The Ramayana: A New Retelling of Valmiki's Ancient Epic--Complete and Comprehensive

(Paperback)

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A delightfully straightforward and lyrical retelling of the ancient Indian epic of loyalty, betrayal, redemption and insight into the true nature of life-one of history's most sacred ethical works, rendered with completeness and sterling accuracy for the modern reader. Here is one of the world's most hallowed works of sacred literature, the grand, sweeping epic of the divine bowman and warrior, Rama, and his struggles with evil, power, duplicity and avarice. The Ramayana is one of the foundations of Hindu literature and one of humanity's most ancient and treasured ethical and spiritual works.

Reviews

"This new version is so simply and beautifully written -- it will stir the soul!"
David Lynch

A luminous new rendering of an epic that remains as relevant as it is timeless. Craig Pearson, author of The Supreme Awakening

This retelling of the Ramayana isan impressive compilation, beautifully narrated, mingled with thoughtful poetic expressions both original and modern. A retelling for all times, it stays true to the original Valmiki Ramayana, and its exalted execution by Egenes and Reddy sounds natural to the ear for modern readers. Bal Ram Singh, Ph.D.,Director, Center for Indic Studiesat the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, and author of Exploring Science in Ancient Indian Texts

At last! A retelling of Valmikis Ramayana that understands and expresses the role of consciousness in thought, speech, and action. This elegantly written version is the one to read. Rhoda Orme-Johnson, Ph.D., co-author of The Flow of Consciousness

The age-old Sanskrit epic poem,The Ramayana,animates timeless themes of good and evil through the story of Ramas journey.Reimagined by Linda Egenes andKumuda Reddy, this vernacular prose retelling features narrative clarity, richly textured imagery, and a luminous storytelling voice that leaps off the page.This is a treasure that begs to be read out loud. Hertha D. Sweet Wong, Ph.D., assistant chair of the English Department at the University of California, Berkeley, and author of Sending My Heart Back Across the Years: Tradition and Innovation in Native American Autobiography

In this wonderful newly abridged adaptation by Linda Egenes and Kumuda Reddy, the Ramayana takes on new life. Egenes and Reddy have given us a text that is lucid and lyrical, eminently readable, and will make a fine addition to libraries and classrooms. Steven Schneider, professor of English at University of Texas-Pan American and editor of The Contemporary Narrative Poem: Critical Crosscurrents

The Ramayana is one of the great treasures of mankind. It tells a gripping story but it is very long and it is in Sanskrit. Linda Egenes and Kumuda Reddy have retold the story at manageable length in beautiful English and they have kept the dramatic tension, which makes the reader want to read on. I know the story well but I could not wait to see what came next. Well done.Vernon Katz, Ph.D., author of Conversations with Maharishi

"This eminently readable and poetic retelling by Linda Egenes and Kumuda Reddy captures the flavor of the ancient text, brings out philosophical and spiritual truths sometimes glossed over by modern translators, and flows so smoothly it is hard to put down. Jack Forem, author ofTranscendental Meditation: The Essential Teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are resplendent in our minds and ensconced in our hearts as we traverse the beauty, tragedy, and adventure of the Ramayana in this elegant retelling of the classic. Saraswati Nagpal, author ofSita, Daughter of the Earth

Perhaps the best modern retelling to date, this version by Egenes and Reddy is true to Valmikis text yet keeps you turning the pages. Will be appreciated by adults and children, Indian and Western audiences alike. Chandrika Tandon, Grammy nominee and founder of Soul Chants Music

This lovely and sensitive adaptation of the Ramayana is easy and enjoyable to read without losing the deeper layers of insight that make the story timeless. I heartily recommend it! Prudence Farrow Bruns, Ph.D. in South Asian Studies, University of California Berkeley, and author of Dear Prudence: The Story Behind the Song

In this new prose translation of the Ramayana, Linda Egenes and Kumuda Reddy maintain the cadence and richness of language of the original poetic epic. Their retelling is marvelously accessible to the modern reader, adding a welcome freshness to this timeless tale. Furthermore, Sternfelds introduction provides a new dimension to understanding the depth and breadth of this universal story. Care Connet, poet and author of Diary of the White Bush Clover: A Peace Pilgrimage

These authors portray Vedic life in its larger and deeper context, bringing out the nobility of the heroic action of the characters. It is beautifully written, suitable for all ages, and keeps the reader engaged. By the end I was moved to tears. Susan Andersen, Ph.D., co-author of The Flow of Consciousness

Author Bio

Linda Egenes is the author of more than five hundred articles and five books about the benefits of meditation, yoga and other Vedic techniques for improving health. With Kumuda Reddy, she co-written three books on Maharishi Ayurveda for children and families, as well as All Love Flows to the Self. Kumuda Reddy is a former anaesthetist at Albany Medical College and practised Western medicine for more than 25 years. After receiving her training in Maharishi Ayurveda, she dedicated herself to bringing its medical and wellness knowledge into her private practice.