The Concerns Of the Devas In the celestial planets, those worlds where life is devoid of the troubles that ours is full of, there was much concern at that time. Serious problems haunted their long and … Read More
One day, accompanied by his disciple Bharadvaja, the Rishi Valmiki went to the banks of the Tamasa River, not far from the Ganges. The water was crystal clear and a gentle breeze cooled the air. The … Read More
Bala Kanda Narada Muni Narrates the Ramayana to Valmiki Long time ago, when the sacred Veda books were studied, those who desired spiritual realization used to retreat to the sacred places of which India is still … Read More
Acknowledgments We could not conclude this introduction without thanking those who made possible the publication of this book in English: Bhaktin Rosario, Isvara Dasa, Madhavendra Puri Dasa, Isvari Devi Dasi. Without them we would not have … Read More
To Dispel Some Perplexities I am perfectly aware that when I affirm the historicity of the Ramayana, I arouse some perplexities in the minds of the readers. There are, in the narrative, numerous ideas that might … Read More
The Ramayana: Allegory or Historical Event? Not a few have referred to the Ramayana as an allegorical work, thus emptying it of its historical value. Many say that the Ramayana is actually a poetic description of … Read More
How to Understand the Ramayana? To understand these poems is necessary, first of all, to have at least a minimum of knowledge of Vedic philosophy, of the concept of God the person, of His energies, of … Read More
How Can the Ramayana be of Importance in Modern Reality? Despite its antiquity, the Ramayana is not obsolete. These poems exert a great fascination and possess an ever new freshness, so wonderful that they transcend the … Read More
Notes Of Philosophical Nature The Ramayana also offers us some philosophical points which I consider important to address, albeit briefly. Man has always felt the need for a personal God. It could not be otherwise, since … Read More
Geographical Hints Ayodhya is located in the state of Uttara Pradesh in northern India, not far from the large commercial center of Lucknow. It is a large and prosperous city, very beautiful. In Ayodhya the devotees … Read More
After those first fortunate circumstances, on my travels to London, Delhi, and Bombay I bought several editions of the Ramayana and Maha-bharata, and immersed myself in their study. I have read these books a considerable number … Read More
One day, along the path that skirted Rama’s hut, Surpanakha, Ravana’s sister, the king of the Raksasas, happened to pass by chance. Surpanakha was a monstrous and evil being, a worthy sister of Ravana. Her features … Read More
It was at that time when the great Visvamitra, the sage of immortal fame who had reached the highest peaks of ascetic perfection, arrived in Ayodhya. His austerities were so severe that the Devas were frightened … Read More
“I’ve heard of Tataka,” said Rama curiously, “and I’d like to know more about her. Tell me the story of her life.” Stopping at where they were, the Rishi looked at Rama and Laksmana and recounted … Read More
And the sacrifice began. Dasaratha and his queens were at the edge of the arena. They were anxious and worried about the eventual success, but the confidence in the famous ascetic who led the yajna was … Read More
