# data[].attributes.body
A line that stood out to me is: " This is the damage you cause when you cut down trees, chase after animals and pollute rivers."

This line stood out to me because it clearly shows the message of the story. It explains how the man's actions hurt nature, even though he didn't think about it at first. It highlights the importance of indigenous knowledge, where people believe humans, animals, and nature are all connected. The story shows that when you harm the enviornment, you are also harming living things. It reminds me that nature isn't separated from us, and we should respect it more.

# data[].attributes.body
A line that stood out to me is: "He asked for another chance to prove he wasnt wicked."

This line stood out to me and is powerful because it shows that even when someone has made mistakes, they can look for forgiveness and change. It highlights the importance of redemption and the potential for growth through remorse. It reminds me that everyone deserves a second chance to make things right.

# data[].attributes.body
The quote that stood out to me was from the Honey Jar on page 31, which states,

'"'A person can absorb wisdom like a sponge absorbs water. You will use your wisdom to teach other human beings. You will be a teacher, a deer-teacher.'"

This quote stood out to me the most since after continuously hurting Mother Nature by cutting down trees, polluting rivers, and killing animals all for his wealth, Mother nature still found a way to not only forgive him, but also teach him a great, valuable lesson. Mother Nature found a way to be able to spread this wisdom that he acquired to those around him.

# data[].attributes.body
“They also knew the secrets of the trees and footpaths, the mysteries of the streams, the confessions of the hills. They had so much to tell it would take more than a lifetime to do so.”

This quote stood out for me because it amazed me how these people were able to navigate and efficiently use their land, learning and mastering the land takes years of experience. It also stood out to me because of how in the statement above they explain how it would take a lifetime to explain the amount of knowledge they know about the land, I found this relatable. This is because it accurately depicts how much knowledge one can carry on something they love or from their personal life and how that affects their lives in various ways because of experience and mastering.

# data[].attributes.body
"Your life will be devoted to showing humans and creatures how to live in peace with Mother Nature."

This quote from the honey jar stood out to me because of how we treat animals in the world today. Recently, we have killed many animals for food, separated many families to bring them to zoos, and tested many with chemicals. Instead of living in peace with Mother Nature, we are hurting Mother Nature every day by taking animals away. Recently it has been worse with wars, killing both humans and animals everywhere, causing huge catastrophic heartbreak worldwide. We humans are destroying the peace that we were supposed to be giving to animals.

# data[].attributes.body
"A person can absorb wisdom like a sponge absorbs water. You will use your wisdom to teach other human beings. You will be a teacher, a deer-teacher."

This quote from The Honey Jar stood out to me the most because even though it is a fictional story some parts we can relate to real world situations. For example, this quote. It is no secret that we pollute, litter, and take advantage of mother nature. Which is also a reason why we have switched to paper bags instead of plastic. This reading is a great way to get this story across, the harm we are causing to out Earth. And as the quote says now that we have a better understanding lets try to get that point across, using our knowledge on the subject, our wisdom.

# data[].attributes.body
"The smallest one succeeded because he moved with patience and respect."

The phrase caught my attention because it shows how humility and careful observation, rather than force or power, are often the keys to success and knowledge. Because of his careful movements and consideration for his environment, the weasel succeeds in the story when larger animals fail. Indigenous knowledge systems, which emphasize patience, balance, and learning from nature, are reflected in the lesson. It teaches that, like the weasel bringing corn back to the people, even those who appear unimportant or undervalued can contribute valuable knowledge to benefit the entire community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Picture of a jaguar standing in front of a field of sugarcane 

# data[].attributes.body
The phrase I chose is in "The Honey Jar" in the section called "Why You Can See a Rainbow When Deer Are Born" where in page 29 it says "Just then the boy changed into a gorgeous jaguar with wound all over his body, and the girl turned into a stalk of bleeding sugarcane and they said to him 'This is the damage you cause when you cut down trees, chase after animals, and pollute rivers'." This stood out to me cause it talks about the things the outside people did to the lands of Latin America when they arrived and they make the animals and plants talk to show that they have souls and to show that they dont like the damage being done to them and even point out other things the colonizers have done to the lands just make profit. And by making the animals and plants talk it gives off a feeling of sadness by giving them human characteristics that they dont like what is happening to them and the land they live around.

# data[].attributes.body
A quote that had stood out to me from the story Where It’s Told That Monkeys Are Descended from Humans was ,"This is why a few people always dress up as monkeys and chase the villagers, especially the girls and boys, when the Maya celebrate their village festival." As I appreciated learning about a sacred narrative of the Maya people, and how we might be connected with monkeys in the first place.

At first I thought that this might have been a cautionary tale as often people feared turning into animals, but with this story they simply embraced it and did not shy away from it. The story also has so much optimism with the reaction they would get from the village, as in this world the supernatural is accepted. And it does end with mostly all the characters at peace.

# data[].attributes.body
Indigenous knowledge is rooted in relationships—relationships with the land, community, ancestors, and future generations.”

This quote stood out to me because it shows that Indigenous knowledge is not just information in a textbook. It is something that lives through people, culture, and land. Unlike the Western systems that often separate humans from nature, Indigenous knowledge sees everything as connected. That idea feels powerful to me because it reminds us that we are not above the earth we are part of it.

I also think this connects to how knowledge is passed down through stories, traditions, and lived experience. It isn’t just about facts it’s about responsibility. When knowledge is tied to a relationships, it means we have to care for the land and for each other. That makes learning feel more meaningful

This reading helped me realize that there are many valid ways of knowing, and we should respect knowledge systems that have existed long before modern institutions.

# data[].attributes.headline
The reading I chose was "The meaning of Maize for the Maya."

# data[].attributes.subject
The reading I chose was "The meaning of Maize for the Maya."

# data[].attributes.body
The quote that stood out to me the most was "Your Grace , It is the gods supreme gift to men, to be treated with full respect and not a little humanity."

This quote stood out to me because they mean that men have the freedom and have to get treated with power and not treat them any lower than the men they are.

# data[].attributes.body
A phrase that stood out to me would be "Since Ch’owen and Jun B’atz’ lived in the mountains, they had learned the secrets of the water, the earth, the wind and the sun." (The Honey Jar)

This specifically stood out to me because it reflects Indigenous perspectives by showing how closely connected people are to the land. Instead of learning from books or classrooms, the brothers gain their knowledge by paying attention to the water, earth, wind and sun. Many Indigenous cultures see nature as a teacher, something you build a relationship with. This idea, that wisdom comes from living in harmony with the environment, shows how important the land is to Indigenous identity and everyday life.

# data[].attributes.body
A verse that had stood out to me was in The Meaning of Maize for the Maya: "To the Maya, corn is peculiarly sacred. Even today, after four centuries of Christian influence, it is still spoken of with reverence and addressed ritualistically as "Your Grace". This resonated with me the most because it highlights how deeply grateful we should be for our meals and the sources that sustain us. The Maya's respect for corn shows that food is more than just nourishment; it is a gift that deserves honor and appreciation. Many people in the world do not have consistent access to food, which makes it more important to value what we have. Reading this passage reminded me not to take everyday meals for granted.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The quote I selected is "Hunger bore into their stomachs like fistfuls of spines."  The Story of the Weasel Who Helped People Find Corn, Page 38.

# data[].attributes.body
The quote uses imagery to describe the people's suffering. Instead of simply mentioning they were hungry, the author compares hunger to "fistfuls of spines," which helps the readers feel the sharp, painful intensity of their starvation. Showing how desperate the situation had become and helps us understand why the people were weeping and losing hope.

# data[].attributes.body
The phrase that stood out to me was in the short story “The Story of the Weasel Who Helped People Find Corn” in a short story collection called “The Honey Jar”. “That evening, as everyone slept, the weasel went back to the village. She snuck into the hen houses of the misers and stole all their fat hens, roosters and turkeys.” I like this phrase because it is the message of the story that when the weasel went with the villagers to find the corn under the pek rock and when the lighting struck it and under it revealed the corn kernels for them to plant and to harvest then. The villagers then wanted to throw her a party in her honor and to give her their best hens, roosters, and turkeys; some were fattened up by feeding them corn.

But some villagers hid their own livestock, and so the weasel sought retribution for their actions. It shows how we should be generous to those who have helped us in our most dire situations and be grateful for what we have been given because we are better off with it than without it. Giving is better than keeping because when everyone shares, it helps more people than less.

# data[].attributes.body
"Not forever on earth, only a brief time here!

Even jades fracture; even gold ruptures,

even quetzal plumes tear:

Not forever on earth: only a brief time here! Ohuaya, ohuaya." The Flower Tree, Cantares Mexicanos #20 (16v-17r)

From this week's flower poems, the third one spoke to me the most. We often place so much superficial value on expensive things, and oftentimes, we end up placing too much value on said items that we end up placing them somewhere on display for others to see, but not for us to enjoy. Whether it's saving an outfit for a "special occasion," not wanting to use the last bit of perfume, or not wanting to use a product because it's too expensive. What happens when these occasions never happen? We are only on this earth for a very short amount of time, and all of these things are also temporary. We shouldn't value an object or an item more than life itself, which is what this poem is saying.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
A quote from the passage that stood up to me is " You will be human and deer at the same time. Your life will be devoted to showing humans and creatures how to live in peace with Mother Nature". - The Honey Jar by Rigoberta Menchu

# data[].attributes.body
This quote stood out to me because it explains the peace between humans and animals and how they are all one due to Mother Nature. It shows and influence us humans on how we should treat animals with respect and their environment. It shows the deep understanding of how humans are different from animals.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
This week's reading "The HoneyJar" by Rigoberta Menchu on page 28 & 29.

# data[].attributes.body
A quote that stood out to me was "This is the damage you cause when you cut down trees, chase after animals and pollute ricers." The boy is showing this man the reality of all the trees destroyed, polluted rivers, and killed animals. This shows how the environment and resources of the indigenous community has been taken advantage of. Outsiders take everything for themselves and the quote shows how greedy they are. They do not care who it is hurting as long as their community is thriving.

# data[].attributes.body
A section that stuck out to me from this weeks reading is "A person can absorb wisdom like a sponge absorbs water.

You will use your wisdom to teach other human beings. You

will be a teacher, a deer-teacher."

This quote stood out to me because in Latino and Indigenous cultures, wisdom is often passed down through generations. The idea that a person “absorbs wisdom like a sponge” reminds me of how we learn from our family, elders, and community just by being around them. It shows that learning is not only from school but from lived experiences. The part about becoming a “deer-teacher” connects to Indigenous ways of seeing nature as a guide and teacher. It makes me think about how knowledge is meant to be shared to keep culture alive. Wisdom isn’t just personal, it has responsibility and purpose within the community.

# data[].attributes.body
A quote that stood out to me is "Indigenous knowledge systems are dynamic and adaptive, not static relics of the past."

This phrase really jumped out at me because it goes against the very common idea that Indigenous knowledge is old-school and no longer pertinent. These systems of Indigenous knowledge continue to evolve and adapt to changing environments and social conditions. They are grounded in generations of observation, experience, and engagement with nature. So, this is important, as it demonstrates that Indigenous communities are contributors to ideas that will yield value, including things like environmental sustainability, agriculture, and climate knowledge. Rather than a historicization of Indigenous knowledge, the reading situates it as knowledge from living time that continues to matter.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
From today's reading The Honey Jar by Rigoberta Menchu

# data[].attributes.body
A quote that stood out to me is "This is how the weasel taught us not to be miserly and to be grateful for what we are given" (pg.43).

This quote stood out because this story is not about finding food but about learning a life lesson. To share and be thankful for what you receive instead of being greedy. If someone is miserly and likes to keep everything for themselves, it can harm and affect everyone. This quote reminds us that we should practice gratitude and think about others, too, not just ourselves.

# data[].attributes.body
The citation that stood out two me is was the "Indigenous Knowledge is not a static relic of the past, but a living, evolving system of social theory and practice that offers sustainable alternatives to modern industrial models." The reason why it stood out to me is beaceuse it challenge the stereotype of indigenous wisdom. Otften in the western education treats Indigenous knowledge as historical folklore rather than active, functional science. By defining it as a living system, the text emphasizes that these frameworks—ranging from sustainable agriculture to community-based justice—are not just valid, but arguably more equipped to handle modern ecological crises than the rigid, linear models we currently rely on. It reminds us that "progress" doesn't always have to look like new technology; sometimes, it looks like restoring ancient relationships with the land.

# data[].attributes.body
From 'The Honey Jar', "But since there are always cheats, some villagers hid their best hens and roosters and brought the weasel the smallest of chicks. The weasel noticed how miserly these villagers were and decided to teach them a lesson, for you must always give thanks for a gift." (Menchu, 42-43) After how much the weasel had assisted the village in finding corn, there were still some who did not show their gratitude. This made me reflect and think on how in many occasions we receive gifts or advice that we don't take into consideration. Or in other cases, in the moment of receiving, we get excited and forget those who have gifted us certain things. In this case, some of the villagers did not want to offer the best of their hens, roosters, and turkeys to the weasel after all she had done. So she thought them a lesson. It makes me look back at the video of Maria Valdivia. She had mentioned how we should give back to mother nature for all the goods she brings. In this case, the weasel who was part of nature, did not receive gratitude from all the villagers. We can also be like the weasel in other scenarios in which we help out others, yet they may forget about our efforts in helping them and push us to the side.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
I chose this image because it illustrates the deep connection between Maya religion and maize, highlighting how central corn was to their spiritual and cultural identity. In Maya belief systems, maize was not simply a food source, but a sacred element tied to creation and human existence.

# data[].attributes.body
A quote I chose is, “The enchantment and rapture with which they look upon their milpas is such that, on their account, they forgot children, wife, and any other pleasure, as though the milpas were their final purpose in life and source of their felicity,” by J. Eric Thompson. This passage highlights how central maize was to Maya society, not only as a staple food that sustained daily life and supported their economy, but also as a powerful religious symbol. In Maya belief systems, humans were even thought to have been created from maize, so caring for their milpas reflected a deep connection between agriculture, spirituality, and cultural identity.

# data[].attributes.body
A quote that stood out to me was in the reading popol vuh on page 84. "They want to climb up the houses, but they fall as the houses collapses. They want to climb the trees; they're thrown off the trees. Such was the scattering of the human work, the human design. And it used to be said that the monkey in the forest today is a sign of this. They were left as a sign because wood alone was used for their flesh by the builder and sculptor. So, this is why monkeys looks like people: they are a sign of a previous human work."

This quote stood out to me because it is saying monkeys are more than just animals telling us a deeper meaning of what being human means.

# data[].attributes.body
A reading I wanted to talk about is from Unit 2, “The Meaning of Maize for the Maya” by J. Eric Thompson. A quota I’ve reflected on was “In our urban civilization the productivity of the land is something rather remote which is taken for granted. It is associated more with chain stores and can openers than with the soil” this reminds me of the “food deserts” we have here in California and how difficult it is to have organic food. The Mayas built their lives around Maize cyanide 90% of the time was part of their diet so they were discipline and fought against weather, soil and other barriers to grow Maize. We have poor use of our land today as we rely on fast food and liquor stores in our diet, when we have the tech to combat challenges that the Mayas would have in their agriculture. A similar situation in Northern California with tribe members of Karuka near the Kalamath river also have a spike raise in diabetes' type II for the same reasons, not only are they cut off spiritually from hunting and purifying food with fire but their food options are like Ive said “food deserts”.

# data[].attributes.body
The quote "The earth gives us food; we should feed it" resonates deeply because it encapsulates the sacred cycle of reciprocity that defined the Maya’s existence, proving that their relationship with nature was built on mutual respect rather than simple consumption. This perspective highlights a powerful cultural identity where the land was not just a tool for survival, but a living entity woven into their religion and daily life—a stark and necessary contrast to the modern world's tendency to take the Earth's resources for granted without offering gratitude in return.

# data[].attributes.body
A quote that stood out to me was "Then it started to drizzle and a rainbow appeared. Since then, whenever there's a rainbow, people say that a baby deer is being born" (p. 31). This quote caught my attention because at the beginning of this story, the man feels guilty and ashamed for his actions against nature. Thus, his actions are depicted as detrimental and harmful. Even though it is not explicitly stated, I think the "rainbow" symbolizes renewal, given that the man was given another chance to redeem himself and reflect on his actions. When the man has acknowledged his actions and corrected his mistakes, it refers to "a baby deer is being born," because he is now open not only to recognizing his wrongdoing but also to using his wisdom to share with the public.

# data[].attributes.body
A quote that stood out to me was from The meaning of Maize for the Maya which stated “The Earth gives us food; we should feed it.” This quote stood out to me because it shows how connected the Maya were to nature. I liked that they believed in balance and that if the earth gives you food you should give it something back. This is different from today, where many people do not think about where food comes from and don’t treat the earth well. The maya believed it helped them survive. This reading shows that maize was not just food. It was part of their identity, religion and everyday life.

# data[].attributes.body
The quote that stood out to me was “each stage in the farming round was a religious celebration.” (Thompson, pg. 87).

This quote stood out to me because it shows how farming maize was not just work or like agriculture for the Maya people but also part of their culture and religion. They believed that growing maize was connected to respect for the land. This shows how they viewed nature as something sacred and important for them to protect and how they had such a strong relationship with the earth.

# data[].attributes.body
A quote that stood out to me from the reading was, “And they said to him, ‘this is the damage you cause when you cut down trees, chase after animals and pollute rivers.” This quote is featured in The Honey Jar by Rigoberta Menchu on page 29. This quote stood out to me because it reveals the moral lesson behind putting profit and greed over the destruction of the natural environment and the people that belong to it. The story is very much connected to the contemporary issues Indigenous communities face today in the context of environmental degradation. The boy represents the reality and physical damage of the environment by portraying it through his physical injuries. I feel like it comments on the idea that people who exploit land don’t see plants and animals as a living, sentient thing and don’t respect the natural environment.

# data[].attributes.body
A quote that stood out to me from the reading is, "This is how the Maya were introduced to the four varieties of corn". This stood out because it shows that cron is not just food to the Maya, but something sacred with meaning and story behind it. Each variety of corn has its own story, which shows how the Maya explained the world around them through storytelling. In the story some of the corn is said to be struck by lightening which gives it speacial meaning showing that natural forces were used to explain how there is different colored corn. Through story telling Maya pass down knowledge, values, and beliefs to the next generations.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Picture of corn crop being a rebirth to a life.

# data[].attributes.body
A quote that stood out to me is from Meaning of Maize

"The flesh of the man was made from white and yellow maize."

This quote stood out to me because it talked about how growing maize was participating in the cycle of creation itself. Maize was known as renewal and life. Mayas believe in death and rebirth, Maize is planted, which is buried it dies on earth and is reborn as a new plant.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Picture of modern corn today, which is also maize in a different form in the past. 

# data[].attributes.body
A quote that has stood out to me would be from "Meaning of Maize" on page 87:

"To the Maya, corn is peculiarly sacred. Even today, after four centuries of Christian influence, it is still spoken of with reverence and addressed ritualistically as "Your Grace." It is the gods' supreme gift to man, to be treated with full respect and not a little humility."

This quote stood out to me because it mentions how this crop, in particular, has helped the Maya so much that they believe it is superior and a prized possession. those beliefs have stayed into today's times, which people learn about the importance on how did maize became so favorited by the maya

# data[].attributes.body
A quote that stood out to me in this week's reading is from The story of the weasel who helped people find corn pg 43. "She snuck into the hens houses of the misers and stole all their fat hens, roosters, and turkeys".

This story and quote from the units reading, stood out to me because it showed how fast people can betray you after being so positive and welcoming around them. The people were left without food, an essential source to serving, and when the weasel gave them a source of food which was corn they were all in joy. Quickly, the people offered the weasel their best roosters and turkeys in exchange for the knowledge of the corn he had showed them. Instead, the people quickly got greedy and gave the weasel the smallest hens and roosters available which showed they did not appreciate his finding of the corn. It shows that you should be grateful for what you have and not take things of advantage because they can easily be gone.

# data[].attributes.body
the quote that stood out to me is "This is how the weasel taught us not to be miserly and to be grateful for what we are given". - The Honey Jar by Rigoberta Menchu pg. 43

The reason this quote stood out to me is because it teaches how to be generous with others. Being selfish or greedy can often lead to problems. For example, something good happened to you today, and you decided to be greedy. The next time something good happens to others, they will not want to share their positive experiences as well. In this case, the weasel uses this as an example that nature provides enough for everyone; there is no need to be selfish and take more than what you need. Someone's happiness is not always about how much they have, but also the respect and kindness they share with others around them.

# data[].attributes.body
The quote that stood out to me was this one:

"A person can absorb wisdom like a sponge absorbs water. You will use your wisdom to teach other human beings. You will be a teacher, a deer-teacher.".

You can find this quote on page 31 in The Honey Jar by Rigoberta Menchú.

The reason why it stood out to me is that Ajaw, the Heart of Earth and the Heart of Heaven, claims that a person's ability to learn is the same as a sponge's ability to absorb water. So when a person doesn't learn its as if they are deliberately avoiding the knowledge. This made me remember the film we watched, where they mentioned that a person could not deny another person the right to learn because that is their natural right. What we know about indigenous groups is thanks to someone who took the time to learn and then took the time to teach. If there is no one to do this, then these stories of the past disappear and then the past itself does too.