The most ancient Sanskrit epic poem, estimated to have been composed by sage Valmiki about 5000 B.C, the Ramayana describes the life of Sri Rama. The epic is a storehouse of spiritual wisdom and has helped to shape the ideals and character of the Indian people since antiquity. The present work is a beautifully condensed retelling of the Ramayana in simple English.
When we can attach the mind to -- or detach it from -- the sense at our will, we shall really possess character. Then alone we shall have taken a long step towards freedom; before that, we are mere machines.
-Swami Vivekananda