Valmiki, a very wise and respected sage, was deeply affected by the sad situation of the krauncha bird.
He saw that a hunter had cruelly killed one of the pair of loving kraunchas. Upset and angry, Valmiki spoke a verse:
“O hunter, because you killed one of the loving kraunchas, you will lose your position forever.”
After saying this, Valmiki wondered about his own words and the reason behind them.
He then told his disciple Bharadwaja, “This verse, created from the sadness of the bird and made with lines that rhyme and have the same number of syllables, should be called a ‘sloka.’ It will be called by no other name.”
Bharadwaja was thrilled by the sage’s amazing verse and memorized it, making Valmiki very happy.
Soon after performing his ritual ablution at the sacred site of Tamasa, the sage Valmiki returned to his hermitage, deep in thought.
His disciple, the humble and learned Bharadwaja, followed him with a pitcher of water.
Valmiki, who was well-versed in the principles of dharma, entered his hermitage with Bharadwaja.
There, he sat down to meditate and began composing stories. At that moment, the brilliant Brahma, the Creator and Lord of the universe, appeared, eager to meet Valmiki, the greatest of sages.
Valmiki, who had purified himself through years of disciplined austerity, was astonished to see Brahma.
He immediately stood up, folding his hands in reverence. Valmiki greeted Brahma with respect, offering him a seat and water to wash his feet.
Brahma took his seat, and Valmiki, under his divine instruction, also seated himself.
While in the presence of Brahma, Valmiki was absorbed in sorrowful thoughts about the death of a sweet-voiced krauncha bird.
He lamented the cruel act of a hunter who had killed the innocent bird for no reason, causing great distress to the female krauncha.
Moved by grief and reflection, Valmiki recited a poignant verse.
Lord Brahma, smiling, acknowledged Valmiki’s poetic skill and told him, “You have indeed composed a verse. At my will, this speech has emerged from you. Now, compose the complete history of Rama in this poetic form. Narrate the tale of Rama, known for his righteousness, virtues, wisdom, and steadfastness, as you have heard it from sage Narada. The events of Rama’s life, including those of Lakshmana, Sita, Bharata, and the rakshasas, will be revealed to you by my grace. Your epic will be truthful, and as long as mountains and rivers exist, the story of the Ramayana will endure. As long as your Ramayana is remembered, you will live in the heavens, the nether world, and Brahmaloka.”
With these words, Brahma vanished, leaving Valmiki and his disciples astonished. The disciples joyfully repeated the verse, marveling at its beauty.
Valmiki, inspired by the divine command, decided to compose the Ramayana entirely in this poetic metre.
He crafted an epic filled with enchanting verses, each perfectly metered and rich in meaning, celebrating the life of Rama and the defeat of Ravana.
The Ramayana, with its melodious phrases and meaningful content, became a lasting tribute to Rama.
Thus concludes the summary of the second sarga (Chapter) of Balakanda, the first book of the Ramayana, composed by sage Valmiki.
From the story of Valmiki and the creation of the Ramayana, we can learn several valuable lessons:
Empathy and Compassion:
Valmiki's reaction to the cruel killing of the krauncha bird teaches the importance of empathy.
His deep sadness and reflection show how important it is to be compassionate towards all living beings and to recognize their suffering.
Reflecting on Actions:
After speaking the verse in anger, Valmiki reflects on his words and their meaning.
This highlights the value of taking time to think deeply about our actions and words before making judgments or decisions.
Value of Creativity and Expression:
Valmiki’s creation of the ‘sloka’ from his emotional experience illustrates the power of artistic expression.
It shows how personal feelings and experiences can be transformed into meaningful and enduring works of art.
Respect and Reverence:
Valmiki’s respectful behavior towards Brahma teaches the importance of showing reverence to those who are wise and learned.
Respecting others, especially those with greater knowledge, fosters a culture of learning and humility.
Commitment to Truth and Integrity:
Brahma’s instructions to Valmiki emphasize the importance of truth and integrity in storytelling.
It teaches that a narrative should be truthful and meaningful, ensuring it conveys its lessons accurately and honorably.
Inspiration from Adversity:
Valmiki’s decision to compose the Ramayana, inspired by his grief and Brahma’s guidance, shows how personal challenges and adversities can lead to great achievements.
It encourages people to use their difficulties as motivation for creative and constructive endeavors.
Endurance of Legacy:
Lord Brahma’s promise that the Ramayana would endure as long as mountains and rivers exist underscores the value of creating something of lasting significance.
It reminds us that our contributions can have a long-lasting impact if they are grounded in truth and meaning.
These lessons can guide individuals in their personal growth, creative pursuits, and interactions with others.
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