One Week Hiatus

I missed my usual post this past weekend due to computer difficulties. It has been sorted out and I should be up and running again next weekend.

Famous Feuds

     This week instead of a regular article I will describe a recent picture I drew and why I included some of the images I did. Some readers might recall my post from several weeks ago called “Are Villains Valuable?” in which I discussed heroes and villains from various stories. The image in that post was a picture I drew based on heroes and their respective villains from literature and faiths from around the world. The picture below is similar in that it features a hero and villain from a certain theme, only this time I have widened the scope to include characters from modern pop culture as well as literature.

     All of the characters might not be immediately recognizable based on their appearance in the image, and the way I drew the picture did not leave me enough space for labels (which I would have liked to include). Anyway, listed below are each hero/villain set and the heritage they represent in parenthesis. Beneath that is a brief explanation of who they are and why I included them in the picture, other than because I enjoy drawing and thought it would be a cool idea. The “famous feuds” are:

Krishna and Devi vs. King Kansa (Hindu)

     -From the Indian epic Bhagavata Purana. Krishna is an Avatar of Vishnu who incarnates to defeat the tyrannical and cruel King Kansa. Kansa is about to slaughter a child before the baby transforms into the goddess Devi and warns Kansa of his doom at Krishna’s hands. After defeating the king and freeing the people, Krishna later narrates the infamous “Bhagavad Gita” from Indian religion and philosophy.

St. Michael vs. Lucifer (Biblical)

     -St. Michael is the Archangel that banished Lucifer from Heaven. Lucifer then became Satan and is believed to be a driving force behind sin. Lucifer was originally the Lord of Light but fell because of pride and uncontrolled ambition. This epic story from The Bible has been the inspiration behind much literature and graphic novels.

David vs. Goliath (Hebrew/Biblical)

     -This ancient Hebrew story could be considered the archetypal underdog tale. The young David confronts the fearsome Philistine giant Goliath and defeats him by means of a slingshot. This story often serves as an uplifting tale to people facing difficult odds, as Goliath appeared to be a much greater warrior than David.

Tripitaka vs. Sun Wukong (Chinese)

     -Sun Wukong was a mischievous monkey who became so unruly he was imprisoned under a mountain by the Buddha. The monk Tripitaka freed Sun Wukong and then took him as a disciple and bodyguard on his journey to India to retrieve scriptures. This charming story is known as Journey to the West and is a staple in Chinese folk literature. It is translated in English and titled Monkey.

Goku vs. Frieza (Japanese)

     -Son Goku is the main character in Akira Toriyama’s world famous Dragon Ball Z series. Although loosely based on Sun Wukong, Goku is a pure-hearted warrior of the alien Saiyan race. Goku fights with righteous motives, usually defending his friends and loved ones, and is eventually confronted by Vegeta prince of the Saiyan race. Vegeta is evil and sadistic, but after defeating him Goku learns this is because Vegeta’s family and most of the Saiyan people were slaughtered by Frieza. Frieza is lord of an intergalactic planet trading operation which involves exterminating the population of a planet to then sell it. When Goku meets Frieza the two have a colossal battle. After a long and intense struggle with Frieza, Goku defeats him by ascending to the Super Saiyan transformation. Vegeta later befriends Goku and becomes a better person after being in the company of Goku and his friends.

Odin vs. Fenrir the Wolf (Norse)

     -In Norse literature, Odin is the All-Father and master of the mystical rune symbols. He is the god of warfare, magic, poetry, and death and rules over the heavenly kingdom Asgard. He swears a blood-oath with the demigod Loki, who eventually abandons Asgard and fathers monstrous children. One of these monsters is the great wolf Fenrir, who is said in a prophecy to be the being that will slay and devour Odin at the end of time.

Gandalf the Grey vs. The Balrog (English)

     -Gandalf the Grey is the well-known wizard from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings novels. Gandalf’s power and wisdom assists the free peoples of Middle-Earth to overcome the growing powers of the Dark Lord Sauron of Mordor. In The Fellowship of the Ring (the first installment of The Lord of the Rings) Gandalf confronts an enemy made up of fire and shadows known as The Balrog. This nemesis proves to be Gandalf’s greatest foe, but the conflict with this enemy ultimately proves to be a cathartic experience for the wizard after a trying ordeal.

Princess Twilight Sparkle vs. Lord Tirek (American)

     -In the series My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Twilight Sparkle discovers the many benefits of friendship. It helps her grow and develop, and even results in her becoming an Alicorn Princess (a unicorn with wings). But Twilight eventually discovers the potent power for good that can come from the “Magic of Friendship,” the major theme of the series. She uses this to defeat Lord Tirek, an evil Centaur that grows by absorbing magic from other beings. Twilight represents the use of power for the good of others while Tirek seeks power for greed and dominance. Twilight’s love for her friends is her best attribute in her conflict with Tirek.

Princess Celestia vs. Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings (American)

     -Princess Celestia is Twilight Sparkle’s role-model and mentor, but her kingdom of Equestria is threatened when Queen Chrysalis and her army of Changelings invade. Chrysalis disguises herself as another Alicorn Princess who is betrothed to Twilight’s brother. The Changeling Queen feeds off of feelings of love and gains power by doing so. This enables her to temporarily overcome Celestia. Twilight Sparkle’s studies pay off, however, when she is able to expose Chrysalis’s plan and help her friends banish the Changelings from Equestria.

Batman vs. The Penguin (American)

     -The iconic superhero of DC Comics has been a favorite of audiences worldwide for several generations. Batman has undergone many incarnations over the years as have the distinct villains that threatened the Dark Knight’s home of Gotham City. In the film Batman Returns, Batman’s enemy The Penguin is portrayed in a memorable fashion in a Gothic-style rendition of the series. This aesthetic was continued in Batman: The Animated Series which aired in the 90’s.

Dostoevsky's Masterpiece

The inspiration for this post comes mainly from my reaction to The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky. This novel gives an in-depth perspective into the personalities of three brothers and their scandalous father. The story offers the reader scenarios that call to mind questions involving deep spiritual and personal matters. It is a novel ideal for anyone who is A.) very fond of reading and B.) enjoys stories that stimulate thoughts about life. The story was engaging and very unique because it offers “what many have considered the strongest argument against the existence of God,” this phrase comes from the back cover of the Barnes and Noble Classics edition of the story. The novel is very interesting in that, after delivering this argument against God via the ever critical-thinking character Ivan Karamazov, Dostoevsky also affirms the value of faith and Christ-like virtues represented by the faithful youth Alyosha Karamazov. I really enjoyed this novel because it explored religion, psychology, human nature, and philosophy through strong and memorable characters. Lust, greed, atheism, ambition, faith, child abuse, and inherent goodness in humanity are all subjects that are addressed in this gripping novel.

A very interesting idea in the novel which is repeated multiple times is that “we are all responsible for one another.” I am not a philosopher, so I will not delve too deeply into this topic, except to say that after reading it can really make a persona reevaluate his/her view of society on a local or global scale. One can argue that such a statement might not be a realistic view, but I thought it was an interesting thing to read.

Dostoevsky ultimately delivers hope and affirms the value of positive memories in a person’s life and also addresses the effects of negative experiences on an individual. The power that positive memories can have for us is communicated very well by the story. They could be our saving grace in even in the most trying times. The characters portrayed in the novel can represent types of people found in any society. Dmitri Karamazov is a bitter sensualist, Ivan is a cynical intellectual, and Alyosha is an honest and devout Christian. They are all sons of Fyodor Karamazov, known for creating scandals and engaging in debaucheries. A rivalry between Fyodor and the eldest son Dmitri causes trouble for everyone else in the family as they compete for the favor of a woman, consciously manipulating both of them. The novel has enough drama for a modern-day television miniseries, but the deeper subjects about life that are involved in the story make it a definite classic.

Scattered Leaves

“Death is not the end. It’s only another path; one that we all must take.” The famous words of Gandalf in the film The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King remind us of a message very appropriate to the Easter holiday. All things in nature are cyclical. Plants and trees wither and die at the onset of winter, but are born again during the spring. This cyclical pattern has been present both in the physical environment and our human psyche since time immemorial. But why does this matter to us? One reason is because it affirms the impermanence, yet continuity, of all things. How can it be that things are temporary yet permanent at the same time? This seeming contradiction makes more sense if we look deeper into things. Although the leaves fall from a tree, new leaves grow and replace it. The self-reflective Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius compared human life to leaves on a tree. Our lives are like leaves- they bloom and are then scattered off into the wind. Is this a depressing or encouraging thing? I guess that all depends on your perspective.

“Woe is me- my life is nothing more than just a withered leaf upon the breeze!” This is one perspective.

“I’m glad to have the chance to blossom and enjoy a ride upon the wind while it lasts!” This is another.

Things come and go in life- including problems. I find this to be an encouraging thought. Many religious people associate the Easter holiday with the death and resurrection of Christ. This has significance because it shows that the body might die, but the soul lives on. All we do in our life has a lasting effect whether we realize it or not. If we do good deeds and promote harmony, we emanate good feelings and energy that lives on after us. Christ spread a message of love and fellowship- these things make life worthwhile and our “ride upon the wind” much easier.

The ancient peoples believed that Mother Earth restores herself after a period of gestation. This is where the imagery of rabbits and chicks comes from- beings in nature reproducing. Rabbits multiply in great numbers, and the hatching chick is symbolic of the earth coming out of the death of winter. In fact, the phrase “Easter” comes from the name of a European Mother Earth divinity. In Hindu beliefs, God incarnates multiple times in various ages to restore harmony to the world. One of the most well-known and beloved of these incarnations is Lord Rama- who later reappeared on the Earth many years later as Lord Krishna. Krishna brought about joy wherever he went. When the warrior prince Arjuna was in his moment of greatest doubt and despair, Krishna was there to calm his nerves and uplift his spirits in a way no other could.

This Easter, let’s remember all of these things- Life is temporary, but has a significant impact on Eternity. Let’s remember and celebrate Love, Joy, and Regeneration.

Have a Happy Easter everyone!

Friendship is Magic- Lessons for All Audiences

The television show My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic has generated a wide fan base beyond the target audience. Entire documentaries have been made about the reasons behind this phenomena, but the one that struck me the most is that My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (or MLP:FiM for short) delivers messages with unusual depth for a children’s show. As the title implies, the show focuses on the adventures and escapades of six ponies. The episodes generally involve the characters learning something about the meaning and value of friendship. This may sound very simple at first, but does this show contain more subtle wisdom than the average viewer might guess? After viewing the show itself, I believe it does, and would like to elaborate on the subject here.

The main character Twilight Sparkle is a dedicated student to the majestic-looking mare Princess Celestia, and she is given an assignment in a town called Ponyville. While there, she meets five other ponies and together they represent “The Elements of Harmony.” Each pony has her own “element” all of which include loyalty, honesty, generosity, laughter, and kindness.  These elements play a significant role throughout the series, and often the characters rely on them to overcome conflicts and havoc-wreaking adversaries such as the villain Discord. (Does any of this sound familiar? Regular readers may recall my article “Elements of Harmony” from several weeks ago J )

The characters are very relatable and the animation style is superb. Both of these things contribute greatly to the overwhelming popularity of MLP:FiM, but perhaps the greatest charm of this show comes from the actual storytelling regarding the virtues (or Elements) of each character. There are many instances in which the pony friends face great and overwhelming difficulties. Many times these troubles are overcome when they are reminded that the Elements of Harmony exist within themselves. They are there; they just need to be “tapped into” for them to flourish. I believe this is the type of encouraging and empowering message that children- and people of all ages, for that matter- need today. MLP:Fim delivers that message in a delightful, expertly executed children’s show.

As someone who has lived periods of my life in deep negativity and also great happiness, I find that I much prefer the latter. That is a major reason why I appreciate MLP:FiM. It’s something positive. Also, as an artist and fiction writer, I enjoy anything that has strong and representative characters. The show has that too. Last but not least, in the title of my blog I identify myself as a “sincere seeker.” Twilight Sparkle is the “seeker” of MLP:FiM. She looks for the truth in things, and she is devoted to her teacher and mentor. She is smart, but is not conceited and open to learning new things. This allows her to grow and develop as a character, and watching her do so was one of my favorite aspects of the show.

Aside from all that, what can I say? Those ponies are just darn cute!

For anyone interested in learning more about MLP:FiM and the “Brony” fandom that emerged around it, check out the link to the trailer below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohnuyqJyEW0 

Are Villains Valuable?

What characterizes a villain? What makes the “bad guys” so bad? In just about every art form that involves storytelling, there is usually an antagonist who display negative characteristics and does evil things. Of course, there are people in our world who do evil things- and their deeds might make those of the fictional villains mild by comparison. It is common and natural to hate the villain and favor the hero in any story- but is this necessarily the best approach to take? Maybe, but why not give the proverbial “devils” their due? Let’s examine the features of some villains and think of why they might be just as valuable (or more so) than the heroes we love and admire.

Heroes and heroines are generally viewed as such because they exhibit positive values and maintain harmony wherever they live. This gets disturbed when a villain arrives. The villain upsets the peace and harmony, creates chaos and confusion, and sometimes even tremendous suffering among harmless and innocent individuals. Often times the actions of villains are heinous and cruel. But despite this, many people often enjoy and celebrate the villains within both pop culture and classical literature and theatre. Take for example the popularity of Heath Leger’s Joker character in The Dark Knight and Sephiroth from the video game Final Fantasy VII. Recently there is a growing trend in modern films and television shows that give a sympathetic portrayal of many long-established villains. The evil queen from Snow White and Grendel from Beowulf might not be evil, but simply misunderstood.

If the villain is actually a misunderstood victim, that is one thing, but this is usually a motif common to modern entertainment- and it’s a welcome one, because it really freshens things up. Nevertheless, there are still many truly evil and malicious villains out there. This begs the question, “If people are supposed to strive for goodness and peace, why are there some who do such evil things? Where is the justice in this?” Let’s think about what the villains do for the people they torment. When a villain emerges on a scene and upsets the harmony that previously existed- those who suffered have a greater appreciation for that harmony once it returns. Thus, the roles of villains are beneficial because they remind people of the value of what’s good and reaffirm their resolve to maintain it. To reference a previous blog post- the camaraderie of Peter Pan and his Lost Boys is strengthened when they are threatened by Captain Hook and the pirates. The characters of the popular television series My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic come to remember the value of the “Elements of Harmony” after the villain Discord invades their land and ensnares their world in chaos and disorder. When the harmony is restored, it is cherished all the more. The Hobbits from Tolkien’s books The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings appreciate their peaceful homes in The Shire after trekking through the dangerous lands of Middle-Earth. We come to understand the value of The Force in the Star Wars series after observing what the adherents to the Dark Side do. Our hearts are touched and we recall the value of family after Harry Potter’s parents are destroyed by Voldemort and the young boy must grow up without them. There are numerous examples of this aspect of villainy from the times of historical literature to modern pop culture.

The true value of these villains comes from the fact that they show the audience what is right- at their own expense. Many times the villain will be slain or sent to prison, and in some more optimistic instances they may see the error of their ways and reform. But when they were representing wicked behaviors and questionable values, they reminded the viewer of what is right and good. This same concept can be applied to daily life. There are people out there who may exhibit behaviors that are reprehensible to all humanitarian values. This is unfortunate, but it may be beneficial for us to observe these things, and instead of becoming angry, learn from them. Instead of hating the perpetrator and continuing the cycle of negativity, be glad that someone else is making the mistake and reminding you of how virtuous you are by comparison. Use it as an inspiration to do good deeds to counter the suffering brought about by their harmful deeds. This can be very helpful.

Recall how Americans and many other peoples in the world found renewed values and strength of character after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. A vicious act of murder and hatred, with no justification, was committed. But those who survived and witnessed it found renewed vigor to do well and help other people. This is very inspirational.

Somebody once asked spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, “It is said that we should honor and respect everybody, but how can we honor and respect terrorists who do so much harm to innocent people?” His answer was, “You should honor the terrorists because they show you the path at their own expense.” The spiritual guru also described how very intelligent people not only learn from their mistakes, but also learn from the mistakes of others. Learn from everything- even other peoples’ mistakes. This can be helpful in finding peace.

A picture featuring heroes and their respective villains from various world cultures: Hindu, Norse, Celtic, Greek , and Folklore.

Internal Fires

Being a resident of northeastern Pennsylvania in the USA, I can really appreciate the season of Spring when it comes around. I love soaking up the sweet, fresh sunshine after the cold winter months. The sun is a beautiful and pleasant thing, and can always be appreciated. I noticed this especially during my Seva trip to India, where the weather was nice and sunny even in December. Sunlight and heat are a good symbol for a metaphor I thought of a while ago that I would like to share.

In the ancient Norse folklore, there is a god of sunshine known as Frey. He has a powerful magic sword and is king of the Elves (the word the ancient Norse used to describe positive spirits). He is a benevolent god in the folklore and has a significant role as god of the sun and harvest. He is described as a fertility deity and brother to the love goddess Freya. But Frey has an enemy in the Norse lore. A fire demon called Surtur is his enemy, and this foe rages against the Norse gods during the Ragnarok battle. Frey valiantly battles Surtur, but loses. Surtur is then consumed by the very flames he emits. This is a tragic tale, like many in the Norse lore. But what does it mean?

Perhaps the duality between Frey and Surtur is a symbol to describe what happens within each and every one of us. This is a very common thing in ancient mythology- characters and events represent the internal struggles of a person’s life. Frey is cheerful and kind-hearted. The fire that burns inside him is a fire of love and life, virility and positive energy. Surtur, on the other hand, represents the intense fire of hostility, hatred, and aggression. Frey can be compared to the warm and soothing sun, which elevates the mood. Surtur represents a wildfire that is out of control and can cause severe destruction. If we foster “Frey’s fire”- the positive fire of life and goodwill, we will be happy. If, however, we lose sight of ourselves and let the raging “fire of Surtur”- anger and hostility- consume our mind, we will drive ourselves crazy and “be consumed by our own fire” as Surtur was. Let’s let the duel between Surtur and Frey be a symbol for our own emotions and mental well-being. Having a fire inside is a good thing. Let it burn and shine, but do not let it consume your entire world!

Perhaps the best defense against “Surtur’s fire” is to observe all our emotions within ourselves as they occur. When you are becoming bitter or angry, instead of identifying with that emotion, simply step back and say- “Oh no, I can see Surtur is getting the upper hand in this duel. Hopefully this can be turned around!” This way you have already distanced yourself from the negative and made yourself an observer. This can be immensely helpful in negating the effects the negative emotion might have over you. You will still feel the emotion, but you do not have to let it control you. Try it sometime and see for yourself! You might be glad you did.

On a final note, if the symbol of Frey and Surtur is a little too obscure for you, simply use the image if an angel and a demon. Imagine them battling it out inside you, and then you can be the observer that way.

An illustration I completed in 2011 featuring Frey and Surtur