Internal Conflict. An internal conflict is a struggle that takes place inside the mind of the character. In this story, Indra struggles over how best to lead his life. As you read, use the graphic organizer at right to list the struggles that he experiences in this myth.

• The Hindu religion teaches that people should work toward detachment from the world and from material things like money and power. The teachings say that all worldly possessions are illusions that will soon pass away.

• Karma, or fate, is an idea that is closely tied with the idea of detachment. Hindus believe that if a person is born into a low caste, or social class, that place in society is simply that person’s inescapable fate. Perhaps that person had committed some evil in a past life and now is paying for it in this one. For that reason, in the past, people in India could not rise up in caste by working hard. Those who were poor and needy had to stay poor all their lives and live out their karma.

• Balancing the concepts of karma and detachment is the Hindu idea of darma, or duty. Krishna, in the Hindu holy scripture Bhagavad-Gita, taught that a proper life does not involve withdrawal from action in the world. Instead, according to Krishna, one should practice one’s darma. One should continue to act in the world, carrying out one’s duties, but without expecting to be rewarded for actions on earth.

Have you ever known someone who was terribly vain or boastful? If so, how did you feel about this person?