyone, it is not without conflict that they come together. Guise seems to play a key role in separating the characters from their happiness, and they must overcome it in order to reunite with it. Sita Asks Ram to capture the deer for her.

In the case of the Ramayana, Ram and Sita expect their “exile to pass like a glad dream” (1024); however, when Sita is hypnotized by the gazelle’s beauty and asks Ram to catch it for her, she unknowingly causes herself and Ram to fall into a trap of capture and separation by the enchantment of Ravana. Thus, Ram must go on a quest to save the one he loves. Similarly in “As You Like it”, Orlando confides in Ganymede who is actually Rosalind in disguise. Although this disguise ultimately brings them closer together, they must uncover and reveal their true identities in order to be together again. In both stories, after the trouble brought on by the guise is overthrown, the characters rejoice in each other’s presence. To the main characters in these stories, “this journey…is like a fulfillment of (their) former life” (1075). As the forest unites them, they receive self-awareness and gratitude for each other. Their exile humbles them and makes them stronger before they venture back home to the life they once knew.

I feel like I have already experienced so much of what these characters experienced during their exile this year. Coming from Beaumont to Austin has really provided me with a glimpse of reality. Everyone here is so diverse and different that it has really instilled me with an appreciation of the individuality and uniqueness within everything and everyone. I have started to see the world through new eyes and long to discover and encounter new things around me. Although my time here as not been without its struggle, I feel like my classmates and I share a special bond through experience and understanding.

My Peers support me through my struggles.

While I fight to maintain my grades and make everyday decisions, I notice the constant support and encouragement that I receive from my peers who are in the same situation as I am. Thus, I think that one of the main lessons to be learned from these stories and all of my experiences is the importance of self-discovery and the awareness of the impact others play along the way. As we go through this life we must remember that are not in it alone and when reality knocks on the door, we will ultimately rely on each other to make it through the day. As Duke Senior said,

“Support him by the arm. Give me your hand,
And let me all your fortunes understand.” (1090).

This significant lesson, as seen in the Ramayana and “As You like it”, is something that should be embraced and shared. It is up to us to face reality together and begin to appreciate it for the perspective that it brings us.

RDB 10: Ramayana 1

The story of the Ramayana, “The Quest for Sita”, contains many hidden lessons in the depths of its epic tale. Although the original Ramayana did not include the story of the reincarnation of Ram and Sita through Swallow and the Sage, its addition adds a new aspect to the story of a pilgrimage of self-discovery. When Swallow is sold to Red Feather, she realizes that she must make this sacrifice for her family and that it will probably not be an easy one to make. As she takes one last glance at Mount Wu Shan, which has always offered her hope, she recites an ancient poem,

“Tis I must go
But the way is jagged,
Where shall I rest me?
Ah! Where rest my head?”

and sets out on her journey (1007). A swallow is a migratory bird and thus, Swallow sets out on her journey.

These stanzas prove to be a guiding force throughout the story in that although her chosen path presents her with many struggles, Swallow continues to search for her true identity or a place to rest her head. Her encounter with Ho marks the beginning of her transformation and sets her in the right direction to discovering who she really is. By saying, “You ought to look where you are going child. If you walk through life with the same evident carelessness as you cross country, you are unlikely to reach a respectable age,” Ho challenges Swallow to be more aware of her surroundings and appreciate her journey in a new way (1009). Her eyes are opened, and she begins to realize that things happen for a reason and that she came across Ho for a purpose far deeper than a disguise. After Swallow is introduced to and becomes the pupil of the Sage, she is presented with new ways of thinking and delves deeper into her soul than she ever has before. Through meditation and the acknowledgement of her past, Sita is able to encounter her true self and at last finds the contentment and happiness that she deserves.

My story is similar to that of Swallow, in that I am now “setting out on the journey (I have) so long wanted to make” (1011).
The University of Texas is my Wu Shan in that I am being challenged to discover and be true to myself in new situations and unfamiliar surroundings. Teachers “ impart to (me their) thoughts rather than instruct (me), and seem eager to draw out (mine) in response” (1017). My peers make me reexamine myself through their questions and passion for who they are and who they wish to become. Right now, “(my) past, (my) present and (my) future are hinged in a person that (I) think I may be” and that is not enough (1018). It is up to me to discover my true identity, my passions, my hopes, and my dreams so that I can share as much of myself with the world as possible. As I reexamine my past, embrace my present, and look forward to my future, I hope that I will someday break boundaries and “walk till the stream ends and sit to watch the clouds rise” on a new life of hope and certainty (1014).

I look forward to the day I can see how i have grown.

LBJ Library

Lyndon Baines Johnson 1908-1963

From the time Lyndon Baines Johnson was born in 1908, to the time that he passed away in 1973, the world never once stopped changing. President during one of the most significant and controversial periods in US history, Johnson left behind a legacy that many have tried to live up to throughout the past generations. When I entered the LBJ Library and Museum, I had no idea what a truly influential man Johnson was, but when I left, I had found a new respect and admiration for this Texan man and hope that someday I might be as successful a leader as he was.

Growing up, Lyndon was intelligent and determined. His grades reflected the promise of a leader in the making and a life full of success in an era of innovation and growth. LBJ's grades reflected his promise at becoming somebody.

Not only was he intelligent, but also he was a family man. He cherished his time with his sisters Rebekah and Lucia and hi brother Sam Houston, and never hesitated to express his love for them. LBJ and his sister.

Similarly, during this time, Lady Bird Johnson, his future wife, excelled in her schoolwork and graduated at the young age of fifteen. With the emerging ideas of realists such as Hemingway, the carefree spirit of the 1920’s in the air, and the Great Depression looming on the horizon, Lyndon made his way to college at the University of Texas at Austin where he surpassed all expectations in all that he did. After being a prominent member of the debate team and graduating, Johnson went on to be a teacher to underprivileged kids.LBJ as a teacher at Welhausen Grade School.

It was during this time that Lyndon was first submerged in poverty and despair and which inspired him to strive towards his lifetime goal of uniting a divided country. He believed that all men should be able to justly aspire to live their dignity and this was the principle that guided him through his time in Congress and the Presidency.

Following his time as a teacher, LBJ was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1937, the U.S. Senate in 1948, the Vice President in 1960, and became the President in 1963 and again in 1964. Johnson was a man of action. He believed in building the nation up and enticing it to grow. In a time with heroes such as Martin Luther King Jr., JFK, and Rosa Parks, Johnson was dominant force behind all of their causes. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks.

Through his charismatic prescience, knowledge of the legislation, tireless energy, powers of persuasion, and determination to succeed where others had failed, Johnson was able to help secure bills regarding such topics as minimum wage, federal housing, social security benefits, and creating an interstate high way system while also forming NASA and introducing the first Civil Rights legislation in 1875. A quote from the Book of Isaiah in the Bible, “Come now and let us reason together,” proved to be a very prominent idea throughout his time in office.

With the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963, Johnson was appointed President. During a time of utter crisis, Johnson stepped up and took charge without any hesitations. Although these circumstances were not ideal to become President, Johnson took on all responsibilities and went on to govern the nation through quite an eventful period. Johnson’s Presidency is marked with a both a peaceful time of exploration and discovery and a time of violence and controversy. From the first men to orbit the moon in 1968, to the advancement of American efforts in Vietnam, Johnson participated in all aspects of his country with a full heart. At the time of the Vietnam War, his enemies were communism and the atomic bomb, and his actions were the only way he saw to save his country from these threats. Even though Johnson made many mistakes throughout his Presidency and has received much criticism, he was a man of action and was willing to do anything in his power that he thought would benefit his country. With a nation on the brink of revolution, Johnson had to overcome many obstacles. From riots to the assassination of MLK, the country began to separate and crumble right in Johnson’s hands. In a final act heroic desperation and honor, Johnson declared that he would not seek renomination in the 1968 election. This seemed to reunify the nation for just a little while and achieve the goal that Johnson had been trying to accomplish all along. With his motto “We Shall Overcome” resounding in the distance, Johnson left the Presidency while managing to shape the modern vision of America.

Lyndon B. Johnson once said, “any jack ass can tear down a barn, but it takes a carpenter to build one.” Johnson was a carpenter. He was a man of visualization and honor and loved his country above all else. His devotion, dream, and determination are reflected in his book “The Vantage Point” which he published in 1969 after retiring to his ranch in the beloved hill country and in the LBJ Library and Museum in Austin, Texas. Lyndon B. Johnson still lives on today through the American people living the American dream and his vision continues to guide us into the future.
LBJ's legacy lives on today inspiring many through hid leeadership characteristics.

RDB 9 :The Garden of Eden

The Garden of Eden

At the beginning of creation, “ the Earth was a formless void” (Genesis 1:2); however, once God molded and constructed everything from the birds in the sky to the fish in the sea, it was a bountiful land full of promise and opportunity. Similar to the garden in E.M Forester’s “The Other Side of the Hedge”, God created the Garden of Eden for mankind to grow and be fruitful in. This garden served as a haven to Adam and Eve amidst a new and strange land surrounding them. Unfortunately since Eve gave into temptation and ate Satan’s apple, mankind was cast out of the Garden of Eden to live on the ordinary terrain of the Earth to learn to thrive and develop alone until realizing the purpose of their journey and finding their way back home.
This picture represents the journey one must take to find his/her way back to the Garden of Eden.

Throughout my high school career, I knew exactly what I wanted and I pursued it without any hesitations. I saw every accomplishment as a way to get ahead and would do anything if it guaranteed success. I guess that I had been instilled with the idea that “every achievement is worthless unless it is a link in the chain of development” (Forester 732). Although I believed that I was living my life fully, I always felt as if I was trapped in this constant competition with those around me. Because of this sense of insignificance, I began to falter in my journey and doubt my abilities while seeking reassurance in many material things. Much like the narrator in “The Other Side of the Hedge”, “I was so tired that I sat down on a milestone to rest” and seemed to throw all of my goals and values away because of it (Forester 729). After some very big mistakes and mishaps along the road, “a little puff of air revived me” (Forester 730). As if by some greater power, I was given the opportunity to attend BigStuf camps in Panama City, Florida just when I thought everything was hopeless.
On the beach during quiet time at BigStuf, Panama City, Florida.

Here, my faith and understanding and appreciation for life were revived and, I left camp rejuvenated and hopeful. After an incredible week, “all of the things I was carrying were scraped off me” and I came to an understanding of my purpose in the world. I felt like I had “(risen) to the surface at last” and beamed with confidence and hope (Forester 730). I think this kind of revelation made me feel closer to God than I ever felt before and in a sense provided me with a glimpse at what life in Heaven or “The Garden of Eden” would be like.
Me and my friends and BigStuf.

Since then I continue to live life the best I can. Although this sense of complete happiness has faded away over time, I still encounter things that momentarily restore its splendor. My journey has continued on to the University of Texas at Austin and I am trying to absorb every minute of it I can. My time here has challenged me more than ever and has sparked passion and wonder in things I never would have imagined. I am constantly confronted with temptations and curiosities that I know are wrong, but end up teaching me a lesson in some peculiar way. I have already been challenged for my faith, learned the importance of time management, and realized that I do not always have to go to parties to have a good time. Similarly, the idea of the narrator’s brother entering the gates at the end of the narrative portrayed the connection amongst us all that should be embraced and cherished. Diversity shows a connection between us all. Here, all of the differnet kinds of people root for the same team.

Through the diversity here on campus, I have already started to appreciate each individual more for his or her own selves and believe that this connection is significant in the road to the “Garden of Eden”. Right now, having two tests, two papers, a ridiculous amount of homework, and my car keys being stolen, has put a significant amount of stress on me and has made me stray away from my faith; however, it is these times of utter frustration and exhaustion that I need to embrace this promise of hope and successes that has been offered to me. I realized as I was reading Forrester’s story that “this is the beginning (of my road) and though it seems to run straight away from (me most of the time), it doubles so often, that it is never far from (the) boundary (of sanctuary and joy) and sometimes (even) touches it” (Forester 732). For some reason, this comforted me and offered me hope. As my journey continues, I am sure I will face many more struggles, but I am sure that I will overcome them. As humankind left the gates that opened up to the world, I look forward to the day when the gates in the Garden will welcome me home, but for now, I push towards a goal, “to what goal (I) do not know…but that it (hopefully) goes forward. (I) strive to excel, (in my) own way, and (have) an impetus…” to live this life to its full potential (Forester 732).
I am not quite sure where my road will take me.

The Ramayana Ballet

The Ramayana Ballet told the epic tale of a love torn apart by evil and jealousy and reunited through the gallant effort of the hero and his fellow supporters. Performed by the Shakti Dance Company, the presentation featured incredibly intricate dancing accompanied by ornate and elaborate costumes. The cast, including several very recognized dancers, portrayed the epic with grace and ease. Although the lyrics to all of the songs were in another language, I was able to interpret their meanings through the pantomime of the dancers. Each of their movements had a purpose and was significant to the progression of the story. Several spectacular numbers such as that of the bird and the monkey truly caught my eye and drew me even further into the storyline. It was enthralling to hear the chanting of the spiritual lyrics and to watch them accompanied by such divine dancing. The dancers moved with such rhythm and enthusiasm that I was inspired by their message. Even tough I am a horrible dancer, I was almost drawn out of my seat to dance along beside them. Their belief in and devotion to their god Ram shined through their performance and provided me with a glimpse at the common link between all religions that I had never seen before.

It was interesting for me to see the similarities between the life of Ram and that of Jesus.
In the Hindu faith, Ram is an incarnation of the god Vishnu, who is part of the Hindu Trinity. The main purpose of this incarnation is to demonstrate the righteous path for the life on earth. In the Christian faith, Jesus is a manifestation of God and part of the Holy Trinity. Jesus was sent to Earth to live amongst humans by his Father to demonstrate a righteous life and pay for our sins. Just as Ram was exiled to the woods by his father, Jesus spent forty days in the Wilderness praying to his Father. There, He was tempted by and the Devil similar to Shurpanakha tempting Ram. As Ram went on a quest to save his beloved Sita, Jesus was on a mission to save all of humanity from our sins. The monkeys, who helped Ram along on his voyage, could be compared to Jesus’ disciples who helped Him spread the word of God. While the monkeys built a bridge across the ocean so Ram could defeat Ravana, the Disciples paved the way for Jesus to conquer the Devil and make believers of the human race. After fourteen years, Ram returns home and is crowned king amongst much celebration. Following His Crucifixion and Resurrection, Jesus returned to the Kingdom of Heaven to be crowned and rule at the right hand of His Father. All of these common relationships really made me contemplate the concept of all religions being linked together for a reason. Although not all of these things occurred under the same circumstances, it really excited me to consider the possibility of all humans being more united and I instantly felt connected to everyone around me.

The Ramayana Ballet was a remarkable production full of joy, sorrow, triumph, and passion. Although I truly enjoyed the performance, I discovered so much more than a story by attending this program. I was not only inspired by the dancers performing with such delight and bliss, but also was aroused by the concept of all religion being connected in a way greater then we know. This traditional story of love also encouraged me that love will prevail through all things. With these to lessons in mind, I approach the future with a new understanding of this life and cannot wait until I unearth more unexpected insights into what this world has in store for me.