The Untold Story of Sita: An Empowering Tale for our Time, by Dena Merriam, takes a new look at the classic Ramayana by tearing away the patriarchal lens through which the story is traditionally viewed. In the traditional account, Sita is a secondary figure, and her true nature is hard to access. In this story, told by the people of Sita’s household, the role of the sacred feminine is predominant.

Sita is a beloved figure throughout Southeast Asia. Her life and message extends beyond and particularly relevant for the modern age when a new understanding of feminine wisdom and leadership is needed, and when we are facing an unprecedented ecological crisis. Mata Sita and Sri Ram were instrumental in setting the foundation for a new civilization during a time of transition from one era, or yuga, to another. We stand at a similar time in history, where we are experiencing the passing of one era and intuitively feel the birthing of another, as yet unknown. One thing seems inevitable, however, that the new society we are striving for must be ecologically-based. There is an excellent value in looking to lessons of the past to move forward.

Dena Merriam is the Founder and Convener of the Global Peace Initiative of Women, bringing spiritual resources to address critical global challenges, such as conflict, social justice, and ecological scarring of the earth. She received her Master’s Degree from Columbia University in sacred literature. Dena has served on the boards of the Harvard Center for the Study of World Religions. In 2014 she received the Niwano Peace Prize for her interfaith peace efforts.

Join Dena Merriam and me on Tuesday, July 16, 10-11 A.M. CT US. We will be having a conversation about her remarkable spiritual journey, and her latest book, The Untold Story of Sita.