heroes and villains

When we think of India, many people question the fairness of the so-called caste system, which, on the face of it, appears to divide the population into different classes, based on the family one is born into. 

This perception appears to limit the opportunities people have in their lifetime, and some even think that being born into a “lower” caste can be a result of so-called “bad karma.”

In this episode, Thom sets the record straight, describing the actual structure and function of the caste system, and how it came to be distorted to the point that it effectively became a class system. 

He includes a beautiful example from the Tradition of Masters that have been the custodians of Vedic Meditation over the centuries, of one particular Master who flexed his caste to be even more fully of service than he already was.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] The Caste System in India

[02:14] The Four Castes or Varnas

[04:40] The Caste System: A British Creation

[06:47] Four within Four

[09:02] Adi Shankara: The Brahmin Who Considered Himself a Shudra

[11:04] Gandhi's Legacy in Abolishing the Caste System

[13:15] The True Vedic Civilization

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In the recent episode about punya and deserving power, Thom clarified that good fortune is a result of expanding our consciousness, rather than a reward for good behavior.

This still leaves the question open though, about why “bad things” happen to “good people.”

In this episode, Thom closes the loop on the question, and invites us to reconsider our definition of “bad things” and to see the role that they play in our evolution.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Heroes and Villains

[02:27] The Essence of Heroism

[04:28] The Riverine Life: Flowing Forward Through Challenges

[06:20] Bad Things Lead to Progress

[08:29] Moving Beyond "Bad Things"

[10:17] The Role of Struggles in Our Evolution

[11:35] The Intriguing Nature of Life's Obstacles

[13:48] The Illusion of Good and Bad in Evolution

[15:54] Lotus Flower – From Mud to Magnificence

Useful Links

info@thomknoles.com

https://thomknoles.com/

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https://www.facebook.com/thethomknoles

https://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoles

https://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/

We look back at one of Only Fools and Horses best episodes! Heroes and Villains!!

After a bit off due to technical difficulties with our production software the Beers on me Podcast is back and this episode brings you...Featured Beer: Nastro Azzurro Euro Pale Lager by Peroni out of Italy; Join the crew as they cover a pop-culture icon highlight of Queen Elizabeth II, discuss their Mount Rushmore's of their favorite Hero Actors/Actresses,  and cover a top ten of the top Actors/Actresses that played both an iconic hero and villain role. This one gets spicy, so sit back, come along for the ride, and as always enjoy and feel free to let us know what you think on any of our media outlets! 

From the entire Beers on Me Podcast crew, thank you for listening and we care about what you have to say and share! Got recommendations for episode topics or want to share thoughts on the episodes? You can email us at beersonmepodcast@gmail.com or find us on Facebook or Instagram (See Below). If you enjoy this podcast and want to help spread the word don't forget to like, subscribe and comment where you can and share with your friends!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beersonmepodcast
Instagram handle: beersonme_podcast
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Adam

• Heroes And Villans: https://heroesvillains.com/
  • Guenhwyvar Hat: https://heroesvillains.com/collections/d-d-accessories/products/heroes-villains-drizzt-hat
  • Backpack: https://heroesvillains.com/collections/d-d-accessories/products/hv-dnd-builtup-backpack
• Harry Potter 20 Year Anniversary Lego: https://www.lego.com/en-us/aboutus/news/2021/august/harry-potter-icons/
• Hagglethorn Hollow: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/troubadour/hagglethorn-hollow
  • https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/printablescenery/hagglethorn-hollow-stl-files
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamroarkdesign/

Lauren

• Star Trek, Picard: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8806524/
• Spider-Man No Way Home Leak: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rt-2cxAiPJk
• The Newly Dead: http://www.foolishgents.com/
  • Insagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenewlydead/
• Sheldon Simeon's Chicken Hekka: https://www.thekitchn.com/chicken-hekka-recipe-23169852

Patrick

• Dungeons & Dragons, Mines of Phandalin: https://crossgoersdnd.fandom.com/wiki/The_Lost_Mine_of_Phandelver_(Campaign)#:~:text=The Lost Mine of Phandelver is the first D%26D Campaign,Rockseeker and his mysterious disappearance
  • Dungeons & Designers: http://dungeonsanddesigners.com/
• Reservation Dogs: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13623580/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
• Free Guy: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6264654/

Watch us live on Twitch every Monday at 7pm CT: https://www.twitch.tv/mof1podcast

Back after our summer break, season two kicks off with a withering look at the lack of animal welfare in the horse- and greyhound-racing industries. We then turn our focus on the National Trust and its support for so-called 'trail hunting' - a cover for illegal foxhunting (which includes a shortcast from Rob Pownall of Keep the Ban). Charlie tells the dog whistlers yelling 'woke' to wake the heck up.  In 'Hero and Villain' we thank campaigners at Camp Beagle and swift nestbox manufacturer John Stimpson, and pour scorn on Ian Botham's declaration of war on the RSPB and the 'penis rockets' of Jeff Bezos and Sir Richard Branson. In 60 Second Shoutout, we highlight the new shortcasts we've recently uploaded (and introduce a new one from author and campaigner Mary Colwell), flag up Peter Egan's petition to have laboratory animals included in the Animal Welfare Act and Maggie Wilcox's petition on free-roaming cats (and we have our third shortcast of the episode from Maggie herself). Finally, Dominic trails the Oxford Badger Group 'Badger Picnic' he will be talking at.

 

• Animal Aid investigation into horse racing industry
• Founder of The Citro Glen Black shortcast
• The War on Wildlife Project National Trust and Trail Hunting 2021
• Podcast – Interview: Nick Weston, Head of Campaigns League Against Cruel Sports
• Keep the Ban website and Twitter feed
• Protesting animal experimentation  Camp Beagle 
• BBC News John Stimpson and his Swift Nestboxes
• The War on Wildlife Project  Botham declares war on the RSPB
• Mary Colwell's Curlew Media website and book 'Beak, Tooth and Claw'
• Peter Egan petition:  Change the law to include laboratory animals in the Animal Welfare Act
• Maggie Wilcox petition:  Keep cats safe and save wild lives
• Oxford Badger Group 'Badger Picnic' on August 1st

In this episode of Parallel Fiction, Heather and Jeff highlight Heroes & Villains in two classic pieces of work. Beginning with light banter, Heather presents Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

Heather offers a summary of the work, going over the poor treatment of main character Harry Potter by teachers, adoptive parents, and school bullies.  Heroes Harry, Ron, and Hermione overcome great odds and defeat evil they have been destined to combat.  Heather offers her candid thoughts on writer J.K. Rowling’s recent fall from grace in the public eye, and a hopeful look at how to enjoy the Harry Potter series while holding Rowling accountable for hate-speech. 

Did you know?  In England, the original title is Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s stone.  Rumor has it that the word “Philosopher” would be too bland for American children and the switch was made to “Sorcerer”.

In the second presentation, Jeff summarizes the globally celebrated classic Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.  Explained in colorful detail, Jeff pulls iconic quotes from Jedi master Yoda, relating how heroism isn’t defined by violence or impulsiveness.  Rather, a true hero draws his power from peace.  Jeff gives light production notes from the filming

Fun Fact!  During the filming of the “I am your father” scene, Darth Vader actor David Prowse delivered the line “Obi-Wan killed your father”.  The line was changed in post production to keep the secret until the film premiered.

Tune in to hear Jeff and Heather’s candid thoughts on the masterpiece scenes of each story, how Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Star Wars Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back compare, and how Jeff and Heather relate to aspects of each. Share this episode with anyone who you think would enjoy it and let us know who your favorite Heroes and Villains are! 

Heather’s Rating of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: Super Nice – The book that inspired a generation to read and to be inspired by wonder.  A must read for any age

Jeff’s Rating of The Last Of Us:  Super Nice – Arguably the best movie in the series and one of the best movies of all time.  A cultural phenomenon till this day, and ingrained in history.

Watch Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back here www.disneyplus.com

Pick up Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone here: https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/books/harry-potter-and-the-sorcerer-s-stone-by-j-k-rowling/

About Parallel Fiction:

Parallel Fiction is the perfect supplemental companion to all of the stories you consume. We will be covering movies, television, books, graphic novels, video games, and music whenever it applies. Learn more about things you love, and get to know us a little bit better as we give you a peak into our lives and opinions.

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Email Jeff & Heather: Parallelfictionpod@gmail.com

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