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The Complete Life of Rama: Based on Valmiki’s Ramayana and the Earliest Oral Traditions
Retells the Ramayana, the ancient Indian tale of love, duty, and sacrifice, for a modern audience
• Draws on the original Sanskrit poem of Valmiki, enhanced with tales from the oral tradition, to recount Rama’s complete life
• Details how Lord Rama rose above his human weaknesses, put his spiritual duty above all personal considerations, and perfected himself to become a super human capable of saving those he loved most
• Reveals the deepest spiritual lesson of the Ramayama: that however weak we may be, each of us is capable of amazing feats through devotion, loyalty, perseverance, and love
Drawing 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 Ramayana most 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.
• Draws on the original Sanskrit poem of Valmiki, enhanced with tales from the oral tradition, to recount Rama’s complete life
• Details how Lord Rama rose above his human weaknesses, put his spiritual duty above all personal considerations, and perfected himself to become a super human capable of saving those he loved most
• Reveals the deepest spiritual lesson of the Ramayama: that however weak we may be, each of us is capable of amazing feats through devotion, loyalty, perseverance, and love
Drawing 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 Ramayana most 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.
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 10, 2011
I have had this book on my shelf for a few years. I almost gave it away twice. But it was the most simplest Hindu sacred stories that I could find and I wanted to explore Hinduism. The way it is written is very creative. The Ramayana is originally an epic poem, something along the lines of Homer, but the way we read that in English is narrative. A female, Indian guru wrote this with great skill. It flows beautifully and I would say it is good for juvenile reading.
The best part is the author has her book available on audio via iTunes podcast. She reads it, and if you can keep up with her accent, it is a must to experience. She includes chanting and songs that are not in the book.
The best part is the author has her book available on audio via iTunes podcast. She reads it, and if you can keep up with her accent, it is a must to experience. She includes chanting and songs that are not in the book.
January 11, 2019
Each word is nectar, lifting me to the heights of devotion.
January 11, 2019
Beautiful rich prose.
November 20, 2019
An easy to digest compact version of the Ramayana. Vanamali does a good job of making the material accessible as she clearly knows the material inside and out.
July 6, 2016
Written with a deep understanding of Rama's life and his message. Highly recommended for the modern reader as an introduction to Rama. If this is the first time you are "reading" Ramayana then go for this book.
August 16, 2020
The aureate language thoughout the book justifies the beautiful poem of 24000 verses called Ramayana by Valmiki which tells the story of Rama who was seventh incarnation of Narayana himself who took human form to kill Ravana and establish the Dharma on earth. His life is examplery for every individual. A must read.
July 21, 2022
Can't get enough of ramayan. Enjoyed every bit of this book. All the important details are written and expressed. There were some parts that I didn't know abt ramayan despite having read multiple times so this book has enhanced my idea of ram and the importance of ramayan. The true moral of this epic is dharma. Loved it.
April 21, 2022
Inspiring
A beautiful retelling of the greatest story on earth. This version kept the authenticity of the original Ramayana. As long as the sun will shine, this eternal way of life will continue to be sung.
A beautiful retelling of the greatest story on earth. This version kept the authenticity of the original Ramayana. As long as the sun will shine, this eternal way of life will continue to be sung.
May 4, 2022
beautifully written, and heartbreaking as always.
September 24, 2024
Shri Ram Leela by Vanamali is the book to cherish and enjoy the bhakti within.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews