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.
The essential thing in religion is making the heart pure; the Kingdom of Heaven is within us, but only the pure in heart can see the King. While we think of the world, it is only the world for us; but let us come to it with the feeling that the world is God, and we shall have God.
-Swami Vivekananda