| This volume is an extension of the volume no. 30 of the Vangmaya series. The latter presents selected excerpts from the "Ram Charita Manas" of Goswami Tulasidas with detailed explanations on the topics of relevance to the arousal and development at the personal, familial and social levels as part of the "vichar kranti" programme of the Yug Nirman mission established by Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya. This programme aims at the refinement and righteous orientation of people’s thinking, value system and sentimental makeup to architect a new environment of bright and blissful life for everyone.
Ramayana is the heart of the body of the Indian scriptures on the lives and works of divine incarnations. Apart from the original Sanskrit version of the Ramayana by Maharshi Valmiki and the most popular "Ram Charita Manasa" by Goswami Tulasidas, many other versions and commentaries on this holy scripture – describing the life of the 10th divine incarnation of God Vishnu, have been produced by several scholars of the ancient and modern times. Several saints have devoted their lives in propagating the teachings of Ramayana through "Rama Kathaa" (discourses). Reading the "Ram Charita Manas" as it is - is also quite common part of the religious activities of an average Indian.
However, there also have been misinterpretations of the rhetoric representation in the chaupais (metre or verse of four lines) of the "Ram Charita Manasa" at some places, which has brought criticism from those who have not read this scripture thoroughly. A little careful look makes it clear that at many places the figurative descriptions or rhetoric reference of one chaupai are explained in the other In fact every character of Ramayana, every incident presented in it, teaches us what is righteous and what is not in the gamut of activities associated with human life.
The present volume cites rare combinations of important excerpts from the Valmikiya Ramayana and the Tulasi Ramayana. Introduction of the successive sections (kandas) of Ramayana is presented in chapter 1 of this volume along with original texts and meanings with brief explanations. Detailed implications and interpretations in terms of relevance and use in the present circumstances of the world are given in the remaining chapters.
The Bala Kanda and Ayodhya Kanda highlight the fundamental principles of happy family life Divinely pure souls are born only to deserving parents whose life is pious and devoted to altruist service under ascetic disciplines. The kingdom of Ayodhya was a symbol of heavenly conditions that prevailed in India during those days. The serenity and sincerity of every citizen had contributed as much to the materialization of this as that of the king and the royal family.
The Aranya Khanda describes how Lord Ram and his brother Lakshaman ruined the devil giants during the period of exile in the forests and saved the saints and sages and protected the very basis of religious system and the glory of humanity. It teaches us how the endurance, stability, vision, vigor, prudence and determination can help accomplish what in normal course would be considered impossible for human-endeavors.
How the collective endeavors of the most ordinary and helpless people could also overcome the mighty terrors, evil influences and adversities - is taught in the Kishkindha Kanda and Lanka Kanda of the Ramayana. The dedicated and organized efforts of the apes and monkeys who joined hands with Lord Ram in the historical battle between him and the Giant Ravana brought immortal glory to them - as a symbol of the eternal victory of divinity over the devil tendencies... |
