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Abode of virtues

CHENNAI: The Guru (preceptor) is given the pride of place in spiritual tradition and is revered as God Himself. His role in the spiritual progress of his disciple is unique as he helps each one according to his capacity and enthusiasm to imbibe the teachings. His grace is thus paramount in any enterprise that a person embarks on for it to succeed. The manner in which the Valmiki Ramayana was composed is a case in point.

In his discourse, Sri Ravi Sarma said it was Providence that made Sage Narada visit Valmiki at his hermitage, which resulted in his writing the epic. Narada was a great devotee, skilled in arts and sciences, engaged in penance and Vedic study. Valmiki was delighted that such an exalted one should bless him with his visit and utilised that opportunity to ask him the questions which were to make him undertake the writing of the Ramayana. Valmiki asked Narada many questions beginning with, “Who can possibly be full of virtues in this world at present? Who is possessed of valour and knows what is right?”

The all-encompassing nature of Valmiki’s questions was a precursor to his portrayal of Rama as the embodiment of all excellences — an ideal which every individual who reads the Ramayana should try to emulate. More importantly, the very mention of “valour” was a pointer to the fact that Rama was no ordinary mortal but the Supreme Being who had incarnated in human form to reinstate Dharma in the world. Narada assumed the role of the Guru by narrating the life of Rama briefly and told Valmiki that such a hero was then ruling Ayodhya, and also told him the merit of listening to his narration. The creator Brahma’s visit later spurred him on in his mission.

One can discern easily that the objective of the Ramayana is adoration of Rama’s inimitable qualities which endeared Him to all without exception, including His foes. The rationale of His long sojourn in the forest was also to grace the sages as Rama could have easily accomplished the purpose of His descent from Ayodhya itself. To establish that His devotees are His utmost concern Rama befriended Guha, Sugriva, Hanuman, Vibhishana, and liberated Sabhari who had waited all her life to meet Him.

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