What I'm reading
I picked up a couple of children's books from the library yesterday. They are "reference books" designed to explain Hinduism and stories about the Hindu gods to kiddos. Seeing as I approach a lot of the concepts with about as much understanding as a child, I thought this was an appropriate way to go.
What I didn't realize is that I respect children a lot more than a lot of these publishers do. One author, Fred Ramen (like the noodle) of Indian Mythology, has the following bio:
Fred Ramen studied English and comparative literature at Hofstra University. He is the author of The Historical Atlas of Iran, also by Rosen Publishing, Inc. He maintains a longstanding interest in Asian culture and is a practitioner of the martial art aikido. Ramen lives in New York City and was recently a participant in the Jeopardy! Ultimate Tournament of Champions.
Perhaps something to have looked into before reading the book. Couldn't the publisher actually have found someone who, you know, maybe studied Indian philosophy? Or religion in general? Highlights of the book include about a five page (gigantic typeface) summation of the Mahabarata and writing style that reminds me of people who just talk louder when they think people can't understand their language.
Not recommended.
I know that there are great children's books out there designed for children who live in India and whose families/neighbors/etc. have more of a relationship to Hinduism than a "longstanding interest in Asian culture" (I mean, the guy could be into Japanese tea ceremony and they could throw that in there. Asian culture??? What does that even mean???).
Anyone know any, so I may gingerly wade around any additional schlock?
What I'm reading
A variation on yesterday's Lizard pose entry, with some more interesting transitions into the pose (thanks, Jamie!)
- Sukhasana (Easy Pose)
- Seated Sun Breaths (12x)
- Upavistha Konasana (Seated Wide Angle)
- Bring torso to one leg, back through middle, to the other
- Baddha Konasana (Seated Wide Angle)
- Gomukhasana (Face of Light Pose)
- Repeat other side
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
- Low lunge
- Move back and forth between Downward Dog and Lunge, alternating legs and building heat
- Adho Mukha Svanasana
- Utthan Pristhasana
- Supta Kapotanasana (Reclined Pigeon Pose)
- Repeat steps 8-13 on other side
- Adho Mukha Svanasana
- Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I)
- Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II)
- Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle)
- Utthan Pristhasana
- Hanumanasana (Splits). Props! Variations! Don't kill yourself!
- Step back to Plank
- Vinyasa to repeat steps 15-21 on other side
- Garbasana
- Adho Mukha Svanasana
- Come to being on your back
- Sarvangasana (Shoulder stand). Hold for one minute
- Halasana (Plow Pose)
- Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
- Supta Matsyendrasana (Reclined Twist). Repeat other side
- Savasana