Ramayana Secrets is not just another retelling of the Ramayana. Instead, it unveils a deeper, lesser-known facet of this timeless epic-one where every character represents a facet of the human psyche. Through this lens, the Ramayana becomes a powerful allegory for the spiritual evolution that takes place within everyone. From the eternal struggle between ego and the higher self, to the significance of elements like the Vanara's tail offering stability in the chaotic ride of life this book invites readers on a journey of profound self-discovery.
In his first book, Ramesh Krishnakumar, a marine professional from Chennai, embarks on a personal quest to understand the essence of India's living culture that has shaped generations. Through his unique interpretations, Krishnakumar offers a fresh perspective on how the wisdom of the Ramayana applies to our modern-day lives, illustrating how the journey toward spiritual harmony is as relevant now as it has ever been.
Ramesh Krishnakumar is a marine professional with an engineering and technical background, who has always been deeply fascinated by Indian philosophy, Vedanta, and ancient models of wisdom. He firmly believes that the itihasas, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, are not just collections of fantastic stories but profound spiritual guides with hidden layers of meaning.
For over a decade, he has been dedicated to maintaining a YouTube channel that translates Sanskrit hymns into English, making these ancient texts more accessible to a global audience.
"Ramayana Secrets" is his first book, marking a new milestone in his passion for interpreting the wisdom of Indian culture. In addition to his philosophical pursuits, Ramesh is also passionate about the greening of the maritime industry and energy transition, actively engaging with these causes to promote a more sustainable future for the planet.
"Ramayana Secrets" transcends mere historical recounting to delve into the allegorical spiritual struggles that each of us encounters. While the Ramayana has long been revered for its epic narrative and moral lessons, I felt a compelling need to explore a hidden layer of "facts" that the story might be illustrating, facts that are not just about external events but about the inner dynamics of the human psyche. The characters in the Ramayana, I believe, primarily represent traits within a person, making their battles and triumphs deeply relevant to our own spiritual journeys. Hence, this exploration seeks to bring that aspect to light.
In this book, I portray Rama not just as a historical hero but as a symbol of our higher inner self, grappling with Ravana, who epitomizes our lower instincts-those impulses that drag us into ignorance and fear. Figures like Sugriva and Hanuman exemplify the emotional and devotional sides of our psyche, steering us towards self-discipline and enlightenment, culminating in a personal 'Rama Rajya under Vibhishana's moderate rule of our senses-driven inner kingdom, Lanka.
The tradition of Ramlila, along with myriad local folklore and arts, vividly showcases the Ramayana's profound influence across Indian and Southeast Asian cultures. This narrative, drawn from Valmiki's epic, honours both the spiritual, devotional, and historical dimensions of these iconic figures, recognizing their significance both metaphysically and geographically.
Drawing on Vedic teachings about the interactions between the atman (soul), mind, and body, this book employs the metaphor of the "churning of the internal milky ocean" to explore these relationships. Just as the gods and demons churned the ocean to unearth treasures, we too must delve into our inner selves our thoughts, emotions, and spirit- to uncover hidden wisdom and virtues. This book simplifies complex spiritual concepts from the Ramayana, making them accessible to a global audience.
Inspired by my deep connection with characters like Hanuman and Sita, and the impact of sharing their stories with my three-year-old grandson, Dhruv, this journey into the Ramayana's spiritual essence seeks to resonate with readers worldwide.
This work is the result of deep reflection and the invaluable support of many. I am especially grateful to my son and wife, Anand and Lakshmi, whose insights helped shape my thoughts; my sister-in-law, Anuradha, and Shalini Pillay, for their critical editorial guidance; and my friends, too numerous to name, whose influence has been profound. Special thanks to my late parents, sister, and close relatives for their unwavering support. A heartfelt mention goes to my grandson Dhruv, along with son in law and daughter, Praveen and Amritha, whose desire to hear the stories of Hanuman inspired me to embark on this journey.
In our times, filled with moral and societal challenges, the lessons of the Ramayana are incredibly relevant. It is my hope that "Ramayana Secrets" will offer fresh perspectives on these ancient teachings, providing guidance for today's seekers.
May this book encourage you to rediscover the Ramayana, appreciate its spiritual depth, and recognize its enduring relevance.
Vedas (1293)
Upanishads (481)
Puranas (610)
Ramayana (834)
Mahabharata (331)
Dharmasastras (163)
Goddess (473)
Bhakti (240)
Saints (1295)
Gods (1272)
Shiva (341)
Journal (144)
Fiction (49)
Vedanta (329)
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist