Valmiki Ramayana: Collection of Slokas with Commentary in English)

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The above maxim aptly captures the long-lasting and the wide ranging influence of Ramayana on the Indian psyche. To quote MacDonnell, "Probably no work of world literature, secular in its origin, has ever produced so profound an influence on the life and thought of a people as the Ramayana" (Encyclopaedia of Religion and Ethics, Vol. X, p.574).

Valmiki's Ramayana not only incorporates all the facets of human existence in a lucid manner but also expounds the moral values of an ideal life, with all its ups and downs. Right from the Balakandaand up to the Uttarakanda, Ramayana symbolizes various aspects of the journey of human life, be it the most mundane and material or the most sacred and spiritual. The beauty of vast natural and agricultural resources across the lands, the efficiency of intricate military measures, the depth of moral dilemmas, the sanctity of Dharma in family life, the trials and tribulations of a righteous person and his psychic travesties are all manifested through the principal characters portrayed by Valmiki in his Ramayana. It is not without reason then that it has been suggested by some scholars, no less than the great Shankaracharya himself, that the Ramayana is not just a simple story. it has an allegorical significance:

Tirtva moharavanam hatva dveshadirakshasan Shanti-Sita-samayuktaatma-ramovirajate

The human self, in the form of Rama, after crossing

The forest of moha or delusion, and after killing the Rakshasas in the form of raga or passion and dvesha Or hatred, radiates resplendently as He is united with Shanti or peace in the form of Sita.

The Inspiration for presenting this mammoth work is his Holiness Sri Sri Shankaracharya, Sarada Peet, Sringeri. Vaalmeeki Raamaayana carries about Slokas in Six Books (Kaandams) and covered in various chapters.

Vaalmeeki Raamaayana is not just a story book, nor a mythological extravaganza that can be ignored.

For children it is a story book.

For youngsters it is poetry & romanace.

For the common man it is a guide for day to day life.

For religious minded it is book of prayer.

For elders it is a book on philosophy & dharma.

AND IT IS VEDHA recognized as such along with the unwritten vedhas like Rik, Yajur, Saama and Atharvana.

Every Cultivated Indian should have this at home. It is our heritage. Even in this high tech world, we can find solace through this epic that is ETERNAL.

**Contents and Sample Pages**