Ramayana buck pdf Book digitized. A note on the Ramayana PDF. Buck, William 1933-1970: Ramayana Amazon 461 pg. Free PDF with side-by-side Awadhi a Hindi dialect.

Few works in world literature have inspired so vast an audience, in nations with radically different languages and cultures, as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, two Sanskrit verse epics written some 2,000 years ago. In Ramayana (written by a poet known to us as Valmiki), William Buck has retold the story of Prince Rama with all its nobility of spirit, courtly intrigue, heroic Few works in world literature have inspired so vast an audience, in nations with radically different languages and cultures, as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, two Sanskrit verse epics written some 2,000 years ago. In Ramayana (written by a poet known to us as Valmiki), William Buck has retold the story of Prince Rama with all its nobility of spirit, courtly intrigue, heroic renunciation, fierce battles, and triumph of good over evil in a length and manner that will make the great Indian epics accessible to the contemporary reader. The same is true for the Mahabharata in its original Sanskrit, probably the longest Indian epic ever composed. It is the story of a dynastic struggle, between the Kurus and Pandavas, for land. In his introduction, Sanskritist B. Van Nooten notes, 'Apart from William Buck's rendition no other English version has been able to capture the blend of religion and martial spirit that pervades the original epic.'

Presented accessibly for the general reader without compromising the spirit and lyricism of the originals, William Buck's Ramayana and Mahabharata capture the essence of the Indian cultural heritage. I love readings Epics and old, old mythologies and really making the connections between them all over the world. Icarus burning his wings in Greek mythology to Sampati, the vulture, who burned his wings on account of protecting his brother when they both flew too close to the sun in Ramayana.

There are some obvious parallels like this one, or another one between Hindu religion and the Abrahamic faiths that I discovered when talking to a friend. Krishna is carried across a river in a basket when I love readings Epics and old, old mythologies and really making the connections between them all over the world.

Icarus burning his wings in Greek mythology to Sampati, the vulture, who burned his wings on account of protecting his brother when they both flew too close to the sun in Ramayana. There are some obvious parallels like this one, or another one between Hindu religion and the Abrahamic faiths that I discovered when talking to a friend. Krishna is carried across a river in a basket when a king starts killing male babies because he hears of a prophecy that one of them will rise to kill him which is so similar to the story of Moses I've heard. The Hindu Gods also resemble the Greek Gods; Indra - Zeus, Vayu - Eurus. But what I really love about Epics is that you can sort of trace back all fantasy fiction to it. You can also see the trend of black and white truths and, of course, the rampant sexism.

The part that's always bothered me the most. This one goes on to feminizing the land and calling the King the husband of the land and with his death comes the widowhood of the land. Random musings: - All the old myths and epics I've read always describe the Men as beautiful, having slender faces and almond-shaped eyes and smooth complexion.

All attributes that are now seen as feminine. Ew at the concept of a woman existing to serve her husband. And the idea of a man having several wives and consorts. Also had the plotline of a man going near insane with grief on losing his lover.

I haven't read book 7 of this Epic. I read it in my Norton Anthology of world literature so parts of the previous books + book 7 are missing.

This is considered as one of the TRIO-Epics of Indian culture The greatest book ever!! This indian historical epic is considered as a LEGEND in the punya bhoomi!! The book depits the life story of a greatest Prince Rama who is an embodiment of all good qualities a human can ever possess!! Sita, wife of Rama, is a perfect example of how a woman should be!

Each and every character in this book will teach us something and helps to live an untainted life!! Personally, I feel i have no words to describ This is considered as one of the TRIO-Epics of Indian culture The greatest book ever!! This indian historical epic is considered as a LEGEND in the punya bhoomi!! The book depits the life story of a greatest Prince Rama who is an embodiment of all good qualities a human can ever possess!! Sita, wife of Rama, is a perfect example of how a woman should be!

Each and every character in this book will teach us something and helps to live an untainted life!! Personally, I feel i have no words to describe these Trio-epics!! This was a great read. This is a re-telling of the Ramayana, by William Buck.

It is not in verse, although it remains in the original seven parts, and is considered one of the better modern re-tellings. I must admit, the first of the seven parts almost had me putting this back on the self for another time. It was confusing with the number of characters, the timeframes and general confusion. I am so glad I persisted, as from the end of that part on, it was brilliant. To be fair it was the scene se This was a great read. This is a re-telling of the Ramayana, by William Buck.

It is not in verse, although it remains in the original seven parts, and is considered one of the better modern re-tellings. I must admit, the first of the seven parts almost had me putting this back on the self for another time. It was confusing with the number of characters, the timeframes and general confusion. I am so glad I persisted, as from the end of that part on, it was brilliant.

To be fair it was the scene setting section of the book and was trying to set out the history. I should probably go back and re-read it, because I really don't know what it was. For me, from that point on, the characters were absorbing, the story paced well and interesting and there were stories inside the story which explained aspects of the narrative. The other aspect of this edition of the book are the pictures. They occur probably every 20-30 pages, and look like pencil sketches.

No colour, limited contrast - by which I mean they are not boldly drawn, but subtly drawn, and they are excellent. To me they seem to capture the intent of the writing, and provide realistic Indian imagery of the characters - not just people, but the mythological creatures and the animals. It does have a high proportion of inevitably beautiful women who appear almost exclusively with minimal clothing, usually topless, which was probably slightly disconnected from the text. So no plot lines in the review - they would be reduced to something too simple, or would remain over complex, and there are plenty of sources or reviews which can assist. The story is somewhat familiar to me, but having not been brought up with the story as a part of my culture, there are plenty or moral lessons to take from this story, and it is plain to see why it remains popular and important in Indian culture. Soal-soal olimpiade matematika smp.

So for stars, I struggled with the opening section, but loved the rest. I was settling for 4 stars, but I liked it better than that in the end, so racks up my first five star rating of 2016.

Some translations value accuracy and fidelity to the original text above all else. They work hard to preserve the meter and rhyme scheme (if any) and stay as close as possible to a word-for-word imitation, even if the result sounds a bit clumsy.

I suspect that this book is not one of those translations. Buck is clearly a master storyteller in his own right, and his prose flows so well in English that it's hard to imagine he isn't taking some liberties. I would recommend this book to anyone who w Some translations value accuracy and fidelity to the original text above all else.

They work hard to preserve the meter and rhyme scheme (if any) and stay as close as possible to a word-for-word imitation, even if the result sounds a bit clumsy. I suspect that this book is not one of those translations. Buck is clearly a master storyteller in his own right, and his prose flows so well in English that it's hard to imagine he isn't taking some liberties. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a good story.

Others will have to say how accurate it is. This is the second Epic story from Ancient India - The Mahabharata being the first.

William Buck's condensed versions are delightful. The Ramayana is about Rama (an incarnation of Vishnu). The story is famous not only in India but also SE Asia - even to China. Reading this book would be part of classic education in India but of course not part of Western. Western education gives books that just keep reinforcing each other.

That is why everything seems like 'common sense' to those who have not This is the second Epic story from Ancient India - The Mahabharata being the first. William Buck's condensed versions are delightful.

The Ramayana is about Rama (an incarnation of Vishnu). The story is famous not only in India but also SE Asia - even to China. Reading this book would be part of classic education in India but of course not part of Western. Western education gives books that just keep reinforcing each other.

That is why everything seems like 'common sense' to those who have not wandered out of their culture of birth. Take a chance - look at a different world. I had written a nice long review and then I clicked somewhere on my screen and the entire review disintegrated before my very eyes. I meant to get back to it so let's see here.

First off, the translation I was using omitted several passages due to 'containing sentiments not popular or proper in our society', I think he means some people had sex, or maybe they worked on sunday or ate bread that was leavened, who knows! Obviously something seemed to offend this particular translators ideas Oh ya. I had written a nice long review and then I clicked somewhere on my screen and the entire review disintegrated before my very eyes. I meant to get back to it so let's see here.

First off, the translation I was using omitted several passages due to 'containing sentiments not popular or proper in our society', I think he means some people had sex, or maybe they worked on sunday or ate bread that was leavened, who knows! Obviously something seemed to offend this particular translators ideas of propriety. At other times he simply omitted entire chapters because 'they were boring and repetitive', I'm not sure whether he deserves praise for hijacking this decision from me, but in any case considering I have no ability to omit reading even the most boring chapters or books I will just move along. This tale starts out very nice, but there were many things I really found distasteful, which I find in so much of hindu writing, maybe it's my own particular societal prejudices coming out, ironically though I profess to be a hindu of sorts I still find myself cringing at some of the ideas which hindus hold in highest esteem.

This is probably going to contain all sorts of spoilers, fortunately if you have decided to read this behemoth of a story you probably have already read the summary, so choose as you like, to continue reading or not. This is what I don't like - Rama, who for no other reason than being 'Rama' is treated like a God, funny considering he is considered an incarnation of God, nevertheless he never really does anything particularly special, yet everyone around him, his brothers, women, foreign kings etc, all dote upon him and his constantly butthurt feelings. The book constantly tells me that he is noble, honourable, brave, etc etc, but these traits are never shown in action, in fact much like Achilles he seems like more of a sulky little baby through much of the book. What really cemented my dislike for Rama was in the final pages. Now, some quick background here: Rama married Sita, Sita was kidnapped by Ravana and taken to his island refuge.

Rama spends the book fighting demons and trying to win her back. Sweet romantic Arthurian type stuff here, right? While a captive with Ravana, Ravana constantly tries to trick Sita into marrying him, telling her Rama is dead, offering her jewels, etc.

Sita forebears every inducement and stays true to Rama, even at the risk of her own safety and comfort. Noble lady, Rama is a lucky guy, right? Again, wrong. Rama eventually vanquishes Ravana, or really, mostly it is through the efforts of his family and friends that he overcomes, through their deaths and sacrifices, they who will do everything blindly for Rama, simply because 'Rama is Rama'.

So he gets Sita back. She comes up to him, ready to throw herself in his arms. We, the western readers are here expecting a happy reunion, the fruition of all the books struggles.

But this is India, or specifically Hinduism, with it's sometimes warped sense of human relations. Rama scorns Sita, he basically spits in her face and laughs at her in disgust, he tells her that he didn't fight Ravana for HER (how presumptuous of the silly girl to think so!), he fought Ravana for his HONOUR (here the reader is supposed to glow with moral triumph - if said reader happens to have a warped sense of human relations). He rejects her and moves along, leaving a crushed Sita, wallowing in pain for Rama, who let's not forget she loves devotedly simply because he is Rama. He does this because he considers Sita 'spoiled' for having been in the possession of another man (demon) and to associate with her would be a stain upon him. Sita decides well if I can't have my Rama I might as well self-immolate myself.

This she does, 'as any good Hindu wife should'. Everyone gathers around to show Rama what happened and Sita is reborn and they live happily ever after with Sita fully acknowledging what an insignificant human she is and what a great and glorious man (God) Rama is - it's every Hindu man's greatest story to share with their wives and daughters, training generations of women into blind submission to their men. Vomit on this. I'm not a rabid feminist but I have a good eye for propaganda designed to oppress. Next week we can read the Bhagavad Gita, in which Rama, now in the form of Krishna, counsels Arjuna to dispell his indecision about whether or not he should take part in a war against his cousins to slaughter them, Krishna counsels that rather he should blindly perform the slaughter of his cousins and do it in 'God's name' as a 'tool of God' and have his conscience clean.

It is no doubt a human tale, but there is some sentiment it evokes that I cannot put into words. Some tug just behind the tear-producing glands. I found that this telling captured how I'd felt about the Ramayana, having grown up listening to all the stories as part of nightcaps or preludes to evening prayers, living both unashamedly indian and unconfusedly western lives. It was honest and plain, glorious and abundant, rich and telling, and yet so bizarrely mysterious.

I remember the first time It is no doubt a human tale, but there is some sentiment it evokes that I cannot put into words. Some tug just behind the tear-producing glands.

I found that this telling captured how I'd felt about the Ramayana, having grown up listening to all the stories as part of nightcaps or preludes to evening prayers, living both unashamedly indian and unconfusedly western lives. It was honest and plain, glorious and abundant, rich and telling, and yet so bizarrely mysterious. I remember the first time I read it and gaped in awe at Ravana's moment of curtain - certainly the most appealing twist I'd ever come across in this story. Indeed, the very essence of Hindu philosophy was found scribbled in one letter, sealed in stone tablet, from Ravana to Rama. Yes, there were moments when I found the narrative difficult to follow: stumbling turns of phrases and awkward shifts between points of person.

I don't know if this was because Buck wasn't a professional writer, or because a translation from ancient Sanskrit to modern English wouldn't simply lose much of the original sense. How will we ever know? Still, there is an essence of old, an unknown-ness somehow comforting, that this version captures and delivers. Those unacquainted with the premise of the Ramayana must remember that this is an epic; one of the most voluminous stories ever told. Imagine, it has shaped the course of civilisations over millenia! So they cannot get in expecting a light read over tea and cake.

Verily, the hero must be Hanuman. For there seems no greater adventurer than he, living like a fuel caught ablaze in the momentary spark that is life. This is the only adaptation of the Ramayana I have read, and so I can't be sure how much of my poor rating is attributable to Buck's adaptation and how much is dissatisfaction with the epic itself. So, I will list the aspects I find lacking, and those better versed than I in the mythology can interpret accordingly. Although there are a few memorable lines ('Raavana lay like a collection of wrongs') for the most part I find the language cloying, dumbed-down amateur poetry using hackneyed, not terr This is the only adaptation of the Ramayana I have read, and so I can't be sure how much of my poor rating is attributable to Buck's adaptation and how much is dissatisfaction with the epic itself.

So, I will list the aspects I find lacking, and those better versed than I in the mythology can interpret accordingly. Although there are a few memorable lines ('Raavana lay like a collection of wrongs') for the most part I find the language cloying, dumbed-down amateur poetry using hackneyed, not terribly evocative imagery. The story itself is a drag - like an interminable action film, battle scene after battle scene that just aren't that interesting. I had expected to learn something about Laxman and his relationship with Ram, but very little of this is explored. Likewise Sita - we are told over and over again that she is the most beautiful woman in the world but really, who cares? She does not develop any kind of personality until she butts heads with Raavana. As for Raavana, I understand he is supposed to be preternaturally smart, having learned the entirety of the Vedas in one day.

But Buck's Raavana is, in short, a moron. Finally, what happened to Sita's trial by fire? I was stunned to find that episode missing. Is it not present in all versions of the epic?

One has the feeling of a mythology dumbed down and cleansed - the good guys are all physically beautiful and morally pure, the bad guys are all ugly and stupid. Is the Ramayana really so simplistic?

Where is all the nuance and ambiguity of the Mahabharata? If you just want to dip into Hindu mythology for the first time, Devdutt Pattnaik's Mahabharata is a much more satisfying place to start.

A transcendental epic tragedy of Divine sorts. A story with as much beauty and poetry as philosophy and truths.each character and situation reflects different things in both the spiritual realm as in our human condition. Decisions, consequences, tragedy, nobility of spirit, height of thought, duty and unflinching righteousness. It is as well a 'fantastic' story, with things that can happen only in spiritual manifestations of the spiritual realm, such as flying giant monkeys which think and talk, A transcendental epic tragedy of Divine sorts. A story with as much beauty and poetry as philosophy and truths.each character and situation reflects different things in both the spiritual realm as in our human condition.

Decisions, consequences, tragedy, nobility of spirit, height of thought, duty and unflinching righteousness. It is as well a 'fantastic' story, with things that can happen only in spiritual manifestations of the spiritual realm, such as flying giant monkeys which think and talk, flying mountains, a giant prehistoric world war, a sure entertaining and edifying epic. Anyone who wants to know how the gods and goddesses really live should read this.

It's a rollicking tale of romance and intrigue that even after 2000 years of telling seems fresh and current. It's sheer humanity defrocks religious dogma that often seems oppressive, overbearing, and out of touch with the real world of human desires and emotions. A good time is had by all including the bad guys and girls who, having been resoundingly defeated, just seem happy to have resolved some of their karma as Anyone who wants to know how the gods and goddesses really live should read this. It's a rollicking tale of romance and intrigue that even after 2000 years of telling seems fresh and current. It's sheer humanity defrocks religious dogma that often seems oppressive, overbearing, and out of touch with the real world of human desires and emotions. A good time is had by all including the bad guys and girls who, having been resoundingly defeated, just seem happy to have resolved some of their karma as they dissolve into nothingness and prepare to return in another incarnation hopefully in a somewhat less combative frame of mind. Each character becomes a lovable reflection of ourselves and even the evil Ravannna shows us a touch of humor and wisdom which may help us to rest a little easier with our own dark side.

There is something for ever taste here. Of course the romantics among us are served up a timeless love story, that of Prince Rama and his beautiful and seductive consort Sita, from which modern soap operas could learn a thing or two. Needless to say, love wins out, despite every effort by the forces of evil to separate the devoted duo. Lest the action crowd fear that they will be fed a steady diet of mush mush, be reassured.Your imagination will be stretched to it's limit and there are enough special effects and wizardry to keep Harry Potter fans waving their wands for more.

(They can read the Mahabharata next) For those who require that their spirituality be a little less seasoned with sex, and the intrigue and violence that often goes with it do not despair. You have not been forgotten, for in the midst of the worst that humanity can do to itself, as heads are lopped off and blood flows unconditionally, there are doses of profound wisdom which, if swallowed and digested, will definitely keep the devil away. I've tried it and it does work.and if none of that appeals to you, read it to your kids. They'll love it! There are a few reasons I am giving this text just two stars. First and foremost among these reasons is for the quality and style of the translation.

It is hard for me to believe that a translator could take the liberties that this one has with such an ancient and sacred text, and yet here we are. The translator made the decision to remove tens, if not a hundred or more cantos from this version of the Ramayana, for various reasons, including a personal feeling that certain content was not approp There are a few reasons I am giving this text just two stars. First and foremost among these reasons is for the quality and style of the translation.

It is hard for me to believe that a translator could take the liberties that this one has with such an ancient and sacred text, and yet here we are. The translator made the decision to remove tens, if not a hundred or more cantos from this version of the Ramayana, for various reasons, including a personal feeling that certain content was not appropriate for a 'modern' audience, or simply that some cantos were too repetitive, boring, didn't fit with the rest of the story, or were too tedious to translate. Further, in the future I think that I would choose to read a version which had been translated accurately, as opposed to altered in order to match the meter in English. The rhyming style is indeed simple and tedious to read. The language is understandably antiquated, yet somehow this translation seems more stale than other equally ancient verses, perhaps that is the nature of the original text, but more likely it is the fault of the translation. All of this being said, I think that in order to fully judge the Ramayana itself I would have to read at least a few parts of other translations. My personal feelings about characters and certain aspects of the story reflect my own values, which are opposed to some of what appears in this text.

I loved the book. The story started up slowly but then after story on Rama's expelled from his father's kingdom things start to warm up. Towards the end on Rama vs Ravana confrontation storyline is very exciting. During my jr. High school my Universal History teacher thought us about traditional triad on ancient India: Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva so therefore Ramayana became a book to reading after discovering Rama was an actual Vishnu avatar. Everything that I heard before about Ramayana is true Hi! I loved the book.

The story started up slowly but then after story on Rama's expelled from his father's kingdom things start to warm up. Towards the end on Rama vs Ravana confrontation storyline is very exciting. During my jr. High school my Universal History teacher thought us about traditional triad on ancient India: Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva so therefore Ramayana became a book to reading after discovering Rama was an actual Vishnu avatar. Everything that I heard before about Ramayana is true, regarding so high virtues on the characters: Rama, Lakshmana, Hanuman representing goodness, honor, courage.

The apparance on the Hanuman monkey help out Rama, and so on. I am very glad to read this book as it complements different concepts that heard around my yoga practice atmosphere. With excitement, Checo:). William Buck has distilled the beautiful essence of the Ramayana, one of India's greatest epics, into a single, compelling volume. This is the story of Prince Rama's dedication to dharma —the responsibilities that fall to him as a result of his status as human and prince— in the face of incredible misfortune. It is also the story of what people are willing to do for those they love (witness Rama's war against the demons of Lanka to recuperate his wife Sita) and the tragic twists that can undermi William Buck has distilled the beautiful essence of the Ramayana, one of India's greatest epics, into a single, compelling volume.

This is the story of Prince Rama's dedication to dharma —the responsibilities that fall to him as a result of his status as human and prince— in the face of incredible misfortune. It is also the story of what people are willing to do for those they love (witness Rama's war against the demons of Lanka to recuperate his wife Sita) and the tragic twists that can undermine that love (as when Rama exiles Sita to placate the suspicions of his subjects). For those who have never even heard of this epic, loved by millions in the Near East and East, Buck's soaring adaptation will be a real eye-opener.

I had never read old Indian literature and this book was quite a pleasant surprise. Very related to Odysseus's trip, Rama's quest to retrieve his wife is one filled wirh moments of self-reflection and despair. However, the Indian heroes and villians are plainer than their Greek counterparts: they lack a scale of grey, as they are all black or white. On the other hand, the imagery is WAY more powerful to the modern reader: Rama's dialogue with the sea is absolutely brilliant. Will look for more c I had never read old Indian literature and this book was quite a pleasant surprise.

Very related to Odysseus's trip, Rama's quest to retrieve his wife is one filled wirh moments of self-reflection and despair. However, the Indian heroes and villians are plainer than their Greek counterparts: they lack a scale of grey, as they are all black or white. On the other hand, the imagery is WAY more powerful to the modern reader: Rama's dialogue with the sea is absolutely brilliant. Will look for more classic Indian mythology in the future.

“The Mahabharata” and “The Ramayana” Posted April 30, 2014 Few works in world literature have inspired so vast an audience, in nations with radically different languages and cultures, as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, two Sanskrit verse epics written some 2,000 years ago. In Ramayana (written by a poet known to us as Valmiki), William Buck has retold the story of Prince Rama—with all its nobility of spirit, courtly intrigue, heroic renunciation, fierce battles, and triumph of good over evil—in a length and manner that will make the great Indian epics accessible to the contemporary reader. The same is true for the Mahabharata—in its original Sanskrit, probably the longest Indian epic ever composed. It is the story of a dynastic struggle, between the Kurus and Pandavas, for land.

In his introduction, Sanskritist B. Van Nooten notes, “Apart from William Buck’s rendition no other English version has been able to capture the blend of religion and martial spirit that pervades the original epic.” Presented accessibly for the general reader without compromising the spirit and lyricism of the originals, William Buck’s Ramayana and Mahabharata capture the essence of the Indian cultural heritage. Purchase William Buck’s translations of the Ramayana or Mahabharata using the Amazon links below and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Love Serve Remember Foundation. Happy Reading! Help Support These Teachings If you enjoyed “The Mahabharata” and “The Ramayana”, please support our efforts to continue making teachings from Ram Dass and friends accessible to all.

As Ram Dass says, 'When you see the beloved all around you, everyone is family and everywhere is love.' I would like to make a contribution of: Please do not use the back button or click submit more than once while your order is processing. If you would like to donate via mail, please send a check to: Love Serve Remember Foundation 2355 Westwood Blvd. #130 Los Angeles, CA 90064 LSRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law.