YUDISHTHIRAS’S WISDOM

LITERAL COMPREHENSION: 

These experts have been taken from the MAHABHARAT. One of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. Recounting events that allegedly took place some 2.800 years ago. The writing of this epic took place centuries later, possibly spanning from the vedic period (about 2500 years ago) to the early Gupta period (about 1700 years ago) According to the Hindu tradition, the author is YAKSHA.
While Hunting for deer in forest, the five Pandava brothers grow thirsty. Exhausted Yudhisthira, the eldest sends one brother to search for water. When this brother fails to return, Yudhisthira sends his other brother one at a time , but the too fail to return. Then Ydhisthira goes to search for his brother He finds a beautiful pool but alas, hear it he finds his four brothers prostarate on the ground either dead or unconscious. Unknown to Yudhisthara, they have all ignored a Yaksha’s admonition not to drink water before answering his question. Despite his overwhelming thirst, Yudhisrthira obeys the Yaksha. Moreover, he correctly answers the Yaksha’s philosophical queries. Pleased with Yudhisthira wisdom, the Yaksha agree to revive one  of the brother, leaving Yudhisthira bases his choice entirely on moral considerations, not on his own selfish need and predilections. The Yaksha reveals himself as a Yama (The god of justice and righteousness) , tells Yudhistra how pleased he is with his uprights, restores to him for bother promises him protection from future hardships, and gives him some useful advice on where to go next.

Interpretation: 

The story may be trying to tell us something about the importance of patience, obedience to gods, wisdom and right conduit. Without these characteristics, the PANDAVA brothers would have been lost. 

The Philosophical portion of course of great interest, with reflections on such concepts as desire and courage. 

Critical Thinking: 

For the critical thinker, this story is a variable good mine. Here are a few examples of what skeptics might say about this charming tale. Are there gods out there. If so, what is the evidence for their existence? Can we truly say that patience and right conduct are rewarded on this earth? 

Assimilation: 

This story brought for me many associations. It led me for instance , to ask again, which view is right the one which extols desire, or the one which holds it to be the source of much sufferings and evil? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Write the story Of "Yudhishthira's wisdom" from the point of View of the yaksha.

 

 

  Ans: - I am Yama, the heavenly father of Yudhisthira, the pandav of Mahabharata. It is the story related to the time when the pandavas were in exile. I had to test the wisdom of my son. If in any way it had been eroded due to problems of life. I turned myself a Yaksha and wanted for the chance, in the forest where they, the pandava were is exile, in hiding.
It was a very hot day, and the pandavas were chasing a deer. They all become very thirsty and sat under the shade of a tree to reset. The youngest Pandav, sahadev, was gone to look for water. After searching for sometime, he came near the pond which I had impanted. I kept watch there, in a vanished condition. When he wanted to drink water from there, I stopped him and asked him to first answer my questions. He did not see me, he only heard my voice. So he thought that the sound was perhaps mistake of his ears. He ignored my warning and tried to drink water. I made him unconscious.
For very long, when Sahadeva did not return, Nakula was sent. He also came near my pond, and had to face the same result. In this same way Arjuna and Bhima also had the same consequence. Finally Yudhisthira himself came, but he chose to answer the questions first before drinking water. He was also sad seeing his four younger brothers lying in that condition. I started asking him question like, "what made the sun shine: what is man's surest weapon against danger etc. He answered the questions difficult question, to test his wisdom. I Offered him in the life of one of his brothers back, for the wise answers he had given, I thought he might demand bhima or Arjuna back, who were very strong fighters, and who would help him in future fight of Mahabharata(Kurukshetra). But to my surprise, he demanded the life of Nakula or Sahadeva. I was surprised, and asked the reason for it .His answer was full with wisdom. He said that righteousness and truth was the only weapon with a man. Other things are of no use without them. Since him, a son of Kunti was alive, so it was only justified that a son of his step-mother, Madri, should also be alive (Nakula & Sahadeva were Madri's son).
I was very impressed by his wisdom. So, firstly, I exposed myself and then restored the consciousness of all the four pandavas. After that i gave them the boom of victory and success, in future, and came back to my heavily abode, satisfied.

The Brave Little Parrot

Literal Comprehension: Taken from Buddhist legend, the story “The Brave Little Parrot,” carries a moral lesson at its heart. Once upon a time, Buddha was born as a little parrot. One day, there was lightning, and the thunder struck the jungle, and the fire took the jungle in its grip. The little parrot, at first, tried to save its life flying towards the river but he came to observe that his jungle-friends were captivated inside the flames of the fire. Not being able to tolerate the sufferings of animals, the little parrot made a plan to save their lives. Then the parrot went to the river, dived into it and flew back to the jungle. When it arrived at the point where the fire was the most wild, it sprinkled the few drops of water remaining in its body. Though it was too tired, the little parrot repeatedly went to the river & came back with drops of water with the hope of extinguishing fire. The Gods were passing just above the jungle at that time; they began to laugh seeing the fruitless effort of the little parrot. But the heart of one of the Gods was kindled. He took the form of golden eagle & flew towards the parrot. The eagle advised the parrot to save its life by flying away. But the little parrot replied that he needed help than any advice. The answer of the parrot melted the heart of the golden eagle, & began to weep. The tears of the eagle came down on the earth as a cool rain. The fire was extinguished. New life sprung where the tears fell on. All the dead animals & the plants got their life back as if nothing had happened in the jungle.

Interpretation: This beautiful story is probably trying to give the message that we can get success at the end if we continue our efforts without any hesitation. Because of its strong determination, the little parrot got victory over the deadly fire. The story is also trying to tell that selfless services are always rewarded by the God. Similarly, it also tells us that even the God has to bend its head in front of little creature like parrot if it takes the path of selfless welfare.

Critical Thinking: The story is successful in spreading the Buddhist philosophy of social welfare. But a lot of questions emerge in the mind of a critical reader. Do the Gods really exist in this world? Can the birds talk like human beings? Is it possible that the tears of a bird take the form of stream? Is it possible to restore the life of dead creatures? These are some of the situations in the story that are not agreeable.

Assimilation: The story is based on a myth. The story beautifully draws the Buddhist philosophy of ‘live and let live.’ After reading the story, I truly understood the value of living in a society. We are growing selfish these days. The story teaches us the principle of community service. The story motivates its readers to be laborious, and help the others in need. Value of brotherhood is glorified in the story.

The Cricket

 

P'U Sung-ling Chin (1640-1715)

Literal Comprehension: 

Cricket fighting was very popular and common in China during Ming reign. The common people had to supply the cricket to the magistrate in the court. The magistrate of Floral Shade used to sent the crickets to the emperor of China. So, the Floral Shade declared as royal supplier of the cricket. 

However, their lacked the crickets in the state it was very difficult for the common people secretly reared the crickets in the hope of gaining profit by selling them but, the local officer used to loot their properties no one could raise the voice against them.

When there was scarcity of crickets a shy and sensitive man named as Makegood was made the neighborhood head. He was given two duties: Collecting cricket the taxes and finding the cricket to the magistrate. But he could not do either of these duties. So, he was severely punished. Then he consulted with a prophet who gave her a map. The map indicates the location of the crickets with the help of the mapMakegood went their where he found a small cricket. He brought it to his house and started rearing it. After some while his son playing the cricket accidently he killed it his son was also found in well. He thought that his son was death and decided to bury him but, fortunately some of his organ got reactivated again. 

The next morning he also found the small cricket again the cricket could defeat all the powerful cricket of his neighbors then he sent the cricket to magistrate in the court the magistrate again sent it to the place. Where the cricket could declare him self as the winner by defeating all the mighty crickets. Besides this it also enjoyed the emperor by dancing in the tune of the Zither. Then, Makegood was rewarded with many prizes he was give a large amount of prosperities. Then after he enjoyed living his luxurious with his family members. 

Interpretation: 

This story clearly shows the importance of democratic government which secures the fundamental rights of people. In the country, where there is no freedom people con't enjoy their rights. As shown in the story Mr. Makegood is real victim of cruel rule. Makegood desire of committing suicide and his son's situation shows pathetic situation of people in autocratic system. So, the this story is a critics on autocratic system. So, the this story is a critics on  autocratic government. 

Critical Thinking:

Though the story presents the realistic picture of Chinese society, there are some ideas which are not acceptable. Can a boy be transformed into a cricket? Should a man commit suicide for minor mistake? Can we believe upon fortune teller? For these reason I don't totally agree with writer? 

Assimilation: 

After reading this story, it reminded me abut the RANA regime in Nepal. In the past, Neaplese condition was no better than that of Mr. Makegood in the story. People where not allowed to have education and they had to do whatever the rulers said. So, this story was very common to that period of Nepal.

If Not Higher

- I.L. Peretz
(Four levels of interacting with texts)

1)  Literal Comprehension:

 Early every Friday morning, at the time of penitential prayer, the Rabbi of Nemirov discappered. He wasn't found at home too. People thought, he went to the heaven at that time. But a Litvak didn't believe it. He decided to find the truth. He secretly went to the Rabbi's room and watched every activity of the Rabbi during the night before fore Friday. In the next morning, the Rabbi left the home as a peasent aut of the city. Litvak secretly follow him. In the forest, he chopech a tree and made a bundle of sticks. He come back to the city with the bundle of sticks and sold it to a sick Jewish woman on credit. He also helped to brun the fire. while burning fire, he recited different portions and penitential prayers. Litvak was impressed by the Rabbi's action and become his disciple.

2)  Interpretation:

This story tells us that the heaven is there where one finds pleasure of helping poor, sick and old person. The true spirit of religion is to help others. It isn't only limited to going to Temples and Churches and worship or pray Gods and Goddesses. One can please God by helping the helpless ones.

3)  Critical Thinking:

This religious story raises some doubts in my mind. In the story, it is said that a religious leader goes to help a sick and old woman at the time of prayer. Can we really find such person in this materialistic world?
It also talks about the heaven high in the sky. Is there really heaven? Next, It says one can get heavenly pleasure by serving others or by sacrificing one's pleasures. For other can we really apply it in our lives?

4)  Assimilation:

This story has impressed me a lot and has also taught a good lesson. Before reading this story, I used to think only about the heaven where one can go after his/her death. But now, I know that the heaven is also here in Earth. I have a great desire now to the serve the humanity and reach the heaven like Rabbi.

 Summary of if not higher 

The story “If Not Higher” is written by I. L. Peretz. The story gives the message that selfless service is the path that leads someone to heavenly glory. The person who is dedicated to social service achieves heavenly glory on the earth.

The Rabbi of Nemirov would vanish in the previous night of Penitential prayers, people had the strong belief that he ascends to heaven for welfare of the people. But once, a Litvak came there and laughed at them. Pointing out the story from Gemraha, he mocks at them and said that Moses was suspended two and half feet below the heaven.

Then, the Livtak decided to test the rabbi, and secretly entered into the room of rabbi. Hiding under the bed, he remained awake throughout the whole night. At dawn, next morning, the rabbi woke up realizing the sorrow of people in Israel. Then, the rabbi disguised himself as a simple peasant. Entering into the room, the rabbi took the axe and a bundle of rope. When the rabbi got out of the house, the Litvak followed him. The rabbi, passed by the village checked every house and headed towards the jungle, cut the firewood, and returned back to the village. He stopped in front of an old hut where a lonely old woman was living. The rabbi sold the firewood for six cents. But the woman was so weak that she wasn’t able to put the fire on. So, the rabbi helped her to burn the fire. When he put the firewood in the oven, he recited the first portion of the penitential prayer. When the fire was in flame, he recited the second portion of the penitential prayers, and recited the third portion of the penitential prayer when he set the fire.

 After observing all the events, the Litvak become the disciple of the rabbi.   

Ahab and Naboth

 

Ahab and Naboth

Literal comprehension: This story is taken from the holy Bible, the religious book of Christians.  The Christians believe that there is only one God and Bible is the collection of the words spoken by the God himself.

Naboth the Jez’reelite, a citizen of Jez’reel, had a very beautiful vineyard. The vineyard was located by side of the palace of King Ahab, the king of Samaria. The eyes of King Ahab fell on the vineyard, temptation took his heart in control. So, he went to Naboth and asked him to sell the vineyard. But Naboth denied giving it to the king because it was his ancestral property. The king became serious and stopped eating. Then, Jez’ebel- the queen- calmed him by promising to take the vineyard in possession. Then the queen wrote a letter in the name of Ahab and sent it to the nobles of Jez’reel. In the letter, it was claimed that Naboth had blasphemed God and the king, so he must be stoned to death. All the people of Jezreel gathered in a place, and put Naboth in a high place and stoned him to death.

The death of Naboth was reported to the queen. When Ahab, the king heard the news, he went to take the possession of vineyard. But, the god sent Eli’jah the Tishbite to deliver the message to the king that he has committed the crime and must face the same fate as Naboth.

Interpretation: Religious stories always try to show its followers the right path to truth and morality. This story also teaches its readers a moral lesson that one’s sin is never hidden from the eyes of the god. A powerful person may misuse his authority to conceal his crime. But the truth is never hidden in the eyes of the god.

Critical Thinking: Is the story suitable for modern reader? Are the evil deeds watched by the God? There would be no crime in the world it the God treated the criminals accordingly. Can anyone witness someone stoned to death?

Assimilation:  After reading the story, I realized that the truth can’t be blurred by any power. The power may misuse its authority, but one day, it is destined to its fate. I also believe now that “god sees the truth but waits.”

PHAEDO

PHAEDO :Plato, Greece(428/427BC-348/347BC)

Literal Comprehension: 

 Phaedo is written by Plato. When Socrates was executed, Phaedo was with him. Pahedo describes the details about Socrates death. He says that Socrates was very wise and brave. He perfected to die speaking the truth of live telling a lie. He was accused of misleading the youth and causing them to hold free opinions. So, he was arrested by authority. But he wasn't executed immediately since the sacred mission to Delos hadn't been completed yet. So the execution was delayed until the arrival of the ship of Athens. When the ship came, the day of execution was fixed. One the of execution, many students

his friends and relatives came to meet him into prison. That day had also been passed in the usual Philosophical discussion for a long time. After that he went into another room. After taking bath he looked fresh. Then the prison officer came with a bowl of poison and said that Socrates had to drink it. Making the tears in his eyes, he went away. He was offered poison. Even though, he didn't changes his facial expression. Rather he command his student not to lose their hearts. Then he drank it calmly. He walked for some time. His friend started to weep and he scolded them. Finally he by down. At the end, he wished that a cock should be offered to healing god, Aselepius. In this way the bravest wisest and most upright man died.
Interpretation:

The story is trying to say us about the importance of life and death. In our death is inevitable. Everyone should die sooner or later. So, we should accept death for the sake of truth, justice and prosperity. Death for righteousness never becomes worthless. As in the story Socrates accepts the death calmly for the sake of righteousness. He thinks that dying bravely is more satisfactory than living cowardly. So, he accepts death for the sake of truth and humanity. 

Critical Thinking :

Though the story talks about death for the truth and humanity but there are many ideas which are unacceptable. In this modern age, do we believe in existence of soul and life after death? Do the modern people follow such principles of Socrates? Was Athenian government to cruel that man couldn't have the right to express the thoughts? 

Assimilation:

After reading this lesson I learnt a great moral lesson about the truth and justice. I must be bold to speak the truth. If anything is wrong. Moreover, I was coward and afraid of death. But after reading this story, I have decided to die bravely for the sake of humanity. So, I will always hold truth, Justice and righteousness.

Summary of  PHAEDO

 

Phaedo

-Plato

The text depicts the last moments of great philosopher, Socrates. Socrates was blamed for misleading the youths. So, he was executed. Socrates always followed the path of truth. Plato, one of the most famous disciples of Socrates records the philosophical discussion that his leader held with his other disciples before he accepted his death by drinking hemlock.

Phaedo, the disciple of Socrates, describes his last discussion to Echerates. Socrates lived his life bravely and accepted the death bravely. All of his family members and the disciple couldn’t tolerate his death but he consoled them with his soothing words. He believed in his life after death. According to him death is inevitable. We have to meet the ultimate truth of death, so we shouldn’t worry and get afraid of death. We should live meaningful life by following the path of truth and the god.

Socrates believed in the concept of ‘hereafter.’ He believed that when someone is dead, only his body is dead. The soul is eternal. After death, the soul is separated from the body and ascends to heaven. He doesn’t give any importance to dead body since it is nothing after the soul is released from the body. That’s why he asked his disciples to bury his dead body as they wish to bury. The god is powerful. The god only welcomes pure soul in the heaven. If we commit sinful act, the gate to heaven is closed for us. So, we should win the heavenly glory by following truth and reality in life.

As Socrates lived bravely, he accepted the death bravely. He drank the cup of hemlock happily in front of his disciples. He could save his life by begging excuses to the authority, but the truth was dearer to him than his life. Before dying, Socrates asked Crito to offer cock to Asclepius. It was the Greek custom to make an offering to the divine healer, Asclepius after recovery from illness. According to Socrates, he was recovering, not dying. He was just entering into next heavenly life. Thus, Socrates was the bravest, the wisest and the most upright man of all the time.      

The Sword of Damocles

 

The Sword of Damocles Source: Greek Legend

Literal Comprehension:

"The Sword of Damocles" is takne out from Greek legend. This story deals with an event that occurred in Greek to the king Dionysius who was a ruler famous for harsh treatment that he had given to his people and others who fell into his power. He was so tyrannical by his people. Even though he greatly enjoyed intellectual  society. He managed to surround himself with a very brilliant court of men who were famous for their skill in science, letters and the arts in general. Like all tyrants, he had a great numbers of flatters too. Among them, one was Damocles who was the most celebrated of the foolish folk . He often flattered Dionysius in his pleasure or in such a way that he could hear his admiration. He always said that it was great honor to be a king like king Dionysius. He believed that the kings life  was full of happiness and very comfortable fortunately, King Dionysius was never deceived   by such fool flatters rather he resolved  to teach him what it was to be a king. Once king Dionysius called Damocles and ordered him to be a king during the royal feast. Damocles agreed happily to be a king. The king Dionysius challenged him that he would resign the throne and become a common people before the end of the feast.
Next day, the high born guests all assembled in the banquet Damocles put on the royal dress and sat on the throne until the banquet was over. All the guest were suggested to give Damocles the same honor of the king that day used to give to king Dionysius. The heavy crown had already made his head ache. His mind was not in peace thinking that there might have been poison on the dish which was offered to him. The worst of all the  had a terrible shock when he was a sharp edged naked  sword suspended from the roof by single hair exactly over his own head. Realizing that the slender hair might break and that would kill him instantly, he asked permission from the tyrant to let him out from the throne. But the king Dionysius refused to do so rather he forced him to sit there throughout the feast because the intended to teach Damocles how foolish it was to sing of the happiness of Kings. Finally, when the banquet ended, he immediately came out of the throne. He happily returned   from the having learnt well the wise lesson that boundless wealth doesn't necessarily bring happiness and satisfaction.

Interpretation: 

 This story may be trying to tell us about something about threat and burden that the ruler has to face during his tenure. In fact, to be a ruler is a matter of burden oven  the duties and responsibilities. For example, king Dionysius was a famous ruler of sicily, he  used to keep brilliant and skillful person from different field to secure himself from the possible attack. In this way, this story deals with the wise lesson that boundless wealth doesn't necessarily bring happiness and satisfaction.

Critical Thinking:   

 Although this is an interesting story, there are many things in the story which we find disagreeable can a real king leave his throne to another person for a single day? Do people suspend a sharp naked sword by a single hair exactly over the king's head in reality? Can common man flatter the king in front of him? For those reasons, we totally don't agree with the ideas of the story.

Assimilation:

After reading this story, I remembered a real event that occurred in my life five years ago. I was very much jealous to the principal and whit his position. Further, I was interested to pass the time in the way he passed later on, I was really given a change to be the principal of Galyang Boarding School. After that the parents of the student and the staff of the school started to come with various types of problems and challenges. On the contrary of my expectation , I had to face different kind of challenges and obstacles to manage and run the school smoothly. In this way, having found such challenges, I wanted to leave the position of the principal as soon as possible.


1. Summarize the story. “The Sword of Damocles” In a single Paragraph.
Ans.:- Dionysius, the strict ruler of strict, was well hated and always feared his death. He liked the company of learned men but also had many flatterers in the court. Damocles, a great flatterer always praised the happiness and gift of King Dionysius. Fed up with this, One day Dionysius decided to teach him a lesson and informed that Damocles would be the king and everyone would pay him respect as a king. Dressed in King’s clothes and crown, he was made to sit on the throne. At first, In spite of some awkwardness, he began to enjoy the post but suddenly, while looking upward, he saw naked sword hanging by a hair over his head. In great fear of his life, he could not enjoy anything. Then the ceremony is ended and he learned a great lesson.



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