Reading Notes: The Iliad of the East, Part A
Notes taken from "The Iliad of the East" by Frederika Richardson.
How Valmiki Received the Gift of Poesy
I always wondered why Valmiki was credited with writing the Ramayana, and I'm glad someone was able to provide a bit of background. Valmiki decided to leave society and go into isolation in the forest, not because of dissatisfaction, but to obtain an unbiased, clear vision. It reminds me of the Biblical stories of Jesus, where when he was surrounded by the crowds, would always withdraw from the crowds to spend time with the Father and pray.
While in isolation, he contemplates the state of man; specifically, on if there's anyone who displays an unblemished virtue of heroism that will elevate mankind. Narada, the messenger of the gods appears and joins the discussion, and tests him a bit, trying to cause him to doubt mankind but Valmiki remains resolute (yet meek) in his belief. So Narada reveals that there is in fact a human that exists such as this - Rama, son of Dasharatha. Narada tells him the story of Rama and charges him to find a poet worthy enough to convey the illustrious deeds of this great hero.
Valmiki, of course, doesn't know of anyone that meets such criteria. He decides to go wash in the waters of the lake to cleanse his soul when he sees two beautiful cranes, giving thanks for the water, their wings, and most importantly, their love for each other. But as they're at the height of their thanks, one is suddenly shot with an arrow! And Valmiki bears witness to the extremes of happiness and sorrow all at once. This emotion sticks with him and he expresses it in a melancholy song, which he can't stop repeating. Brahma visits and asks him to tell him some wisdom he's gained from his isolation in the wilderness, but all Valmiki can repeat is that melancholy song. Fearing Brahma would take it as mocking, Valmiki is ashamed - but Brahma is delighted and grants him the gift of Poesy.
How Valmiki Received the Gift of Poesy
I always wondered why Valmiki was credited with writing the Ramayana, and I'm glad someone was able to provide a bit of background. Valmiki decided to leave society and go into isolation in the forest, not because of dissatisfaction, but to obtain an unbiased, clear vision. It reminds me of the Biblical stories of Jesus, where when he was surrounded by the crowds, would always withdraw from the crowds to spend time with the Father and pray.
While in isolation, he contemplates the state of man; specifically, on if there's anyone who displays an unblemished virtue of heroism that will elevate mankind. Narada, the messenger of the gods appears and joins the discussion, and tests him a bit, trying to cause him to doubt mankind but Valmiki remains resolute (yet meek) in his belief. So Narada reveals that there is in fact a human that exists such as this - Rama, son of Dasharatha. Narada tells him the story of Rama and charges him to find a poet worthy enough to convey the illustrious deeds of this great hero.
(Valmiki cursing the hunter who killed the crane, from Wikiquote)
Valmiki, of course, doesn't know of anyone that meets such criteria. He decides to go wash in the waters of the lake to cleanse his soul when he sees two beautiful cranes, giving thanks for the water, their wings, and most importantly, their love for each other. But as they're at the height of their thanks, one is suddenly shot with an arrow! And Valmiki bears witness to the extremes of happiness and sorrow all at once. This emotion sticks with him and he expresses it in a melancholy song, which he can't stop repeating. Brahma visits and asks him to tell him some wisdom he's gained from his isolation in the wilderness, but all Valmiki can repeat is that melancholy song. Fearing Brahma would take it as mocking, Valmiki is ashamed - but Brahma is delighted and grants him the gift of Poesy.
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