Ramayana

Written by ValmIki

Narrated by Sita Ramamurthy

A lyrical retelling of one of the most important Hindu texts.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Saland Publishing
• Release date: May 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781908650801

Reviews for Ramayana

[violabelle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Since the Ramayana itself is quite long, full of descriptions of food and other non-plot essential things, the editor abridged it by retelling it completely. Imagine someone hitting the high points of 'The Odyssey', and that's what you'll have in this book. It's very easy and fun to read, and is an excellent teaching tool. The Ramayana itself tells the story of Rama (one of Vishnu's avatars) and his marriage and quest to rescue Sita, his wife. This is one of the great Hindu epics, and has other beloved characters like Hanuman the monkey. Highly recommended for an intro to Hinduism.

[gbill_7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Delightful version of the epic 2500 year old Indian classic, condensed and put into prose by R.K. Narayan. The legend has elements that will appeal to all ages, with horrific demons, sorcery, epic battles with magical weapons, and a race of monkey people. There are lessons in bravery, honor, and filial piety. It’s also a love story, one that is tested by jealousy and separation. While it reads as mythological adventure, there is something profound in the heroes of these stories being the human incarnation of the Gods without being aware of it, such as Rama/Vishnu and Sita/Lakshmi. I’m sure there are tomes written about its meaning and I barely scratch the surface, but in moments such as Vali being struck down by Rama and wondering why he should have done this, it seems to be a parable of how people wonder why fate acts as it does in their lives, sometimes cruelly. There are also elements which remind us of the stories from Greek mythology – Indra assuming a sage’s form to make love to Ahalya reminding one of the antics of Zeus, Sampathi and Jatayu’s hubris in flying too close to the sun like Icarus, and when each of Ravana’s heads are cut off another one growing anew like Hydra. Just a couple of quotes:On compassion:“He explained how he should guard the interests of his subjects, how important gentleness in speech was: ‘Even when you realize that the one before you is an enemy and must be treated sternly, do not hurt with words. Even in jest, do not hurt anyone’s feelings, not even the lowliest.’”On passion:“There she was the victim of hallucinations. Rama in his full form seemed to stand before her again and again, and she fancied she embraced him and fondled his broad shoulders and chest. When the illusion passed, she cried, ‘Why do you torment me in this way? Why do you refuse to unite with me, and quench the fire that’s burning me?’”