JAICO's Rise of the Sun prince is the Bala kand of the revered and famous epic Ramayana.
This book is the first of the 6 part series titled Ramayana:The game of life by the author Shubha Vilas. The book draws extensively from the Valmiki Ramayan and Kamba Ramyan (another version).Interesting mini stories and poetical analogies from the above books form Rise of the sun prince.
The book retells the story from the times when Valmiki was Ratnakar and how his angry curse turns into glorious verse Ramayana, the base meter for the composition of Ramayana. It narrates the leadership model of Dasharata, the birth of Rama, his growing and learning years with sage Vishwamitra till he gets married to Sita. But most of all the highlight of this book is the story of Vishwamitra from the time of he being a King from a royal lineage to being conferred the title of Brahmarishi by Sage Vasishta. Interesting mini fables, folk tales and stories form the lifeline of this book and keeps the reader captivated throughout.
The book retells the story from the times when Valmiki was Ratnakar and how his angry curse turns into glorious verse Ramayana, the base meter for the composition of Ramayana. It narrates the leadership model of Dasharata, the birth of Rama, his growing and learning years with sage Vishwamitra till he gets married to Sita. But most of all the highlight of this book is the story of Vishwamitra from the time of he being a King from a royal lineage to being conferred the title of Brahmarishi by Sage Vasishta. Interesting mini fables, folk tales and stories form the lifeline of this book and keeps the reader captivated throughout.
The book is a light and breezy read in that the narration is uncomplicated and in simple language. The situations and locations are beautifully described that I have paused at many places to visualize them. One worthy of mentioning is the description of Mithila city. Another interesting and special aspect of this book is the foot notes in each page which beautifully correlates the stories on that page to dealing with modern day life situations.
Situations as in dealing with the relationship of our lives between parents and children, between husband and wife, between siblings, between a leader and follower and all those values required for a happy, righteous and contented life.
My verdict is pick up the book even if you know Ramayan, because this book is not just about the Balakand of Ramayan. It is about Ramayan - the way of life, many life lessons in those 250 pages priced at Rs 250.
As for me, can't wait for Book 2 of Ramayana: The game of life - Shattered dreams.
About the author: Shubha vilas, a spiritual seeker and a motivational speaker holds a degree in engineering and law with a specialization in patent law.
His leadership seminars are popular with top-level management in corporate houses. He addresses their crucial needs through thought provoking seminars on themes such as 'Secrets of lasting relationships', 'Soul curry to stop worry' etc.,
Nice book!
ReplyDeleteHey, this sounds like a book I would love to read. No matter how many times we read the Ramayana, the Mahabharata from different narratives, it always feels evergreen because of the positive and spiritual energy it contains and lends itself into our thoughts. For example, where you talked about pausing to visualize, I do the same too when I read spiritual books. I find myself contemplating, pausing and savoring the entire scene which in itself is a great energizer. Glad to read this book review here and hope to read the book soon.
ReplyDeleteAgree Swapna, Ramayana and MAhabharata are those books which can be read and re read. There is so much to learn from those books. Hope you read this book and share your thoughts about it:)
DeleteI will have to look into it for sure .. i like reading mythology
ReplyDeleteBikram
Do look for it bikram. It made an interesting read for me.
DeleteThanks for introducing this wonderful book. Will try to get this one.
ReplyDeleteThank you SG. Hope you get there:)
DeleteThis is next on my reading list. Am really looking to read this one now. Thanks for sharing this fab review, Asha :)
ReplyDeleteAm waiting to read your thoughts on this book, shilpa:)
DeleteExcellent review look forward to read it in the very near future! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to my space, Dilip. Glad you liked the review and hope you get to read it:)
DeleteWow, such a nice book. I must read it. I like to read stories from Ramayana. They have all emotions between the lines.
ReplyDeleteVery detailed review of the book. Well Written
ReplyDeleteNice review! Would love to read it. Wish you a happy naw year too.
ReplyDelete