The Bhagavad-Gita
Sanskrit, 1st Century A.D.
Sanjaya
knows the words and hears the thoughts of every character in the story
Duryodhana
seeks to take the throne from his cousin, chooses the help of Krishna’s army instead of Krishna
Dhritarashtra
unable to take the throne because he was blind
Dharma
duty, truth, what one owes the universe
Karma
to be intent on action and not on the fruit of your action
Yoga
the practice of discipline
The Tale of Genji
Murasaki Shikibu, 1014
Aoi
Genji’s first wife, given to him when he was twelve
Fujitsubo
Genji’s young lover, taken as a consort by the Emperor
Kiritsubo
Genji’s mother and the Emperor’s true love
Kokiden
Genji’s stepmother who fears his power
Monkey
Wu Ch’ eng-en, Chinese, 1580
Buddha
the Enlightened one, source of Buddhism, trapped Monkey inside the mountain
Tripitaka
priest in the Emperor’s temple, set out on his journey to the West
The Jade Emperor
the King of Heaven, whose court was completely upset by Monkey, gives Monkey his outrageous title
Kuan-yin
has achieved enlightenment but chooses to stay on earth to help the pilgrims on their journey
Popol-Vuh
Sacred Book of the Mayans, Quiche-Mayan, 1550s
Heart of Sky
god of smoke, flame, clouds and lightning
One/Seven Hunahpu
Hero twins who have first adventures on earth
Sovereign Plumed Serpent
great creator of the universe
Candide
Voltaire, French, 1759
Cacambo
serves as Candide’s friend and valet
Cunegonde
women with whom Candide is in love with, tossed around from place to place
Pangloss
philosophy tutor of Candide, believes that everything happens for the best
