Ramayana of Tulsidas

 

Title: Shri Ramacharitamanasa

ISBN: 8120804430

Author: Goswami Tulsidas, translated by R.C. Prasad

Versions: Print

Synopsis: This is probably the greatest book ever written. The Ramacharitamanasa, or the “Holy Lake of the Acts of Rama”, is the biography of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, written by Goswami Tulsidas several hundred years ago. The original story of Lord Rama was written by Maharishi Valmiki during the Lord’s time on earth. Tulsidas’ version is similar in spirit, but more of a devotional work and doesn’t contain as much detail as Valmiki’s. Considered an incarnation of Valmiki, Tulsidas wrote the Ramacharitamanasa in a dialect of Hindi so as to make it more accessible to the people of His time. The writing is beautiful and one who reads this book with firm faith will be a devotee of Lord Rama forever. Already a staple in the homes of most Hindus living in India, this version, translated into English, gives everyone a chance to enjoy the wonderful pastimes of the Lord, His wife Sita, His brother Lakshmana, and His devotee Hanuman.

Shrimad Bhagavatam

 

Title: Shrimad Bhagavatam

ISBN: 0-912776-27-7

Author: Krishna-dwaipayana Vyasa, translation and purports by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Versions: Print, Kindle, PDF

Synopsis: Known as the Bhagavata Purana, this work is the crown jewel of Vyasadeva’s writings. While other Puranas touch on various material subjects, the Bhagavatam deals exclusively with devotion to Krishna, the highest duty for mankind. Presented in the form of a conversation between Shukadeva Goswami and Maharaja Parikshit, this book is essentially the encyclopedia of Vedic knowledge, something which can be read over and over again.

Chaitanya Charitamrita

 

Title: Chaitanya Charitamrita

ISBN: 0-947259-06-6

Author: Krishnadas Kaviraj Goswami, translation and purports by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Versions: Print, Kindle, PDF

Synopsis: A biography of Lord Chaitanya, this work is considered the post-graduate study on Vedanta philosophy. Lord Chaitanya extensively toured India spreading the original Hare Krishna movement some four hundred years ago. This book details the pastimes of the Lord and His closest associates.

The Ramayana in Brief: Rescuing Sita

 

Title: The Ramayana in Brief: Rescuing Sita

ISBN: 8121505933

Author: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Versions: Print

Synopsis: This book gives a very brief description of the life and pastimes of Lord Rama found in the Shrimad Bhagavatam. This is a great book to read on special occasions such as Rama Navami and Dussehra. The inclusion of a lecture given by Prabhupada about Lord Rama found in the book’s introduction is a nice bonus.

The Mahabharata

Title: The Mahabharata

ISBN: 8121505933

Author: Krishna-dwaipayana Vyasa, translated into English prose by Kisari Mohan Ganguli

Versions: Print, Kindle

Synopsis: This is probably one of the longest books ever written, making it worthy of being called an epic. Literally meaning “Great India”, this work is very famous and revolves around the historical events that took place in India some five thousand years ago involving the plight of five brothers, known as the Pandavas, to regain their kingdom. This book has everything: riveting stories, details on the origin of man, the proper rules of conduct for all classes of society, and descriptions of the spiritual world. The most appealing part of this book is the inclusion of even more pastimes of Lord Krishna. As with most Vedic literature, the Mahabharata was originally recited orally by learned sages. Because of that, it was assumed that the audiences already knew about Lord Krishna, thus the details of His early life aren’t included. However, the Mahabharata contains many conversations and dialogues between Krishna and others that aren’t found in any other book. The translator doesn’t appear to be a devotee, but rather a high scholar. Regardless, the translation appears to be done very well and the content alone makes this book worth reading.

Krishna The Supreme Personality of Godhead

 

Title: Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead

ISBN: 0-912776-60-9

Author: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Versions: Print, Kindle, PDF

Synopsis: Stories relating to Krishna’s life and pastimes are found in various Vedic literatures, with each focusing on particular aspects of the Lord’s life. This book is a summary study of the tenth canto of the Shrimad Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana), focusing mainly on the Lord’s birth, childhood activities, and several incidents from His adult life. A mixture of translations and purports, Prabhupada tells the story of Krishna’s life in a manner easily accessible to anyone, whether they be an advanced devotee or one who knows nothing about Krishna. The Lord was very mischievous as a child, performing pastimes such as stealing butter and yogurt, and playing with His cowherd friends in Vrindavana. The inclusion of these stories by itself makes this book worth reading.

Teachings of Lord Chaitanya

 

Title: Teachings of Lord Chaitanya

ISBN: 978-1-60293-002-5

Author: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Versions: Print, Kindle, PDF

Synopsis: This book is great for those who have questions regarding Krishna’s various expansions and forms. Lord Chaitanya taught love of God through the sankirtana, or congregational chanting, method. When He wasn’t chanting and dancing, He was instructing others on the science of Krishna worship. This book contains His essential teachings, with topics ranging from the history of creation to the real meaning of Vedanta.

Science of Self Realization

 

Title: Science of Self Realization

ISBN: 978-1-60293-006-3

Author: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Versions: Print, PDF

Synopsis: Along with the Bhagavad-gita, this book is required reading for anyone interested in any aspect of religion. This book, consisting of select articles from Back to Godhead Magazine, has knowledge and information that should have been taught to us growing up, but likely wasn’t. The highlights are the conversations between Prabhupada, the founder of the Hare Krishna movement, and various spiritual and cultural leaders. Many people are confused by the existence of so many different religions, each having their own rules and regulations and name for God. This book explains the real meaning of religion and how there is only one God for us all to love and adore.

Ramayana of Valmiki

 

Title: Ramayana of Valmiki

ISBN: 817110156X

Author: Maharishi Valmiki, translated by M.N. Dutt

Versions: Print

Synopsis: This is the original story of Lord Rama, the incarnation of Lord Krishna who appeared on earth during the Treta Yuga. A somewhat lengthy work, this wonderful poem written by Valmiki is a very detailed biography of Lord Rama and the events surrounding His life. We’re not sure if the translator of this specific version is a devotee, and there appear to be many typos, which is quite typical of works produced by Parimal Publications. However, the original content is so wonderful since it contains direct quotations from God and His associates that it definitely makes the book worth reading.

Coming Back – The Science of Reincarnation

 

Title: Coming Back: The Science of Reincarnation

ISBN: 0-89213-114-14

Author: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and disciples

Versions: Print

Synposis: This is a great book that gives a detailed description of the principles of reincarnation and the eternal nature of the soul. The idea of reincarnation isn’t exclusive to Hindus, and this book proves that by citing passages relating to reincarnation from the Bible and other major religious scriptures.