THE RAMAYANA A PRESENTATION BY H.Y. RAJAGOPAL,Ph.D. To The Philadelphia Interfaith Community June 8, 2011

1. Ramayana – what it is one of two great epics of India, the other being the Mahabharata. originally composed in Sanskrit by Valmiki around 1500 BCE or earlier. considered the first great poetical work. comprised of 7 books (Kanda), each book consisting of several chapters (Sarga), and each chapter consisting of several stanzas (Shloka); in all, there are 24,000 stanzas.

2. Ramayana – what does the title mean? Ramayana literally means Rama’s journey ( ‘ayana’ = Journey; Rama+ayana = Ramayana). The word ‘journey’ here refers to his wanderings in the forest when he is banished from the kingdom of Ayodhya for 14 years Rama’s journey also includes Rama’s march to far off Lanka to battle King Ravana who had abducted Rama’s wife, Sita, and his journey back to Ayodhya after he recovers her.

3. Ramayana – a living epic “If a poem has contributed substantially in keeping a culture alive amongst vast masses of people through ages, it is certainly the epic Ramayana.” ---Professor Uma Shankara Joshi, a noted poet and scholar People read it for spiritual guidance, peace of mind and to experience a ‘cleansing of the mind.’ Favorite of Mahatma Gandhi who upheld the values of Ramayana (when he was assassinated, the last words he spoke were “Oh, Ram!”) Mass reading of the text, mass story-telling Celebration of Ramanavami – Rama’s birthday. Theater and cinema Rama is one of the most common given names in India

4. Ramayana- influence on Indian Literature It is a literary masterpiece. One of the best known works in India. There is hardly anyone who doesn’t know at least some parts of Ramayana Inspired innumerable poets who have created their own masterpieces based on episodes from Ramayana Translated into practically all languages of India. Some regional versions are almost as popular as the original – e.g., Ramacharita Manasa of Tulasi Das Has spread to many other countries of Asia

5.Ramayana- how did it come to be composed? The result of a conversation between Sage Valmiki and his mentor Narada about the Ideal Man Narada’s reply

6. Ramayana - all about relationships between... Individuals in Society  Husband & wife  Parents & children  Mentor & student  Siblings Individuals & Society  King & subjects  King & other kings  Etc.

7. Ramayana- importance to humanity Ramayana is a Dharmagrantha, or religious text that illuminates the path of righteousness, offering a code of moral or ethical conduct to develop personal character and sustain relationships. Shows that worthwhile relationships must be based on values recognized as building blocks of character: love, respect, loyalty, honesty, dignity, self-control of senses and emotions, valor, skill in action, accountability, charity, intellect and knowledge, physical strength, refinement, etc. Not by exhortation, but by weaving a beautiful story in which the characters are tested to their limits in their adherence to these values.

8. Ramayana - a personal interpretation Rama is an avatar of Vishnu, the Preserver who descends from heaven and takes human form on earth to eliminate the Demon King Ravana who was spreading adharma (unrighteousness) in the world and consequently to restore dharma to its rightful place in the world. But... in Valmiki’s story, Rama always considers himself a man; he thinks as a man and acts as a man. Rama’s journey is a quest for perfection, a journey to the frontiers of human possibilities. Rama is known as purushottama, or ‘the noblest man.’ Thus, Rama’s journey is more the story of a man ascending to heaven than of a Divine Being descending to earth. Hence, the Ramayana reveals the great potential for human spiritual advancement.

9. Ramayana - further reading R.K. Narayan’s ‘Ramayana.’