Namaste, I Am Rāma, and This Is Rāmāyaṇa

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Let me share my intent behind writing this
book by referring to the three important words
in its title:
NAMASTE. नम#े
Namaste is a greeting from the Sanskrit
language which means, that which is divine in
me bows to that which is divine in you. It is said
respectfully with folded palms and a slightly
bowed head. With this meaning in mind, and
in the stated posture, let me greet you,
‘Namaste’. May you be comfortable in using
this meaningful greeting in your everyday life.
May the few shlokas and Sanskrit words I have
mentioned in this book (with pronunciation
keys) inspire my young readers to learn the
Sanskrit language. Let us all take efforts to
make this beautiful language of Gods (deva
vāni) more widely spoken, within and without
the boundaries of Bharat (bhārata).
RĀMA. राम
When Lord Shiva was asked by His Consort,
Goddess Parvati, what is the easiest way to
reap benefit which is equivalent to chanting
Vishnu-Sahasranaama (the thousand names of
Lord Vishnu), the Lord replied:
राम रामेति रामेति रमे रामे मनोरमे ।
सहस्रनाम तत्तुल्यं रामनाम वरानने ॥
rāma rāmeti rāmeti rame rāme manorame ।
sahasranāma tat tulyaṃ rāmanāma varānane ॥
The name of Rama is as great as the thousand
names of Lord Vishnu.
May the name and form of Rama resonate
blissfully in us. May this book lead the
reader to this end.
RĀMĀYAṆA. रामायण
According to Sanatana Dharma, Ramayana is
the first Sanskrit epic poem ever composed by
a human. Hence, its composer, Maharshi
Valmiki, is regarded as Aadi Kavi — the First
Poet. What better scripture will I find as a
subject for my first book! I am presenting the
Ramayana with a unique narration scheme.
May my young readers find this approach
enjoyable and an easy way to recollect the
entire storyline once they have read the book. I
request parents to help their wards
understand any difficult passages and discuss
with them Hindu ideas such as Dharma,
Moksha, etc. mentioned briefly in this book.
At times, I have chosen folklore over Valmiki
Ramayana. When I do, I mention it in
footnotes. Moreover, to maintain this unique
narration scheme and to keep the subject
matter interesting for children, my primary
readers, I have deviated slightly from the
original Valmiki Ramayana in some places.
These changes are very limited in scope, and,
to a large extent, the book is true to Valmiki
Ramayana, as vetted by Shri (Dr.) Nayan
Manindra Jha by referring to the publication
from Gita Press, Gorakhpur. May the kind
reader not be critical of these changes, and
also of any errors that might have crept in
despite the multiple self and editorial reviews
and not consider them as irreverence to the
holy scripture.
May this beautiful story of Shri Rama and
those affiliated to him, namely, wife Seeta,
brothers Bharata, Lakshmana, and
Shatrughna, devotees Hanuman, Jatayu and
Shabari, and friend Sugreeva, inspire all to
lead a life which is in adherence to Dharma.
Respectfully,
Rajendra Prabhu.