Ramayana-The game of life: Shattered Dreams

I have grown up listening to Ramayana. Have watched the Ramayana serial religiously when i was young, but never found the chance to read the great epic written by Valmiki or even the poetic version of the Kamba Ramayana.Now that i found a book that was written in a simple language i just wanted to read it no matter what.

Ramayana-The game of life Shattered Dreams: Book 2 is the sequel to the book raise of the sun prince.The book elaborates every small detail and throws light to the characters that always had to part away with one chapter or just one episode.

The book begins with Dasarathas attempt to make Rama the next Ikshvaku king of Ayodhya. It gives us a glimpse of the king of Lanka, Ravana and later about the evil schemes of Manthara and how Rama goes to exile.The book ends with the trio leading southwards towards the Dandakaranya jungle and with the question if the decision could be changed!

This book has the essence of Ramayana written by sage valmiki and also along with few anecdotes from kamba Ramayana and connects us to the original sculpture.

This book beautifully describes Ramayana not as a story but as a way of life along with the foot notes that describes the narratives and how it is embraced in our day to day life.

I really like the columns where there are several question and thoughts to ponder mentioned along with the explanations eg:

"Can negative emotions be tools to display positive love?",
"triple virtues"
"four roles played by a self confident wife"
"Four gems"
"Six solutions to success"
"Test of ego and dedication"
"Ramas five management mantra"
"What is true communication"

and answers to it.The footnotes alone can be read as a separate self help book. The relation that is made with Ramayana is good.

The book is simple yet elaborate for the casual reader or the first time reader of the Ramayana to understand. But for those who have already read Ramayana and who are well versed, the foot note may seem to be quite long and lead you to think in the same page as that of the author.

This book is authored by Shubha vilas who is a spiritual seeker and a motivational speaker.holds a degree in engineering and law with specialization in Patent Law. His leadership seminars are popular with top-level management in corporate houses. He also helps individuals deal with modern-life situations by applying the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and other dharmic traditions.

Book Details:

Title: Shattered Dreams, Book 2
Series: Ramayana: The Game of Life
Author: Shubha Vilas
Publisher: Jaico Publishing House
Publication Year: 2014
Genre: Mythology/ Self Help
ISBN 13: 9788184955316
Binding: Paperback
Number of pages: 387
Price: Rs 350

Verdict: A crisp and a detailed rendition of the Ramayana with beautifully sculptured columns to ponder our thoughts on the characters.