Friday, January 14, 2011

Tell me

This is part of my ongoing series on the Mahabharat, an epic poem of ancient India. For links to all previous Mahabharat posts go here. Or you can simply click on the Mahabharat page link above.


So during my break I was thinking deeply about my Mahabharat series. I've been wondering if I should discontinue it.

Not because I don't love it. Not because I don't relish writing it. Not because I don't think you enjoy it.

But simply because. It's been going on a long while now. Well over a year. Are you tired of it? Should it stop? Should it continue? Should it change into something else? Tell me what you think.

I need all my Mahabharat readers to step up to the plate here. Even if you're one of those who reads but never comments I need you to speak up because I want to get the most accurate picture of what my readers are thinking. Be honest. Be blunt. I'm happy to hear any and all of your thoughts.

I still have ideas for Mahabharat posts, lots of things that can be explored and learned. But that doesn't mean that I should carry it on for the sake of it.

I know also that there are some followers of this blog who come here simply for the Mahabharat. I need you guys to speak up to. Do you want me to continue or discontinue? Have you heard enough of it or not? Are there other things that you want to read about or would rather read about such as other shastras or puranas? Has there been anything about this series that has displeased you or left you unsatisfied?

Please tell me. I want to hear your feelings because then I can consider the direction the series is taking with a rounded view.

I was going to put a poll up, and I might still yet, but right now I'd rather just hear what you have to say.


Go here for the last Mahabharat post entitled Little Krishna.

Go
here for next week's Mahabharat post entitled To Be Faithful.

58 comments:

The Golden Eagle said...

I've enjoyed reading Mahabharat posts. The stories are fascinating, and although it's not the sole reason I started following your blog, they do keep my interest. I would say to continue them.

KarenG said...

The posts you do that I enjoy the most are when you write about relationships and friendships. You have such a wise and sensible outlook on that topic.

Dipa said...

Jai - Just like how Krishna did not tire of eating makhan, thus we the readers devour your every word you write about the Mahabharat! Only stop when there is nothing more to write!

~Nicole Ducleroir~ said...

I always learn more when I read your Mahabharat posts. For me, I love visiting your blog for that series, for your travel series, and just to read what you have to say in general. I think you should post from your heart. That is, after all, what makes your blog unique.

Have a great weekend!

Neeli said...

I think we need a modern translation (I say this as I haven't yet read all of them) but my vote is to continue. It seems like a lifelife, keep it.

Lynda Young said...

One thing I've learned about blogging is that you can't please everyone. You have to write what calls to you. I think you have pretty much answered your own question: you still have a whole bunch of ideas, so it sounds like you still have a passion for it.

Melissa Gill said...

I agree with Lynda, you have to do what pleases you with your blog. As for me, I love the Mahabharat posts. I feel like I learn so much about Indian culture, but at the same time I learn how close and how similar we all really are.

Wendy aka Quillfeather said...

Don't fix what's not broken.

You have an excellent blog here. Keep at it :)

Mason Canyon said...

I agree with Lynda, Melissa and Wendy. When you write what you enjoy, it comes through your writing. You give a mixture of posts so those who don't enjoy the Mahabharat posts have other posts to enjoy. For those of us who do enjoy them, then we just have that much more to enjoy. No matter what is said, go with what your heart tells you.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

Linda said...

I enjoy the Mahabharat posts, but I also enjoy all your others.

But, I ask you -- what inside YOU is making you question? Listen to that voice. Peace...

Rachna Chhabria said...

Jai..I look forward to the Mahabharat posts. Please don't stop them. There are so many wonderful things to learn from it. Why these questions?

Al said...

I think the first rule for blogging: is be true to yourself.
The best is when you are content with what you are doing.

Culture Served Raw said...

Hi Jai,

I wish I could keep up with your lovely posts of the Mahabharat series; I have always loved the stories and your tone and voice is unique and enjoyable. I agree with Al, do what you love, because I think that is what is maintaining the quality of your posts.

One of your many followers
Val

Jaleh D said...

I love the chance to peek inside another culture. The reverence you have for the stories is so touching that even though I'm from a different religious background, your writing still inspires me. Simply lovely, like a lotus blossom.

Hannah Kincade said...

I enjoy everything you post. That's why I'm here! If you continue, I will read. If you discontinue, I will read. I'm sorry I'm no help.

Stephen Tremp said...

I like diversity in a blog. A good example is Alex Cavanaugh's blog. He posts about all kinds of stuff and has Blogfests. Diversity for me, please.

Shaonlee said...

Jai,please continue wring these posts...you actually made me revisit the Mahabharata.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I enjoy those stories - don't stop!

Lydia K said...

They are different, and I like them.

However, I think the most important thing is whether YOU want to continue or not. Readers thrive off of the enthusiasm of the writer. It's all about you!

Jai Joshi said...

Golden Eagle, thanks for your thoughts. I appreciate it.

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

Karen, that's interesting. Your comment got me thinking about a lot of my posts and how I'd touched on the nature of relationships. Many of the Mahabharat posts are about that too.

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

Dipa, you made me grin! Thanks!

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

Nicole, that's a good point. To post from my heart. That's what I've been doing from the beginning and it's worked very well for me.

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

Neeli, there have been times when writing my Mahabharat post was the best part of the week for me. I do love it. Thanks for weighing in on this.

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

Lynda, you make a very good point that we can't please everyone. I've always known this to be a truth and written what was in my heart as the best way to go. You're reminding me of these important truths.

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

Melissa, that's a fabulous point that you learn how Indian culture is so similar to yours. Something for me to take into consideration. Thank you!

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

Wendy, thank you. I love that "don't fix what ain't broke" philosophy!

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

Mason, thanks for your encouragement. I've been trying to always keep a variety in this blog so there's something that appeals to all tastes. It's nice to know that this has been noticed and appreciated!

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

Linda, what was making me ask the question was blog fatigue. When I took my break I was wiped out inside, totally exhausted. Part of that was emotional exhaustion too, because of everything else that was going on in my life. I'm going to think deeper about this too. Thanks for prompting all these thoughts for me.

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

Rachna, I was asking myself these questions and wanted to ask you guys because I was suffering from blog fatigue and didn't want my fatigue to translate into my writing. I never wanted to write something on the Mahabharat that didn't do justice to the epic. I'm over my fatigue now but I still wanted to know what you guys thought. Thanks for your help!

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

Al, that's a very good point. Thank you!

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

Val, thanks for your appreciation. It means a great deal to me. I'm trying to be true to myself and it's true that I adore the Mahabharat and have wanted to share it with you all.

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

Jaleh, thank you thank you thank you! Knowing that how I write these stories touches something deep inside you is the ultimate compliment. I love that, you lotus blossom, you!

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

Hannah, you are a help even if you don't think so. Thanks!

Jai

Nevine said...

Jai, I am a huge fan of your Mahabharat series, and don't you dare stop writing it! I enjoy immensely all the lessons one can learn from reading these stories, in addition to the fact that you write them in such an entertaining way. I've gotten used to your style, and please don't stop. They are a rare pleasure!

Nevine

Jai Joshi said...

Stephen, diversity is a very good point. It's important to keep things spicy but always giving diversity. A very good point.

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

ShaonLee, thanks for your comment. You've encouraged me to continue.

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

Diane, I can't argue with that!

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

Lydia, a writer's enthuisiasm is very important. After all, if I'm not passionate then how can I expect the reader to be? That's a very good point. Thanks.

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

Aww, Nevine, thank you! I've always looked forward to your comments on my Mahabharat posts because I know that you're a careful reader who truly looks into the meaning of the stories and relishes it. Thanks for your encouragement!

Jai

Talli Roland said...

I find the posts really interesting, but they do require a bit more time and concentration. Not that that's a bad thing!

WritingNut said...

I think you should continue them, especially if you still have lot of ideas--don't stifle those. I've loved reading this series, not only is it informational, but so interesting too. You truly have a gift :)

KjM said...

Please, please continue these posts. I know far too little about this epic, and you have a great storytelling voice.

I am one who believes the stories we tell are important and epic stories, poems, such as this one have much to tell us.

So, yes. Please continue, in whatever form you wish.

Jai Joshi said...

Talli, that's a good point too.

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

WritingNut, thanks for your encouragement! I'll keep your words in mind.

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

Kevin, thanks for your enthusiasm! You made me beam with pleasure.

Jai

Susan Fields said...

I enjoy them, and I also enjoy the other posts you do. Keep it up!

Jai Joshi said...

Susan, thanks for your comment!

Jai

Hema P. said...

Jai, you probably got all the confirmation you need by now to keep up the Mahabharat posts, but I'll add my 2 cents anyway... I love your Mahabharat posts and how the values and principles from so long ago still tie in to today's world (and you do a great job of pointing that out). I'd love for you to continue them. I also always look forward to the beautiful pictures you post with the articles! :)

laughingwolf said...

don't stop jai... little of india's great literature/culture is followed by folk in the 'west'... your continued revelations are most welcome :D

Jai Joshi said...

Hema, thanks for pitching in. I'm glad that you feel that way!

Jai

Jai Joshi said...

Laughingwolf, that's a good point too. Thanks!

Jai

creativebarbwire said...

I admit I stopped reading the series after I understood I know the story (OK, I've read the abridged version, but still knew what you were talking about in general! ;-p). New things Indian would probably force me to keep reading ALL posts instead of skipping this series! ;-)
Barb

Jai Joshi said...

Barb, thanks for being honest, girlfriend. That's a good point. I do hope that at some point you'll give some of my Mahabharat posts a little peek when you can. There are somes things in there that even I didn't know for years until I discovered them from others. Fascinating stuff you won't find in abridged versions. Check it out if you can.

Jai

A Cuban In London said...

Don't discontinue it. In recent weeks, I've popped over on a Friday or Saturday to see if you posted your regular article, but realised that you were also enjoying a well deserved break.

I look forward to more posts on this gem of a series.

Greetings from London.

Jai Joshi said...

Cuban, I know that you've been a long time reader of this Mahabharat series. You're imput is definitely desired.

Jai

Chinmay said...

Quote:"I know also that there are some followers of this blog who come here simply for the Mahabharat"

I am one of those readers.
Please continue... It makes up my all week.
Thanks for such a wonderful series, always many good things to learn from it.

Jai Joshi said...

Chinmay, thank you! I've decided to continue the series. My latest post was about Yudhistira reaching the door of Swarg.

Jai