In Response to "Surviving my own Cuteness" by Daniel Moreno

After reading the hilarious article "Surviving My Own Cuteness" by Daniel Moreno, I couldn't help but agree with him in his key points. I too fall victim to his "chubby cheeks and baby-like build", having the need to "grope for [his] cheeks". According to Daniel, he is cursed with a pair soft and squishy cheeks that take the motherly instinct out of every girl and even boy. He can't take a walk around school without being asked permission to squeeze those immensely adorable cheeks. He has to "play hard to get" every time a "senior or junior try to grab my [his] cheeks". Even though they have their pros and cons, Daniel states that they are part of his personality and that they inspired him to write his article. I think it takes lots of courage to write such a personal article and I congratulate Daniel for his great elaboration in this matter. 

Mystical River of the Truth

Mystical River of the Truth

While reading "The Ferryman" in Siddhartha (pages 105-121) I noticed that Siddhartha is a very talented  person that learns really quickly. One example is when "he learned to build an oar, and learned to mend the

boat, and to weave baskets, and was joyful because of

everything he learned, and the days and months passed

quickly. " - page 110. 

Siddhartha is an avid learner. He absorbs every type of information or lesson that is presented to him and applies it to his life. For example, he earns to listen fully from the river. Vasudeva is a great companion that has taught him  the complexity of the life of a ferryman. 

I liked the fact that Siddhartha lives with the ferryman and that he is listened to because  I know that Siddhartha loves attention. He is being satisfied with Vasuveda. 

Batman Is a Little Brown Wise Man

As soon as I was assigned the task of comparing Siddhartha to a known superhero, I thought about the multimillionaire Bruce Wayne (Batman). There are a few reasons for my decision.

First of all, they both change physically and mentally throughout the book and movie. Siddhartha turns into n ascetic when he lives with the Samanas and at very little a day. Then he started to realize that the Samanas lifestyle was useless so he decided to fatten up and earn his money and life as a merchant. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne started to train to become Batman, got sent to a dark prison and then had to survive with little food and water. He the started to train again to defeat Bane and so he built up muscle and fitness to be able to leave the prison. 

Second,they both started off wealthier than how they finished up in the middle of their stories. The Dark Knight, for example, started off heir of a multimillion business, Wayne Enterprises, and grew up in a huge mansion in the outskirts of Gotham City. Siddhartha wasn't as rich, but he lived with the Brahmins and could pass days without worrying about getting their daily bread. 

Finally, they are perseverant. They will be willing to sacrifice anything and everything to be able to achieve their ultimate goals. In Siddhartha's case, it is Enlightenment.in Batman's, it is to save Gotham and defeat Bane. 

So in the end, Siddhartha and Batman are really alike, even though they live in very different times, places and circumstances. 

Impressive Persevearance Blogging Head

YouTube Video

Things Get Weird With the Samanas

Okay so I just finished reading the second chapter in Siddhartha and I couldn't help but get confused. There were new concepts that Siddhartha had to embrace while being with the Samanas that I just don't understand.

So Siddhartha's goal, apparently, is to discover his true being to be able to learn more. That is why he has to get rid of his Self. This includes becoming "empty of thirst, desire, dreams, pleasure and sorrow- to let the Self die."page 11. In my opinion, this is weird. There is one major flaw in Siddhartha's plan. If he is able to eliminate and kill the Self, how will he be able to express his own thoughts and opinions afterwards? How will he learn? It may be obvious to some people but I just don't understand.

I think that Siddhartha's perseverance is admirable. He was willing to get rid of his prior lifestyle, go through thirst and pain, and lose everything he owned to achieve his ultimate goal. Believe me that I would not be willing to sacrifice that much even if the prize was unbelievably tasty.

Just like Govinda, I was impressed at how well Siddhartha mastered his mind and will with the Samanas. The part in which he hipnotizes the old Samana was impressive, taking into account the fact that he had stayed there for only three years while the Samana leader was more than 60 years old. He bent the elder's mind with his eyes only, and made him bow and approve their departure.

Amazingly, that part reminded me of Star Wars, when Obi Wan controlled the weaker minds of the Storm Troopers to let them pass. "These aren't the droids you're looking for" hahaha.

Is Siddhartha Jesus?

As I was reading Siddhartha, I couldn't help but notice some major similarities between him and Jesus. I made this connection after reading the Gospels.

First of all, both Jesus and Siddhartha were so intelligent in their youth that they debated with the elderly all religious and spiritual topics. In page 1 it says that "Siddhartha had already long taken part in learned men's conversations". Jesus had done the same when he escaped home for a few days to debate religion with wise men.

Also, both were experienced in the art of meditation and prayer. Jesus never sinned and always had this strong connection with God. Apparently, Siddhartha had the same connection with Atman. "He [Siddhartha] knew how to recognize Atman within the depth of his being." (Page 2).

Also, both of them had disciples. Jesus had Simon Peter, John and the other ten disciples and Siddhartha had Govinda. In page two there is a long paragraph describing Govinda's love for Siddhartha and his willingness to follow him anywhere.

Both were movers of the masses. Siddhartha moved people with his "king-like eyes and slim figure". Jesus did this with his miracles and teachings. That is why I think they were so influential in religious history.

Those were some similarities I found between these two spiritual leaders. I'm sure I'll find more as I continue reading the book. So far it is really interesting and entertaining.

Oh the Irony!

Tennis: An Inspiration

1. There is no better feeling than hitting a winner into the far corner.
2. In tennis you depend on yourself and yourself only.
3. You have to win point by point.
4. You know you have won the game when the opponent starts to cry.
5. Controlling your rage can affect your opponent's confidence.
6. It is more mental than you think.
7. Tennis is a mix of intelectual and physical talent.
8. Nothing more infuriating than missing an overhead ball.
9. Don't even think about double-faulting.
10. While watching it, you learn more than you expect.