2/11/16

Week 4 Extra Credit Reading Diary

For this week I decided to read part A & B of the Eastern Stories and Legends by Marie Shedlock. My favorite individual story of the collection was the King Who Saw the Truth. This was another great story that showcased facets of karma however focused mainly on what is important in life. I felt as if this story related to the king that his tangible gifts he gave his people were not things that would actually benefit their lives. He was a very generous and kind king, but he knew this was not the way he should lead his people. Finally in the end he gets his wish but in a somewhat strange way. By giving up his eyes it allows him to see absolute Truth of the world.

Buddha Statue, (flickr)


Another part of this reading assignment I enjoyed was the continuing incorporation of animals throughout the Indian culture. Buddha is cast as several different ideas and beings to teach countless lessons. I see it as a major contributor as a whole to the culture and it is a way of teaching morals to persons. For example, Buddha portrayed as a horse teaches things of loyalty whereas when he is cast as an ogre it brings up the principle of greediness.

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