Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Khanda (with the fragrance of Kamban and Kalidasa)

The Ramayana is a manual on how a human being should lead his life in as perfect a manner as possible, which was exemplified by no less than Sri Rama Himself. Hence, he is also called Uttamapurusa, best among humans. Sri Rama combined in his life, his personal life as son, husband, brother and father, as well as his professional life of King/leader, people manager, resource manager, and significantly, as upholder of dharma – both at home and in the kingdom. Rama Rajya is extolled because of His ability to lead by example, with honesty and integrity, so that people in His care lived without the threat of corruption, nepotism or injustice.

Valmiki highlighted these facets with his sharp writing of the Ramayana that took place several thousand years ago. Though the Ramayana is ancient, it remains relevant to all ages of time. The problems that faced leaders and subjects were not significantly different then. But with his leadership and lifestyle, Sri Rama has left for us a lot of principles for thought and application.

In this course, Swami Ramakrishnananda will expound on Valmiki’s Ramayana with references to Kamba Ramayana, a Tamil epic that was written by the Tamil poet Kamban during the 12th century, and to Raghuvamsa written by Kalidasa during the 5th century, both of which are based on Valmiki’s Ramayana.

What You will Learn

• The history of Sri Rama and the glory of the culture of His times
• The goal of life, and the practical means to achieve it

Why should I do this Course?

• To properly understand Ramayana and be able to refute incorrect and malicious slander against the scriptures and history
• To become a better and a more productive person 
• To be more efficient in dealing with day-to-day situations and problems 
• To learn Vedantic principles that are subtly conveyed through the history of Rama 

Course Details and Duration

• The course comprises 25 lectures and 25 lessons.
• The recommended duration for completion of the course is 3 months.

Course Access, Query Resolution Process, Grading and Certification

• Students can access the course following the User Guideline document that is also sent to registered students to their email address.
• Students have to attempt the lessons sequentially. For each lesson the student should watch the audio or video file and then attempt the questionnaire.
• All questionnaires are objective based and on completion of each Lesson/ questionnaire the marks and grade for that lesson will be displayed to the student on the dashboard.
• Students can download the answer key on completion of a questionnaire.
• In case of queries or doubts on the subject matter students are encouraged to use the discussion forum. Details of the same will be sent to students on registration. A detailed query resolution process guideline will also be provided.
• The Course is deemed complete on completion of all lessons /questionnaires, and a final grade will be awarded.
• Grading system for certification.
• 80% and above ‘O’ Grade
• 60% and above ‘A+’ Grade
• 50% and above ‘A’ Grade
• Below 50% ‘B’ Grade

• Those who successfully complete the course will be given a ‘Course Completion Certificate’ of merit signed by Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, Head of Chinmaya Mission worldwide. The digital copy of the same will be sent to your registered email ID.

How do I purchase the Text?

Valmiki Ramayana with Sanskrit text and English translation, Gita Press, Gorakhpur, India – may be ordered online or purchased in stores in India

Requirements

• Knowledge of Sanskrit is not a prerequisite but will be useful
• Good internet connection
• Sincerity and consistency

Course Content

The course on Valmiki Ramayana – Bala Kanda (with the fragrance of Kamban and Kalidasa) comprises twenty five lessons.

Lesson 1: Introduction to Rāmāyaṇa
Lesson 2: Vālmīki, the author of Rāmāyaṇa
Lesson 3: Description of Ayodhya
Lesson 4: Putrakāmeṣṭi Yajña

Click here for further details

Course Contributors

Swami Ramakrishnananda
Smt. Gomathy and Sri Ram
Br. Ved Chaitanya
Sri Arvind Kannan

Home Study Course Scholarship Initiative

Envisioned to be a platform to impart knowledge, CIF has always made it a point to make the courses accessible to all the sincere seekers. Students, who are keen to pursue a particular course but have difficulty affording the course fee, can send an email to the homestudycourses@chinfo.org stating the same. They will be given financial assistance to enrol for the course based on the genuineness of request, keenness to study and eligibility.

One can also be a part of this noble venture by contributing to the Home Study Course Scholarship Fund. To know more, send an email to the homestudycourses@chinfo.org.

For Queries

Mob: +91 9207711140
E-mail: svadhyaya@chinfo.org