Welcome to the
parlor, study, living room, or
cubicle and
many others. I welcome you to these many places, for where I visit you
could be
any of these, or innumerable others. I must take a moment to explain
myself, as
this statement will have likely caught many of you off guard. I am
Birbala, a
powerful warrior and an ancient soul. My latest incarnation has brought
me back
as a storyteller capable of spreading my experiences throughout the
world via the
tool known as the internet. And as such, I have broached you in your
parlor,
study, living room, or cubicle. I feel it proper and direct to make the
correct
greeting.
Fate has
directed you to my housing of stories for a
reason.
Perhaps it was curiosity and the desire to know more of ancient
artifacts and
battles. Or maybe boredom has brought you to me. Whatever the reason
that you
have for coming here, rest assured that your time will not
be wasted.
That being
said, allow me to move on to some of
the things
you will find here. Within the stories you’ll read about things such
things as
Astras at work. An Astra is a strong magical tool that boosts an attack
or
manipulates the battlefield in such a way so it favors the caster of
the
effect. You will also see the use of Mantras in the story. A Mantra is
a chant
that can banish the discomforts of the physical realm to far off
reaches. And,
finally, you will certainly be witness, through my retelling, to the
arts of
the Dhanurveda, literally, "Science of the Bow," which is the term
used to refer to the martial arts tradition in India. You will see that
archery
and martial prowess Plays a large role in many stories I have witnessed.
While there are
countless stories I could bring to
your
attention and relate unto you, I have chosen, instead, to limit it
instead to
four. These four stories chronicle several very important occurrences
throughout history. They span no less than three of my lifetimes and
mark
incredibly important events. The first of these stories is the breaking of Shiva’s
bow. This story is about the meeting of Rama and Sita, lovers
destined to shape the world. The Battle at
Lanka: Lakshmana Versus
Indrajit Chronicles the divine battle between Lakshmana, the
brother of Rama, and Indrajit, the son of Ravana. The Battle at Lanka: Rama Versus Ravana
chronicles the battle between a mortal man and the king of demons. The
last of the stories tells of Kusa and Lava's
Song and The Trial of Sita.
During
each of
these stories a turning point is
reached and
starts a new act, or sets in motion events that change history. For
better or
worse. It is my duty as a storyteller and a warrior to bring you these
tales as
I witnessed them long ago, and to ensure that they will be remembered
for all
time. People, even
great heroes, come and go, but the stories that they
leave behind
are immortal and forever.
Such
greatness should always be remembered - such as when
Rama broke Shiva’s bow and set in motion events that would bring down
the
rakshasa Ravana. Now, my newest student, clear your mind and relax to
enjoy the
stories I have to tell.