Brahmā, the Creator, stood before the sage Vālmīki and spoke with gentle authority: “Let this verse remain just as it has been composed; no further deliberation is needed here. By my will alone, O sage, this Sarasvatī—this flow of divine speech—has arisen within you. Now, compose the entire story of Rāma, O best of sages, the righteous and wise Lord, for the benefit of the world. “Tell the account of that steadfast one, as you heard it from Nārada—recount both the secret and the open events that befell that wise man. Whatever happened to Rāma, to Saumitri, to all the rākṣasas, and to Vaidehī—whether known or hidden—all of it will become clear to you. No falsehood will touch your speech in this poem. “Compose the sacred story of Rāma, set in delightful verses, so that it endures as long as the mountains and rivers remain upon the earth. So long as your tale of Rāma is told, the story of the Rāmāyaṇa will circulate among people. For that duration, in all realms above and below, you will dwell among mankind.” Having spoken thus, the blessed Brahmā vanished from sight, leaving the venerable sage and his disciples filled with wonder. Thereafter, Vālmīki’s disciples, delighted and astonished, sang that first verse again and again. The verse, composed by the great sage in a four-footed meter, became a means by which sorrow was transformed into poetry through repeated recitation. A firm resolve took root in Vālmīki’s purified mind: “I will compose the entire Rāmāyaṇa in such verses.” With noble themes, rich meanings, and words delightful to the heart, he wove the fame of Rāma into hundreds of harmonious verses, creating a poem of lasting glory. With proper arrangement of compounds and conjunctions, and with sweet, well-constructed sentences, he composed the story of Raghu’s scion, centering on the slaying of the ten-headed Rāvaṇa. Let us now listen to the third section of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Bāla Kāṇḍa, the third sarga. Having heard all the events, together with their righteous and meaningful aspects, the sage once more sought to understand clearly what befell that wise one. Purifying himself with water, Vālmīki stood with joined palms upon sacred darbha grass, its tips facing east, and sought to know the course of events according to righteousness. With the strength of dharma, he observed everything—smiles, speech, movements, and all actions—thoroughly and properly. In this way, he examined all that befell Rāma, steadfast in truth, as he wandered in the forest with his wife and brother. Established in yoga, his soul purified, Vālmīki perceived all that had happened in the past as clearly as one sees a fruit in the palm of the hand. Having seen all this truly, with great discernment, the sage became intent on composing the entire story of the delightful Rāma. Endowed with the qualities of desire, wealth, and virtue, and expanding with the virtues of righteousness and purpose, his poem became as enchanting to all who heard it as the ocean rich with gems. As previously narrated by the great sage Nārada, the venerable Vālmīki composed the story of the Raghu dynasty. He recounted the birth of Rāma, his great valor, his universal favor, his belovedness to the people, his patience, gentleness, and truthfulness. He told of various marvelous tales: Rāma’s assistance to Viśvāmitra, the marriage of Jānakī, and the breaking of the mighty bow. He narrated the dispute between Rāma and Paraśurāma, the virtues of Daśaratha, the planned consecration of Rāma, and the wickedness of Kaikeyī. He described the obstruction of Rāma’s consecration, his exile, the king’s grief and lamentation, and his passing from this world. He spoke of the sorrow of the people, their dismissal, the conversation with the chief of the Niṣādas, and the turning back of the charioteer. He told of the crossing of the Gaṅgā, the meeting with Bharadvāja, the permission granted by the sage, and the sight of Chitrakūṭa. He described the building of the dwelling, the arrival of Bharata, the persuasion of Rāma, and the water-offering for his departed father. He recounted the consecration of the sandals, residence at Nandigrāma, the journey to the Daṇḍaka forest, and the slaying of Virādha. He narrated the meeting with Śarabhaṅga, the encounter with Sutikṣṇa, the story of Anasūyā, and the giving of fragrant ointment. He told of the meeting with Agastya, the receiving of the bow, the encounter with Śūrpaṇakhā and her disfigurement. He recounted the slaying of Khara and Triśiras, the rising up of Rāvaṇa, the killing of Mārīca, and likewise the abduction of Vaidehī. He described the lamentation of Rāghava, the death of the king of vultures, the encounter with Kabandha, and the sight of the Pampa lake. He spoke of the meeting with Śabarī, subsisting on fruits and roots, the lamentation at Pampa, and the meeting with Hanumān. He told of the journey to Ṛśyamūka, the meeting with Sugrīva, the establishment of trust and friendship, and the conflict between Vāli and Sugrīva. He narrated the defeat of Vāli, the restoration of Sugrīva, Tārā’s lamentation, the agreement, and the dwelling through the rainy season. He described the anger of the lion-like Rāghava, the gathering of the armies, the dispatching in all directions, and the reporting to the earth. He told of the giving of the ring, the sight of the bear’s cave, the resolve to fast unto death, and the meeting with Sampāti. He recounted the ascent of the mountain, the leaping over the ocean, the words of the ocean, and the sight of Maināka. Thus did Vālmīki, the great sage, compose the sacred and glorious story of Rāma, for the delight and upliftment of all beings.