Tales froM Indian Mythology

Author(s): A S Raman
Publisher: Kutub Popular

Page 11

FOREWORD
Shri A. S. Raman, Editor of the Illustrated Weekly of India, has written a beautiful book on "Tales from Indian Mythology". In India we have had a tradition where literature and religion have been organically related. Valmiki and Vyasa were Godpossessed souls who poured forth their emotions in poems of beauty and joy, nanrsih kurute kavyam. Highest literature is the fruit of study and meditation-svadhyaya and tapas. In it we have a harmony of thought and emotion. By communion with the great minds of the past we acquire a little of their spirit.
Our civilisation has remained unbroken because the genera. tions as they passed were imbued with the same ideals of serenity of soul and joy in living and strove to practise them to the best of their ability.
Some of the stories and legends which Shri A. S. Raman has here retold used to be known all over the country. Our village folk, though illiterate, were not ignorant. They heard from the village priest or the wandering minstrel these stories which gave a pattern to their lives. Sita's sufferings, Parvati's penance, Savitri's faith have helped to sustain our people in their trials and tribulations.
Unfortunately, many of our modern young men and women seem to be unaware of the great traditions which had sustained the life of our country for centuries. After all, a nation becomes conscious of itself through its history. This book, written with a nervous refinement of style will be a great boon to all those who suffer from cultural illiteracy.
Many who are unknown to name and fame have lived their daily lives inspired by the spiritual traditions of the country. Shri Raman's wife, who passed away under tragic circumstances while engaged in an act of worship, incarnated the great spirit of the country to the extent possible in modern conditions of