Description
Book SynopsisDrawing on the original Sanskrit words of the great poet Valmiki, enhanced with tales from the oral tradition, Vanamali retells the complete Ramayana, the ancient Indian tale of love, duty, and sacrifice, for a modern audience. Detailing the life and dharma of the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, Lord Ramachandra, she explains how Rama became divine through strict adherence to dharma, the law of cosmic righteousness. Considered one of the greatest love stories of all time, the Ramayanamost famously recounts Rama’s heroic journey, with the help of his loyal friend the monkey god Hanuman and his devoted brother Lakshmana, to rescue his beloved wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. Rama’s battle with the forces of evil provides powerful examples of heroic strength and loyalty, the dangers of spiritual delusion and false attachment, and the power of love, both human and divine. Capturing the mystical spirit and transcendental wisdom of this immortal story, Vanamali explains how the character of Rama has captivated devotees through the millennia because his story depicts eternal truths that appeal to the best in human nature. She reveals how even though Rama is an avatar of Vishnu, he still possesses many human weaknesses, such as attachments, desires, and anger. His greatness lies in the fact that he rose above these traits, put his spiritual duty above all personal considerations, and perfected himself to become a super human capable of saving those he loved most. Rama’s life shows that however weak we may be, each of us is capable of amazing feats through devotion, loyalty, perseverance, and love.
Table of Contents
Foreword by His Holiness Sri Swami Satchidanandaji Maharaj
Foreword by His Holiness Sri Swami Krishnanandaji Maharaj
Introduction Book One
Bala KandaBook of BoyhoodCanto I. Valmiki
Canto II. The Avatara
Book Two
Ayodhya KandaBook of AyodhyaCanto I. Impending Coronation
Canto II. Kaikeyi Contrives
Canto III. The Banishment
Canto IV. Bharata’s Vow
Book Three
Aranya KandaBook of The ForestCanto I. The Forest Dwellers
Canto II. Panchavati
Canto III. The Night Rangers
Canto IV. The Demon King
Canto V. The Golden Deer
Canto VI. The Abduction of Sita
Canto VII. Rama Bereft
Canto VIII. The Painful Trek
Book Four
Kishkinda KandaBook of KishkindaCanto I. The Famous Encounter
Canto II. Pact with Sugriva
Canto III. The Search for Sita
Canto IV. The Eagle’s Counsel
Book Five
Sundara KandaBook of BeautyCanto I. Leap to Lanka
Canto II. The Ashoka Grove
Canto III. Hanuman’s Wrath
Book Six
Yuddha KandaBook of BattleCanto I. March of the Monkeys
Canto II. Causeway to Lanka
Canto III. The Siege of Lanka
Canto IV. The Mighty Battle
Canto V. Hanuman to the Rescue
Canto VI. Indrajit
Canto VII. The End of Ravana
Canto VIII. Trial by Fire
Canto IX. Return to Ayodhya
Book Seven
Uttara Kanda
The Aftermath: The Best BookCanto I. Sita Abandoned
Canto II. Dharma Triumphs
Epilogue Phala-Shruti--List of Benefits
Alphabetical List of Mantras
Glossary of Sanskrit Terms
Glossary of Names and Places
Index
