2023-02-21 17:40:08 by ambuda-bot
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INTRODUCTION
The Ramayana is a mirror of the
highest ideals of Hindu culture and civilisa-
tion. Herein is described the ideal hero
Sri Ramachandra who is not only the
exemplar for all living and dutiful sons but
who is also the ideal husband and king. In
Lakshmiana, we have an ideal brother, who
shares the fortunes of his eldest brother
and Guru in city and forest, in joy and
distress. In Ravana and Vali we have two
types, who seem to prosper in the midst of
their very excesses but who reap their well-
merited retribution in due course. Sita is
the noblest flower of Indian womanhood,
devoted to her lord in thought, word and
deed, whether in her own palace or under
duress in an enemy's camp. There can be
no better text-book of morals which can be
safely placed in the hands of youths to
inspire them to higher and nobler ideals of
conduct and character.
X
The Ramayana is rightly named the
adi-kavya, the first poem. Not only is it
first-rate as a poetic composition but it is
also the first historically recorded speci-
men of genuine classical Sanskrit poetry.
Besides it is best suited to be put in the
hands of all beginners of Sanskrit studies.
Rama's young sons Kusa and Lava were
the first reciters who sang to music this
The Ramayana is a mirror of the
highest ideals of Hindu culture and civilisa-
tion. Herein is described the ideal hero
Sri Ramachandra who is not only the
exemplar for all living and dutiful sons but
who is also the ideal husband and king. In
Lakshmiana, we have an ideal brother, who
shares the fortunes of his eldest brother
and Guru in city and forest, in joy and
distress. In Ravana and Vali we have two
types, who seem to prosper in the midst of
their very excesses but who reap their well-
merited retribution in due course. Sita is
the noblest flower of Indian womanhood,
devoted to her lord in thought, word and
deed, whether in her own palace or under
duress in an enemy's camp. There can be
no better text-book of morals which can be
safely placed in the hands of youths to
inspire them to higher and nobler ideals of
conduct and character.
X
The Ramayana is rightly named the
adi-kavya, the first poem. Not only is it
first-rate as a poetic composition but it is
also the first historically recorded speci-
men of genuine classical Sanskrit poetry.
Besides it is best suited to be put in the
hands of all beginners of Sanskrit studies.
Rama's young sons Kusa and Lava were
the first reciters who sang to music this