Rebirth - Bhagavad Gita II

Teaching two of the Bhagavad Gita shows many points and focuses on various different things. Even though the teachings are based on Hinduism and I am Jewish, I was able to realize how they are similar in the way that their teachings are explained through stories. In the Torah, all of the stories have a special meaning for us Jews and it seems that in Hinduism, believes and customs are explained in the same way. However, I don't know much of Hinduism and I'm still not sure whether Krishna is a prophet or the actual God. I hope that will be cleared out in my future reading since it does change up some things.

"Death is certain for anyone born, and birth is certain for anyone dead; since the cycle is inevitable, you have no cause to grieve." (Page 35) What Krishna is trying to tell Arjuna here is something that I find very interesting. I know that death is something inevitable for everybody that was once born. There is no one immortal or at least, no one immortal yet. This is something that most people believe and even though in Gilgamesh this was tried to prove wrong, it is something impossible to achieve. However, Krishna also says that birth is something certain for anyone dead. I see this in many different ways. Maybe what he wanted to say was that everybody meant to be dead will once live. But maybe what he really means that makes me wonder a lot is that once you die, you will live again. Does this mean that they believe in reincarnation? This might sound very ignorant but as I had said before, I don't know much about Hinduism.

I don't believe at all in reincarnation because I think that people are in the world for a reason and that their time here is limited for some reason. I believe that while you live you should do everything you should and there is no reason for why you should live twice. Reincarnation also says that once you live again, you are not necessarily born as the creature that you were before. So why do you get different lifes? I personally find it ridiculous and this believe is somehow exaggerated as I see it. I'm not judging, please don't get offended if you felt so.

Something else that I found very interesting from this teaching was that it said that once you kill someone because it was your duty, you are forgiven and taken into heaven as a great hero. When is it exactly when your duty is to take someone's life away? Does there even exist such a duty? I find this very ridiculous and I completely disagree since I believe that when you kill someone you should not be rewarded what so ever. Furthermore, I believe that once you do these type of crimes, you should not even go to heaven. Heaven is a reward for those good, and assassins are no good. Or at least thats what I believe.

And This Is? - Bhagavad Gita I

Reading this book was very confusing at the beginning since I really didn't understand the title of the teachings. However, it mainly talked about the violation of rights and specially, those current that are found today. It talks a lot about human rights and focuses on how humans could no kill brother groups, how women violation was something major that only got greater and more intense, and how war was always seen as the best solution to problems. I realized that the way in which Arjuna talked to Krishna was very mature and showed knowledge and therefore, I would say that Arjuna is giving the reader a lesson. "They are teachers, fathers, sons and grandfathers, uncles, grandsons, fathers and brothers of wives, and other men of our family. I do not want to kill them even if I am killed, Krishna; not for kingship of all three worlds, much less for the earth! What joy is there for us, Krishna, in killing Dhritarashtra's sons? Evil will haunt us if we kill them, though their bows are drawn to kill." (Page 28) Arjuna also says that he wouldn't kill even if he is in risk of being killed. I find this so peaceful and nice of him for he seems as a very tender and innocent man. It gives me the impression of a true leader and that I should actually follow him. He says that there is no joy in killing anybody, and that evil will follow them for doing evil things. This is, that when you do evil upon someone, it will somehow return to you.

I was able to familiarize completely because if you think about it, when you cause war you are only causing pain. He also says that we are all connected and all humans have the same right to live. So, if you kill someone, its as killing your own brother, son, cousin, etc. Later on, he also talks about how many men are engaged to war and have to leave everything for it. I find this completely absurd and I agree that it is something no one should do since family is the only thing you will have forever and you should spend a lot of time with them and not waste time on other things that don't have the same value. War is only materialist value, while family is of one real.

Happy Ending - Tablet XII

This tablet started off from a completely different point of the story since it begins by talking about how Gilgamesh lost his drumstick that somehow fell to Nether World. He begs to everyone around for help so he can recuperate his stick, and for some reason, Enkidu hears him. Enkidu pledges Gilgamesh that he will assist him and recover his drumstick from Nether World.

Gilgamesh gives Enkidu many instructions that will make his help successful. However, Enkidu decides not to follow any of these and in consequence, he is held by the Cry of the Dead. Once again, Gilgamesh mourns for his companion's death. He tells the story to many gods and supplicates for their help, yet, most denied to interfere. He then talked to the god Ea, who asked the god of the Nether World to open a hole in the top in order to allow Enkidu to rise into the standard world. Enkidu then rises like vapor to the Upper World where he meets with Gilgamesh, his old but true companion.

Enkidu tells him about his experience in Nether World, and how life was for people in there. Gilgamesh asks him many questions even though his companion didn't want him to know the answers. Happy ending, no need to say.

After reading this book I realize how things can be interpreted in many different ways without having one specific signification. For example, the meaning of life can be seen in various ways depending on that persons point of view. I liked how I could guess and identify the meaning of something referring to the book and then compare it with the actual one. I also enjoyed reading this old piece of writing because of the way in which it is written. This epic is narrated in poetic language which makes it much more interesting and easier to read. The whole story makes me think on how things have evolved to be what they are today, and how our culture and beliefs have expanded and changed. It helped me understand the historical concept during that time and the type of literature that was present.

3 Stories for 1 Purpose- Tablet XI

In this tablet, three different stories are told incuding one that can be related to the biblical epic of Noah's Ark. Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh his story of how he ended up being with the gods, after they send a massive flood in order to destroy completely humanity. He had to kill many animals for food differing to Noah who saved the animals in his boat. He also told Gilgamesh that in order to have the same power that he does and be conceded with inmortality, he couldn't sleep for seven days. Gilgamesh failed and had to leave, but Utnapishtim's wife informed him on how he could use a plant from the bottom of the ocean to become younger. After he finally got the plant, a snake took it away from him giving him no other option than to go back to Uruk. I can relate this event with the story of Adam and Eve where the snake makes them bite the apple and by doing this, they are forced out from the kingdom of the gods. The snake interferes with Gilgamesh's last hope of receiving inmortality and prevents him to be superior and powerful. Here, it is proved that death can't be avoided.

It is getting close to the end, but will he ever receive inmortality?

Life After Death - Tablets IX and X

Gilgamesh's life after Enkidu's death changes drastically. He, now alone, mourns and suffers for his companions death. The powerful and undefeatable one is now facing one of life's strongest challenges; death. How will he undergo the absence of his other half? Hard, isn't it? I started to recall my great grandfather's death. I was vulnerable, I had been emotionally attacked and had to learn how to live without him. There was nothing I could do, I passed a few days reflecting on his loss. I was paralized, lost.

Gilgamesh never thought that this could happen. Now death for him was a reality, and he realizes he can also die and becomes fearful. He decides to seek immortality, and is determined to find the only being on Earth that is granted with immortality from the gods. Utnapishtim, is the only one that can find out how death can be avoided. He begins another journey in order to find Utnapishtim who will eventually teach him how to avoid death. However, this trek seems much scarier and mortal than death itself. Gilgamesh would have to face the Scorpion guardians at the entrance of the Mashu Mountain and travel 12 leagues under total darkness.

Once he gets there, the Dragon Scorpion Male and WIfe allow him to enter, but the tough journey had just begun and he still had to undergo 12 leagues in complete darkness. He is successful enough and hits the tunnel's end as the sunlight penetrates his body. He then arrives to a tavern where his entrance is prohibited by the keeper due to the lack of confidence between them. Even though he wasn't allowed to enter because of suspicion, the keeper gives Gilgamesh instructions in order to arrive safely to Utnapishtim.

After swimming to an island, making a boat, and other few steps, he finally arrives to the destination. Long journey the one he made, but short answer the one that he receives. He is told that death will come for everyone and that the day of death is set, however it is not know. He doesn't receive immortality, will he ever?

One Death Causes Another - Tablet VIII

Gilgamesh suffers from Enkidu's lost, he mourns for him and starts to reflect on all that they did together. He begins to think about what he will do in order to be successful without him. Memories are everlasting, and in this tablet Gilgamesh creates a statue in order to remember and honor Enkidu for all that he fulfilled. Enkidu was his companion, and as Gilamesh said, he deserved to rest as one of the gods. A sentimental scene, where Gilgamesh's sensibility is shown and all the readers reflect on this epic but along, they reflect with their daily lifes.

Personally, I find it beautiful how Gilgamesh took such act for his friend. I would never expect this to happen coming from him, I thought Gilgamesh was a coward and wasn't brave enough to do this. Anyways, the author proved me wrong as he shows another side of this characters personality, which surprised me a lot. It is a calm and sad tablet in which Gilgamesh reflects on everything. A part of him is gone, he is lost, dead but in his own world.

Punishment? - Tablet VII

The gods determine to punish Enkidu and Gilgamesh since they have both been disrespectful towards them by the things they have done along their journey such as killing Huwawa, killing the Bull of Heaven, and cutting down the tallest cedar. They decide that one of them must die. The god Enlil stated that since Gilgamesh was the gifted one, he couldn't be punished and therefore, Enkidu should die in his place. However, I believe that this wasn't only a punishment for Enkidu, but also for Gilgamesh. They have been together in hard times and have made each other company all along. In this case, Gilgamesh is also dying, since he is alone in this now, he has no company and no support, he is dead but breathing. Enkidu starts to feel that if he had never left his habitat everything would have been perfect. He regrets to have gone to the city and blames Gilgamesh and every other that took him away from nature. He believes it is very unfair that he is the only one receiving this punishment, and I totally agree with this. Gilgamesh should sacrifice himself or he could have done something in order to prevent this, I mean, after all his greatness is supreme, he has a similar power to the one that the gods have.

The Epic Near the Euphrates River - Tablet VI

In this tablet, the setting of the epic is learned. It takes place near the Euphrates River in Africa.

Gilgamesh demonstrates how strong he can be by saying the bad things the goddess Ishtar did. When he came back from killing Huwawa, he was brave enough and denied to sleep with Ishtar even though he knew that this could bring him consequences. However, I believe it was an excellent decision since Gilgamesh had heard the stories of her past lovers. Even though he was very brave and proved that he could have as much power as the Gods do by taking such decisions, he let Enkidu fight the Bull of Heaven alone at first. To conclude, you can say that Enkidu and Gilgamesh need each other to survive. They are partners in everything, during life and until death.

Feeling the Dream - Tablets IV and V

As they proceeded with their journey through the Cedar Forest, Gilgamesh was covered with strange feelings that had originated by the dreams he had. He interpreted his dreams in a very different way than Enkidu did. Gilgamesh was hopeless, he felt that they were heading towards the wrong path, as if they were going to die there. However, Enkidu was really positive about the dreams and guaranteed Gilgamesh that they were a good sign. Personally, I support Gilgamesh since the dreams reflected strong and deplorable events that I couldn't see in a beneficial or positive way. Together, they experienced the defeat of Huwawa and when they finally defeated him with a prayer, his head symbolized death to the evil and dangerous, and most important of all, power to the good. I believe this event gave them desire to continue with their adventure and they no longer saw the Cedar Forest as an obstacle, but as a place that offered them protection, shelter, and support.

gilGAMEsh - Tablets II and III

Gilgamesh, an ancient Sumerian poem known as one of the earliest literary writings, narrates the adventures and marvelous deeds of the heroes during that time. The way in which this epic piece is written captures my attention since it is a narrative poem that can be read quickly and effectively. It is very descriptive and symbolic, which helps create clear images of the situations. Gilgamesh is proven to be a foil of Enkidu, his greatness is supreme and seems undefeatable by others. "Enkidu entered Uruk; then, amazement crowded the streets at the sight of the size of him, the strength and beauty, the likeness to Gilgamesh." However, their relationship is rather homosexual. As Enkidu recognizes Gilgamesh's superiority their bond is proven to be more than brotherly as they previously hold hands and kiss. It seems as if this sexual preference was normal and beautiful, as if it was an honor to mate with someone of your same sex. This may be more than just a feature of these heroes, it can be a hint to their traditions, beliefs, and customs during that time. Discovering about them is like every little piece of a game.

1 Post About 14 Things and a Photo

A. What is the title of the blog?

The blog is called 14 Things and a Photo

B. What is the blog about?

In this blog, Stevo tells 14 tidbits about him but expresses in a funny way.

C. Why is this title fitting?

This title fits perfectly with the two main parts of this blog, which are the photo he put up with his Canon 7D which is amazing indeed, and the 14 things he comments about himself. As you combine these two you get the title; 14 things and a photo.

D. How does the blogger offer information in a way others don't?

The blogger offers information in a way that others don't since he shares facts about himself and exposes them in an entertaining and unique way.

E. Compare this blog with another of the same topic.

I believe that this blog is very unique since the author is sharing real information about his life. By reading his blog, I assume that the blogger has a great humorous personality.

F. Evaluate this blog. Is it good or not? How can it be improved?

I really enjoyed this blog since it was really entertaining. I loved his pictures and the way he expressed himself. I like it just the way it is!

Blog Questions

A. According to this author, where does the word blog come from?

According to this author, the word "blog" which is a shorter term for Web log (or Weblog), was originated in 1997 when Jorn Barger, used the word "Weblog" in his Web site (Robert Wisdom), which was full of writings about artificial intelligence, Judaism as racism, and James Joyce. Two years later, in 1999, Peter Merholz the author of a Weblog named Peterme, split it in two —"We blog"— and created a new word that could be used as either a noun or verb. That was how "blog" was born.

B. Why might the writer object to a book about blogs? What is the difference between a blog and a book?

The differences between a blog and a book are the following: While books are tight, blogs are reckless; books are slow but blogs are fast; blogs invite you to look and analyze beyond their titles, while books beg you to stay between their covers; books are always worried over copyright and libel but blogs simply borrow whatever they need with impunity such as news, pictures, and videos. These are also the reasons of why a writer might object to a book about blogs.

C. How have blogs changed recently?

Blogs have changed recently in only some areas and not in the big picture. I believe this because there was never a specific order or way of creating blogs, so this can't change. However, today we find more technology advances and features that can be applied to our blogs. Some areas, such as topics are varied and there are more to talk about everyday. The topic of the blog changes because of the historical context of the moment, therefore it has to adapt and share information about the present. With recent information, bloggers will be able to attract more readers since they will be interested in it deeply.

D. Why might you read a blog rather than a book, or a magazine, or a newspaper?

I might read a blog rather than a book, a magazine, or a newspaper because blogs are really clear and easy to understand, its not like some other types of writings where you might have difficulties understanding and following the lecture. Blog readers jump around, as they follow links, and move from blogs to new clips on Youtube. This is done in a much easier way than what it takes to turn a page of a book. They always end up somewhere, where they have been carried away. Vocabulary in the blogs and in their comments is used by known phrases and expressions sometimes shown by emoticons. Blogs, overall, are very fun and entertaining and even though many bloggers don't write much at all, you learn from what they say and can eventually reflect on the information they share with us.

E. Is there reason to doubt the objectivity of a blog? Why? Why not?

Yes, I believe that there is a reason to doubt the objectivity of a blog since the author interprets the topic and the information in their own way and give their own opinion as they share it on their blog. The author's point of view is always reflected and sometimes indirectly shown and interpreted by the reader as a fact, while it isn't. Also, the information isn't always theirs so while they gather it, misunderstandings can take place. The interference of the author in the information of a blog, in my opinion, is the main reason of why the objectivity of a blog can be doubted.

F. If you kept your own blog, what would you title it?

If I kept my own blog, I would do it about a specific foundation of children with cancer and I would call it "Stand Up for Cancer".

G. Find three blogs that mention our summer reading.

1.http://www.beyond-ishmael.com/members/beyondishmael

2.http://peakoil.blogspot.com/2005/10/book-review-ishmael-by-daniel-quinn.html

3.http://www.ishmael.org/Interaction/guestbook/guestbook.cfm

4.http://www.iyou.me/group/green/forum/topics/ishmael-by-daniel-quinn-free

Who Am I?

Hi! I am Michelle Katz and I can't wait to start blogging!