Shinde Sweety's Blog, page 2
April 16, 2015
Kurukshetra: war of 3 Krishnas
3 Krishnas: Krishn (Dwarka), Arjun (Krishn) and Draupadi (Krishnaa). All 3 shared a name, shared their dusky complexion and shared a deep emotional bond. Traditionally, Kurukshetra was a war of these 3 Krishnas against evil.
Any great deed requires the mind, the heart and the hand to be in-sync. The Mind = for cool analysis, planning, ideas, impulses, thoughts. The Heart = for passion, emotions, inspiration and fire. The Hand = for skills, finesse, well-honed, strong, the doer. Krishn was the mind, Draupadi was the inspiration and Arjun was the executor of their combined vision.
On the eve of Kurukshetra, Arjun paused, paralyzed by his dilemma. Then followed the enriching Q & A session which we know today as Bhagwad Gita. At Kurukshetra, the mind and the heart were rock-solid and resolved for Danda-neeti , the necessity of War against Injustice. Yet, it is the Hand that held destructive power. And the Hand hesitated, poised on the brink of destruction - Not from inability – but precisely because it held the ability to unleash devastation. Not from fear of dying - but from fear of killing. Not from cowardice – but from compassion.
It is not a coincidence that Vyas’s lens zooms in on two Krishnas, while the entire battlefield zooms out of focus, a blurred screen, voiceless and impersonal. Maybe Vyas was telling us that the rest never mattered – they were merely incidental. Kurukshetra was the battle between the mind-heart and the hand. The eternal dilemma between the Hand that asks, ‘'How many millions should die for the sins of a handful?” and the Mind-Heart that declares confidently,’'How many times should the sinning handful be forgiven for the sake of the millions who follow them blindly?”
Each of us faces dilemmas everyday. We may not have to face a crucial , gut wrenching decision of ‘to kill or not to kill.’ But we do face situations when the heart, the hand and the heart are in chaotic opposition. Was Vyas trying to symbolize each of us? I believe firmly that Kurukshetra ( and all of Mahabharata) was not fiction … it is History. But Vyas’s battlefields were never restricted to mere battlegrounds. His battles always transcended beyond the obvious. Have you faced dilemmas of heart-hand-mind asynchrony? Which one usually takes the final decision for you?
Symbolically, though, was it a war of Arjun versus Krishn & Krishnaa?
Any great deed requires the mind, the heart and the hand to be in-sync. The Mind = for cool analysis, planning, ideas, impulses, thoughts. The Heart = for passion, emotions, inspiration and fire. The Hand = for skills, finesse, well-honed, strong, the doer. Krishn was the mind, Draupadi was the inspiration and Arjun was the executor of their combined vision.
What if the hand rebels against the heart & mind?
On the eve of Kurukshetra, Arjun paused, paralyzed by his dilemma. Then followed the enriching Q & A session which we know today as Bhagwad Gita. At Kurukshetra, the mind and the heart were rock-solid and resolved for Danda-neeti , the necessity of War against Injustice. Yet, it is the Hand that held destructive power. And the Hand hesitated, poised on the brink of destruction - Not from inability – but precisely because it held the ability to unleash devastation. Not from fear of dying - but from fear of killing. Not from cowardice – but from compassion.
Eve of Bhagwad Gita:
It is not a coincidence that Vyas’s lens zooms in on two Krishnas, while the entire battlefield zooms out of focus, a blurred screen, voiceless and impersonal. Maybe Vyas was telling us that the rest never mattered – they were merely incidental. Kurukshetra was the battle between the mind-heart and the hand. The eternal dilemma between the Hand that asks, ‘'How many millions should die for the sins of a handful?” and the Mind-Heart that declares confidently,’'How many times should the sinning handful be forgiven for the sake of the millions who follow them blindly?”
We
Each of us faces dilemmas everyday. We may not have to face a crucial , gut wrenching decision of ‘to kill or not to kill.’ But we do face situations when the heart, the hand and the heart are in chaotic opposition. Was Vyas trying to symbolize each of us? I believe firmly that Kurukshetra ( and all of Mahabharata) was not fiction … it is History. But Vyas’s battlefields were never restricted to mere battlegrounds. His battles always transcended beyond the obvious. Have you faced dilemmas of heart-hand-mind asynchrony? Which one usually takes the final decision for you?
April 5, 2015
Kartikeya: Arjun's 'other' brother in law.
In Bhagwad Gita, Krishn says, ‘Amongst army commanders, I am Skanda.’ Chp 10, verse 24.
Who is Skanda, the war-God? He is aka Murugan and Kartikeya.
He was Shiva’s son and Ganesh’s bro.
He was Indra’s commander-in-chief. Also, he was Indra’s son-in-law!
Thus, Kartikeya was Arjun’s brother-in-law! While Indra and Shiva were in-laws!
STORY: Indra’s daughter was named Indrasena. Hence, Kartikeya is also called Indrasenapati, which has 2 connotations.
1] Husband of Indrasena 2] Commander-in-chief of Indra’s sena (army). [image error]
As expected, there are VARIATIONS to the story.
As per Skanda Puran, Devasena (Indrasena) = daughter of Vishnu. Now that means Krishn (Vishnu) and Kartikeya, both being Arjun’s brothers-in-law are also father-in-law & son-in-law to each other! Phew!
KARTIKEYA’S BIRTH: Shiva’s vital fluids (in alternate stories , Shiva’s 3rd eye sparks) were carried by Agni. He united them with 6 Kritikas, hence the name Kartikeya to the resultant son. Thus, Agni is also partially called as ‘Father of Kartikeya’.
MALLIKARJUN TEMPLE:
Myth has it that Kartikeya marched off to this place after a tiff with his parents. To console him, Shiva & Parvati followed him here. Hence the temple is called Mallikarjun { Mallika= Parvati, while ARJUNA= ANOTHER NAME OF SHIVA!}
March 24, 2015
Draupadi - an inspiration for Chanakya?
The exotic and fiery Empress of Indraprastha. {5000 B.C.E} The homely and cool headed diplomat cum Kingmaker. {370 B.C.E} What possible thread could bind them?
Chanakya was insulted in full court by King Dhanananda. Stung at this barb, Chanakya unfurled his shikha (knotted braid) and swore not to tie it until Dhanananda’s evil rule was demolished. Sounds FAMILIAR? Draupadi, heinously insulted in Hastinapur’s court. Verbally, physically and psychologically - swore not to braid her hair until her sinners, the Kauravas were avenged in battle. In both cases, their righteous rage led to a ‘Constructive Destruction’, i.e destruction of evil for the sake of dharma.
Chanakya, highly LEARNED in politics, religion, science, legal system, astronomy, geography and mathematics. His Chanakya -neeti one–liners trend as quotable quotes to this day. As for Draupadi, who can forget her blistering speech at the dice game of Hastinapur? She scoured logic, dharma and shastras. Her questions transformed the atmosphere from brutality to logic. Her assertive question, ‘If Yudhisthir had pledged himself first, how can I still be pledged or won?’ still remains unanswered across 5000 years.
Unfortunately, debates around Draupadi begin and end at her polyandry. Unfortunate that many cannot elevate their mind beyond the mundane. Her conversation with Satyabhama in Vana-Parva, however highlights her amazing efficiency. Draupadi, the Administrator, Personnel Manager & Organizational Wizard: Quote, ‘1,00,000 maids employed in my husbands’ palaces and 1,00,000 maids waiting upon Indraprastha’s guests. I knew the names and features of all those girls. I was the one who regulated their number and framed the rules to be observed in respect of them. Indeed, I knew everything about what the maid-servants, the other classes of attendants, even the cow-herds and the shepherds of the royal establishment, did or did not.’ she says with casual competence. Draupadi, the C.A & Treasurer - “I alone knew the income and expenditure of Indraprasth’s King and what their whole wealth was. I alone supervised their treasury inexhaustible like the ever-filled receptacle of Varuna.’' Chanakya’s "Arthshastra" is the final word in monetary and fiscal policies, public welfare, international relations and war strategies in detail. He was the ‘Mastermind’ behind mighty Chandragupta, whose Maurya Empire stretched across the length and width of Bharat.
Here is Draupadi speaking to Krishn, “Nothing would come out of SAMA, conciliation with the Kauravas, nor from DAMA, charity to them. With men not open to conciliation or charity there is only one way if you want to protect your life: DANDA, violence, use of force. “Those who know dharma understand that it is as much a sin NOT to punish those who deserve punishment as to punish those who do not deserve it.” Although Chanakya advocated SAMA-DAMA-DANDA-BHED, he completely agreed with Draupadi on Justice. He says, ‘Whoever imposes severe punishment becomes repulsive to the people; while he who awards mild punishment becomes contemptible. But whoever imposes PUNISHMENT AS DESERVED becomes respectable. “Dandaniti requires state power to protect the weak against coercion and exploitation by the mighty. Otherwise there would be no good and honest men left in the world.’ V] Both were Vishu devotees Chanakya was also known as Vishnugupta. His Arthshastra begins with a tribute to Vishnu. Draupadi , escalating beyond bhakti-rasa, was immersed in maitra-rasa (friendship) with Krishn (Vishnu avatar). Do you think the striking similarities are mere co-incidence? Do you know other historical figures with comparative life events?
I] The loosened HAIR, the oath for REVENGE:
Chanakya was insulted in full court by King Dhanananda. Stung at this barb, Chanakya unfurled his shikha (knotted braid) and swore not to tie it until Dhanananda’s evil rule was demolished. Sounds FAMILIAR? Draupadi, heinously insulted in Hastinapur’s court. Verbally, physically and psychologically - swore not to braid her hair until her sinners, the Kauravas were avenged in battle. In both cases, their righteous rage led to a ‘Constructive Destruction’, i.e destruction of evil for the sake of dharma.
II] Eloquence:
Chanakya, highly LEARNED in politics, religion, science, legal system, astronomy, geography and mathematics. His Chanakya -neeti one–liners trend as quotable quotes to this day. As for Draupadi, who can forget her blistering speech at the dice game of Hastinapur? She scoured logic, dharma and shastras. Her questions transformed the atmosphere from brutality to logic. Her assertive question, ‘If Yudhisthir had pledged himself first, how can I still be pledged or won?’ still remains unanswered across 5000 years.
III] Efficient Governance:
Unfortunately, debates around Draupadi begin and end at her polyandry. Unfortunate that many cannot elevate their mind beyond the mundane. Her conversation with Satyabhama in Vana-Parva, however highlights her amazing efficiency. Draupadi, the Administrator, Personnel Manager & Organizational Wizard: Quote, ‘1,00,000 maids employed in my husbands’ palaces and 1,00,000 maids waiting upon Indraprastha’s guests. I knew the names and features of all those girls. I was the one who regulated their number and framed the rules to be observed in respect of them. Indeed, I knew everything about what the maid-servants, the other classes of attendants, even the cow-herds and the shepherds of the royal establishment, did or did not.’ she says with casual competence. Draupadi, the C.A & Treasurer - “I alone knew the income and expenditure of Indraprasth’s King and what their whole wealth was. I alone supervised their treasury inexhaustible like the ever-filled receptacle of Varuna.’' Chanakya’s "Arthshastra" is the final word in monetary and fiscal policies, public welfare, international relations and war strategies in detail. He was the ‘Mastermind’ behind mighty Chandragupta, whose Maurya Empire stretched across the length and width of Bharat.
IV] Justice and Danda-Niti:
Here is Draupadi speaking to Krishn, “Nothing would come out of SAMA, conciliation with the Kauravas, nor from DAMA, charity to them. With men not open to conciliation or charity there is only one way if you want to protect your life: DANDA, violence, use of force. “Those who know dharma understand that it is as much a sin NOT to punish those who deserve punishment as to punish those who do not deserve it.” Although Chanakya advocated SAMA-DAMA-DANDA-BHED, he completely agreed with Draupadi on Justice. He says, ‘Whoever imposes severe punishment becomes repulsive to the people; while he who awards mild punishment becomes contemptible. But whoever imposes PUNISHMENT AS DESERVED becomes respectable. “Dandaniti requires state power to protect the weak against coercion and exploitation by the mighty. Otherwise there would be no good and honest men left in the world.’ V] Both were Vishu devotees Chanakya was also known as Vishnugupta. His Arthshastra begins with a tribute to Vishnu. Draupadi , escalating beyond bhakti-rasa, was immersed in maitra-rasa (friendship) with Krishn (Vishnu avatar). Do you think the striking similarities are mere co-incidence? Do you know other historical figures with comparative life events?
February 9, 2015
Book cover image- why, what, how?
5 seconds for book cover and 15 seconds for back page text!
That is the average attention span to entice a book reader. That is the time span needed to convert a ‘maybe book buyer’ into a ‘definitely interested book buyer’.
This is my story, my exciting journey – as my Cover Design Artist and myself made a memorable foray into concepts, ideas and colors.
Premise & target audience
‘Aim high’ – I thought hopefully, when asked to state my target audience. Indians, NRIs, pan-Earth Mythology buffs, Aliens…
Mahabharata may be an Indian Epic, but its emotions, its philosophy and its characters are rich & relevant across religion, region, language and Time.
My book focuses on 3 protagonists of Mahabharata - Arjun, Draupadi and Krishn.
My book blurb had to condense a 96,000 word manuscript into 132 words.
My book cover had to complement those 132 words in a vivid 5 second vision. Easy , huh?
I found the perfect artist to capture my dream idea in Champa Srinivas, my exquisite Cover Designer. She is an Architect cum artist who loves to ‘capture the beauty of aesthetic spaces and colors’.
Concept, symbols, colors, ideas.
Symbolism: My 3 protagonists:
1] Arjun – The ace archer and superlative warrior.
2] Draupadi – his feisty Queen.
3] Krishn – God who walked Earth in human form.
Their symbols: Arrow, Blue Lotus and Peacock feather respectively.
Concept behind symbolism:
Arrow was a no-brainer, given Arjun’s authoritative excellence in archery.
Blue lotus (for Draupadi) , since she possessed the inborn fragrance of a blue lotus.
We tossed our coin over Krishn’s symbols – the flute (artistic, melodious, poetic) or Sudarshan chakra (his discus weapon) or peacock feather (his flamboyant characteristic head gear) – before finalizing the latter.
Color palette:
Silver Arrow : ‘Arjun’ in Sanskrit = spotless/luminous as silver; just like its sound-alike ‘Argentum’ in Latin. {Such an amazing coincidence!}
Sleek and honed like Arjun’s razor sharp focus. Yet – humble and understated in comparison to his 2 soul mates.
Blue Lotus : Apart from the fragrance factor, Draupadi was a dusky beauty with lustrous
January 29, 2015
Arjun- in his Image & Likeness
Do you blur the line between an idolized character and an actor portraying him?
Vanaprastham - The Last Dance is a Malayalam film where Mohanlal, a Kathakali artist finds solace in theatre.
Once, his audience includes Subhadra (Suhasini) of an aristocratic family. In love with the valiant warrior Arjun of Mahabharata, she personifies Mohanlal as her dream hero. The eventual affair leads to the birth of a son. However, Subhadra content to be pregnant with the seed of Arjun – her idolized version, rejects the flesh & blood Mohanlal.
The storyline struck a resonance within me.
I remember going to a late-night Marathi musical Saubhadra, based on Krishn’s orchestration of Arjun-Subhadra elopement. I went solo, but purchased 3 tickets (to free myself of annoying coughs or jutting elbows) on either side of ‘my space.’
The play was low-budget, Subhadra was played by a man (the play was an echo of bygone era when only male artistes dared to be onstage!), who was atleast 12 inches broader than Arjun. The artist playing Arjun was a mediocre TV actor, and not in my league of ‘favorite gentlemen’.
And yet, in the darkened theater, I sat transfixed and entranced by the magic of Arjun (click here for Arjun's influence on my life). Pulses quickened, my palpitations audible, a delicious tense knot coiling within me, I reveled in Arjun’s charisma , intact and vibrantly alive across a span of 6000 years.
I was not merely audience at a theatre. I was the passionate Draupadi, the enamoured Subhadra, the lusty Uloopi, the rebuffed Urvashi.
Does this happen to you? Transfer of emotions from an unattainable idol to an actor?
Read full article on https://sweetyshinde.wordpress.com/20...
Vanaprastham - The Last Dance is a Malayalam film where Mohanlal, a Kathakali artist finds solace in theatre.
Once, his audience includes Subhadra (Suhasini) of an aristocratic family. In love with the valiant warrior Arjun of Mahabharata, she personifies Mohanlal as her dream hero. The eventual affair leads to the birth of a son. However, Subhadra content to be pregnant with the seed of Arjun – her idolized version, rejects the flesh & blood Mohanlal.
The storyline struck a resonance within me.
I remember going to a late-night Marathi musical Saubhadra, based on Krishn’s orchestration of Arjun-Subhadra elopement. I went solo, but purchased 3 tickets (to free myself of annoying coughs or jutting elbows) on either side of ‘my space.’
The play was low-budget, Subhadra was played by a man (the play was an echo of bygone era when only male artistes dared to be onstage!), who was atleast 12 inches broader than Arjun. The artist playing Arjun was a mediocre TV actor, and not in my league of ‘favorite gentlemen’.
And yet, in the darkened theater, I sat transfixed and entranced by the magic of Arjun (click here for Arjun's influence on my life). Pulses quickened, my palpitations audible, a delicious tense knot coiling within me, I reveled in Arjun’s charisma , intact and vibrantly alive across a span of 6000 years.
I was not merely audience at a theatre. I was the passionate Draupadi, the enamoured Subhadra, the lusty Uloopi, the rebuffed Urvashi.
Does this happen to you? Transfer of emotions from an unattainable idol to an actor?
Read full article on https://sweetyshinde.wordpress.com/20...
January 13, 2015
Journey of my novel - I
“I feel pregnant!”
Truly, there is no other way to etch my feelings as my debut novel ‘Arjun: Without A Doubt’ inches closer home to publication.
I hold triplets within my womb. The idealist, the flame and the enigma.
They poured words into my pen, I put words onto their lips. They have morphed
and transformed. Multiple times.
“Its high time, Lady, set us free.” the fiery one insists, her imperial finger tapping on crossed arms. The patient one leans back - he knows he can outwait Eternity. The enigmatic one smiles, as always – he knows he orchestrates the whole drama.
Just hold on a while longer, my beloveds!
Truly, there is no other way to etch my feelings as my debut novel ‘Arjun: Without A Doubt’ inches closer home to publication.
I hold triplets within my womb. The idealist, the flame and the enigma.
They poured words into my pen, I put words onto their lips. They have morphed
and transformed. Multiple times.
“Its high time, Lady, set us free.” the fiery one insists, her imperial finger tapping on crossed arms. The patient one leans back - he knows he can outwait Eternity. The enigmatic one smiles, as always – he knows he orchestrates the whole drama.
Just hold on a while longer, my beloveds!
