I am currently reading the book "RAMAYANA THE GAME OF LIFE- RISE OF THE SUN PRINCE' penned by Sri Shubh Vilas, a monk from a Hare Krsna monastery, ISKCON Chowpatty in Mumbai. This is his first book in the series of books he is going to publish on the great epic scripture - 'Ramayana'. This book is based on the first kanda of the Ramayana - Bala Kanda, life of Lord Rama from his childhood until he gets married to Sita devi. There are total six kandas in Ramayana so we might expect six books from the author on this subject matter.
My first impression of this book after reading a few pages is - it is re-written, with out losing the original touch, message and story-line form the authentic Ramayana written by Valmiki and many other sages. But it was re-written in such a way that almost at every incident of Ramayana, the author tried to import a message for the common man to learn a lesson and to imbibe it in their life. These messages or anecdotes by Shubha Vilas are so touching and practical in the sense that one can easily understand those and can implement to improve their lifestyle and change their thinking for the good of themselves and for the society at large.
Few anecdotes by Shubha Vilas in this book-
Often, people are unable understand the deeper intricacies of the great scriptures and holy books such as Ramayana and thus it results either in misunderstanding, misinterpretation or complete rejection of value system in their dharma or religion. Lord Rama's character is one such for people to often blame for his actions or decisions in Ramayana. Though he was the ideal king and adhered to dharmic principles all thorough out his life, but these actions seem to be not acceptable for the "social standards" for some and therefore perhaps, Lord Rama was the most demonized or misunderstood god in the Hindu religion by the propaganda of some antagonistic atheists.
The author, Shubha Vilas, tried to explain these intricacies in Ramayana in a much simpler language and to properly understand the divine reasoning behind each of such actions by the lord and the actual purpose behind it. I am currently in the last pages of this book and could be finishing this in a week or so. Surely I am going to read it again for proper understanding (otherwise the celestial dog he mentioned in this book will be barking at me for not properly understanding the content of it :-) ). The sequel of this book is already in making, titled as "Shattered Dreams". I am eagerly waiting for this book release...
To order the book in online - go to this flipkart page ..
One important observation that struck me while reading the introduction of this book is - The author greatly thanked Sri-vasnavacharyas, Sri Vellukudi Krishnan and Sri Bhasyam Appalacharyulu garu to name a few for their commentaries on Ramayana. I am so glad to hear and respecting the great personalities in other sampradayas which I regard it as a very rare quality. I also often do listen to Sri Sri Bhasyam Appalachryulu garu because he was a great scholar of Bagavata dharma. He has got a very profound knowledge on scriptures like Bagavatam and Ramayana. All my respects to these great teachers ....
Here are the Video lectures of Sri Subha Vilas speaking about Ramayana The Game of life...
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| Front Cover of the book - illustrates Rama and Laxmana protecting the sacred arena of the sage Viswamitra's Hermitage from the Demons Marica and Subahu |
My first impression of this book after reading a few pages is - it is re-written, with out losing the original touch, message and story-line form the authentic Ramayana written by Valmiki and many other sages. But it was re-written in such a way that almost at every incident of Ramayana, the author tried to import a message for the common man to learn a lesson and to imbibe it in their life. These messages or anecdotes by Shubha Vilas are so touching and practical in the sense that one can easily understand those and can implement to improve their lifestyle and change their thinking for the good of themselves and for the society at large.
Few anecdotes by Shubha Vilas in this book-
- Soothing words of love are more gratifying than luxuries offered without love.
- The urge to take must be balanced by wish to give.
- Relationships of love are beyond logic and reasoning.
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| Author Shubha Vilas with his book |
The author, Shubha Vilas, tried to explain these intricacies in Ramayana in a much simpler language and to properly understand the divine reasoning behind each of such actions by the lord and the actual purpose behind it. I am currently in the last pages of this book and could be finishing this in a week or so. Surely I am going to read it again for proper understanding (otherwise the celestial dog he mentioned in this book will be barking at me for not properly understanding the content of it :-) ). The sequel of this book is already in making, titled as "Shattered Dreams". I am eagerly waiting for this book release...
To order the book in online - go to this flipkart page ..
One important observation that struck me while reading the introduction of this book is - The author greatly thanked Sri-vasnavacharyas, Sri Vellukudi Krishnan and Sri Bhasyam Appalacharyulu garu to name a few for their commentaries on Ramayana. I am so glad to hear and respecting the great personalities in other sampradayas which I regard it as a very rare quality. I also often do listen to Sri Sri Bhasyam Appalachryulu garu because he was a great scholar of Bagavata dharma. He has got a very profound knowledge on scriptures like Bagavatam and Ramayana. All my respects to these great teachers ....
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| Sri Bhasyam Appalacharyulu garu |
Here are the Video lectures of Sri Subha Vilas speaking about Ramayana The Game of life...
