Author: D M Sinha
Publisher: Sterling
Year: 1997
Language: English
Pages: 208
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8120719972
Description
The Ramayana points the way for attaining the ultimate aim of human life - complete freedom, peace and bliss - while Living in this world.
The Ramayana is termed as one of the two Itihas-Granthas' (Historic Epics) in Sanskrit literature, the other being The Mahabharata. An Itihas Grantha is not merely a historical narration of events. It contains the condensed wisdom of Vedic knowledge which guides an individual in attaining the ultimate aim of human life - complete freedom, peace and bliss- while living in this world.
Lord Rama exemplifies the attitudes and perspectives for attaining this ideal by boldly facing the diverse vicissitudes of life. In success and in adversity, with friends and with foes, in pace and in war - His countenance shines with the benevolent effulgence of divinity. To His devotees, He points the way to achieve and manifest the divinity which is inherent in each human soul.
Contents
Introduction
Sati's Question
Incarnation and Its Causes
The Manifestation of the Lord as Rama
The Story of Ahalya
The Story of Sita
Visit to Mithila
The Two Wishes of Kaikeyi
Lord Rama's Departure from Ayodhya
Rama's Journey to His Exile
Chitrakoot
The Passing away of King Dasharath
Bharata's Journey to Chitrakoot
The Deliberations at Chitrakoot
The Lord's Sojourn in Dandakaranya
The Abduction of Sita
The Search for Sita
The Story of Sugreeva
The Story of Hanuman
Ocean Crossing by Hanuman
Hanuman Meets Ravana
Vibhishana meets Lord Rama
Angad meets Ravana
The Attack on Lanka and the End of Khumbhakarna
The Fall of Meghanada
The Final Attack and the Fall of Ravana
The Fire Ordeal of Sita
The Return of Rama to Ayodhya
Rama's Teachings
The Mystery of Creation
The Soul's Passage through Several Births
The Concluding Scene
Glossary of Spiritual Terms