Valmiki, sitting by the Tamasa River, found himself in a state of profound reflection. Narada had painted a vivid picture of Rama, not just as a heroic figure of immense virtues but as a manifestation of the Absolute itself, carrying qualities that transcended mere human capabilities. These qualities were more than attributes—they were elements of the cosmic design itself. As he began contemplating Narada's words, he recognized that each trait Narada described was a doorway into deeper philosophical truths. Rama was a being whose existence intertwined with the fundamental nature of reality, embodying the essence of the Supreme Consciousness.
Among these divine traits, "dyutimaan" stood out in Valmiki's mind. Narada had described Rama as radiant, but it was not merely physical brilliance. It was an inner radiance—a light that emanated from within. Valmiki recalled the phrase from the Shvetashvatara Upanishad: vividhaa iva shruuyate svaabhaavikii j~naanabalakriyaa ca (6-8), which spoke of the spontaneous, inherent power of the Supreme. Rama, in his very essence, was this resplendent force—the Self-Resplendent Absolute. His radiance was not just luminosity; it was Consciousness itself, a light that permeated all creation, illuminating everything it touched.
As Valmiki pondered, he could almost see Rama's presence—an image of serene beauty and gentle strength. Rama was dyutimaan, a shining beacon of awareness and wisdom, a light that not only dispelled darkness but elevated those around him, guiding them toward the path of truth.
Narada had also spoken of Rama as dhRitimaan, an embodiment of sublime bliss. In the Vyjayanti texts, it was said, dhR^itiH tu tuSTiH santoSaH—that dhriti, or fortitude, is the essence of satisfaction and contentment. Valmiki recalled the Taittiriya Upanishad's words, aanando brahma—"bliss is Brahman," the supreme essence from which all beings arise, exist, and ultimately merge. Rama's blissful nature was a reflection of the joy of creation itself, ananda, which flows into every form, every moment, and every soul.
Reflecting upon this, Valmiki realized that Rama's inner bliss was not contingent upon external conditions. It was the bliss of one who had realized the truth of existence and found contentment within. This sublime joy was infectious, lifting the spirits of everyone who came into contact with him. He did not seek happiness in worldly pleasures, for his happiness came from an inner fullness—a union with the Absolute.
Then there was the attribute of vashii, a concept that carried profound implications. To be vashii, according to the ancient teachings, was to possess complete mastery. It was not merely the control of external forces but an inner sovereignty—a self-command that stemmed from a connection with the divine. Valmiki recalled the lines from the Katha Upanishad, eko vahii sarva bhuutaantaraatmaa—"the one Self who dwells in all beings," and sarvasya vashii sarvasya iishaanaH, meaning "the lord of all, the controller of all." Rama, as vashii, was the very embodiment of this omnipotent force, the power that governed all things.
Rama's mastery, however, was not the dominion of a ruler over subjects. Instead, it was the natural authority of one who is in complete harmony with the universe. He did not need to exert power, for his will was aligned with the cosmic order. His control was a reflection of the Supreme's control, a gentle, guiding force that did not compel but inspired.
Valmiki realized that each of these divine qualities of Rama was not merely a description of his character but a glimpse into the divine attributes of the Supreme Being. The Shvetashvatara Upanishad had spoken of the Absolute's knowledge, strength, and action as inherent, as natural and spontaneous expressions of its very nature. Rama, too, possessed these qualities effortlessly. In him, Valmiki could see the cosmic principles in action, manifesting in human form, guiding others toward the path of righteousness.
Narada's words resonated deeply within Valmiki's heart as he meditated upon the connection between Rama and the Absolute. The sage understood that Rama's life was not just a story of personal virtue and heroism; it was a manifestation of the divine will, a self-expression of the Absolute in the world of form and duality. Rama's journey through joy, sorrow, challenges, and triumphs was a mirror of the cosmic process of creation, sustenance, and dissolution. Each event in his life was an expression of the Absolute's play, or lila, in the realm of human experience.
As Valmiki reflected on these insights, he felt a profound sense of purpose stirring within him. He understood now why he had been chosen to tell Rama's story. It was not just a historical account but a spiritual revelation, a guide for humanity to understand the deeper truths of existence. The virtues of Rama, as Narada had described, were the very pillars upon which the universe rested, and through his tale, Valmiki would reveal these universal principles to all who sought the path of dharma.
With a heart full of devotion, Valmiki closed his eyes and began to meditate, allowing his consciousness to expand beyond the limitations of the physical world. In his mind's eye, he saw Rama not as a mere mortal but as a radiant being, a divine light that permeated all of creation. This light was the essence of consciousness itself, a force that illuminated every soul, every atom, and every corner of the cosmos.
He understood now that Rama's life was a message from the Absolute, a reminder of the eternal truths that lie at the core of existence. Through Rama's story, Valmiki would reveal the path to inner peace, wisdom, and liberation—a path that transcended the dualities of pleasure and pain, success and failure, life and death. In this story, the human and the divine would meet, and the eternal dance of creation would unfold for all to witness and understand.
Opening his eyes, Valmiki felt a deep sense of clarity and resolve. He was ready to begin the epic journey of composing the Ramayana, a work that would capture the essence of the Self-Resplendent Absolute and convey it to the world. Each verse would be a prayer, each line a meditation, and each chapter a step toward enlightenment.
With reverence and humility, Valmiki bowed his head, offering his work as a tribute to Rama, the embodiment of dharma, the light of consciousness, and the eternal guide for all who seek the truth.