Ramayana: The Game of Life - Shattered Dreams
A few days back, I received Ramayana: The Game of Life – Shattered Dreams as a freebie to review by blogadda. Needless to say, I was ecstatic and wondered what a great addition it would make to my book collection. No matter how many times you read mythological stories, they always have new and different pearls of wisdom to impart. The great Indian epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata ,are among such gems that people of all age love listening to the tales of heroism and the righteousness and how good always wins over the evil in the end.
Shattered Dreams is the sequel to the national bestseller, Rise of the Sun Prince, in the new spiritual and motivational series Ramayana - The Game of Life. Twelve joyful years have passed in Ayodhya since the wedding of Rama and Sita at the end of Book 1.
In Shattered Dreams, The story begins with Dasharatha (the man whose chariot could move in ten directions!) having nightmares of an impending doom. He wakes up and takes the decision of crowning his eldest son Rama as the new King of Ayodhya. And so begins the saga we all know and have practically grown up listening to.
With Valmiki’s Ramayana as its guiding light, Shattered Dreams deftly entwines poetic beauty from the Kamba Ramayana and Ramacharitramanas, as well as folk philosophy from the Loka Pramana tales, to demonstrate how the ancient epic holds immediate relevance to modern life. Experience the ancient saga of the Ramayana like never before.
What I liked about the book?
1) To me, the footnotes and pearls of wisdom dropped here and there in the pages of this book were the essence and made Ramayana: The Game of Life - Shattered Dreams (sequel to Ramayana: The Game of Life – Rise of the Sun Prince) a worthwhile read. The footnotes served to explain Sanskrit terminology and further elucidate concepts. These I found to be very nice and helpful.
2) Everything is depicted so beautifully that it comes alive in front of us. Another thing I loved about how the characters of Lakshmana and Bharata are developed. Both, bound by their unwritten duty to elder brother. Both taking vows just because their brother is facing hardships.
3) I loved the Trijata story where Rama tests Trijata muni before giving him so much property. It shows that things when achieved through hard work feel rightfully earned. By this charitable action Rama was able to give without making another feel obliged. And that is a splendid deed.
4) I absolutely loved the part about ‘True Communication’. It’s the part where Rama puts a garland around Sita’s neck and Sita in return weaves an imaginary garland around Rama’s neck by moving her beautiful eyes. It was incredibly romantic and speaks volumes about the silent communication between a husband and wife.
5) Another noteworthy thing is the character of Bharat which is amazing. In fact, I would go so far as to say that he is actually my favourite! What’s not to like? He is an action man. The guy who thinks critically, and this is evident from the way he passes with flying colours all these mission tests to determine his ability and potential as the next best thing in town, i.e. the formidable ruler of Ayodhya in place of Rama.
Full marks to the author Shubha Vilas for taking the age old epic to this new level. He emphasizes on the various virtues of an able leader and his responsibilities towards the people under his government.
Summary:-
Name: Ramayana: The Game of Life – Shattered dreams
Genre: Mythology
Author: Shubha Vilas
Publisher: Jaico Books
Publication Year: 2015
My Rating: 3/5
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