A Modern Interpretation of Goswami Tulsidas's RAMCHARITMANAS

"What is the 'Ramcharitmanas'? It is Rama's story, or Rama's conduct, as narrated by Goswami Tulsidas. However, this doesn't quite explain what the word 'manasa' (mind) is doing in the title. The explanation given, in the 'Ramcharitmanas', is that this story was in Shiva's mind and came to Tulsidas via Parvati and Narharidas, Tulsidas's guru. It is no different with this volume by Professor Arun Tiwari. As a text, the 'Ramcharitmanas' is suffused with bhakti, and Rama's story and 'Ramcharitmanas' become what the reader, as a bhakta, take them to be, much more than with any other text. In this case, the bhakta is also a re-teller and re-interpreter, and bhakti is blended with Advaita Vedanta, although labels are best avoided. Goswami Tulsidas composed the 'Ramcharitmanas' rather late in life. Age brings wisdom. Through this book, Arun Tiwari too brings forth the wisdom that he now passes on, especially to the younger generation, in a novel and engaging way. - Bibek Debroy, Eminent author who translated Valmiki Ramayana into English and currently Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, and Member, NITI-Aayog, Government of India."Profusely blessed, Prof. Arun Tiwari, the celebrated co-author of 'Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji' with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, has written a modern narrative of the timeless 'Ramcharitmanas' in the language and flair of the youth. God can be seen through the loving eyes of a devotee in the Murti and felt in the service of a Gunantit Guru. A must-read for people in a world overwhelmed by and overloaded with material pleasures and desires. The book provides a guiding path for the devout to connect with the Supreme. Jai Swaminarayan with deepest prayers! - Sadhu Swayamprakashdas (Pujya Dr. Swami), BAPS SWAMINARAYAN SANSTHA.