Then, all of Vālmīki’s disciples, filled with delight and wonder, joyfully sang the verse their teacher had revealed. The verse, set in the four-footed meter by the great sage, was recited again and again, until sorrow itself was transformed into poetry. In that moment, Vālmīki, his mind now purified, resolved within himself: “I will compose the entire Rāmāyaṇa in such verses.” With themes noble and meaningful, words that charmed the heart, and a structure that celebrated Rāma’s fame, the illustrious sage created a poem of hundreds of verses, each equal in measure, destined to bring glory. He arranged compounds and conjunctions with care, his sentences sweet and well-formed, so that all might listen to the story of Raghu’s scion—the tale of the slaying of the ten-headed Rāvaṇa—composed by the sage with reverence and skill. Now, let the third section of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Bāla Kāṇḍa, the third sarga, be heard. Having learned all the events, together with their righteousness, meaning, and benefit, Vālmīki sought to know even more about what befell the wise prince. Purifying himself with water, the sage stood with joined palms upon darbha grass, its tips facing east, and with a mind established in righteousness, sought to perceive the true course of events. Through the strength of righteousness, he observed everything—smiles, speech, movement, and every action—thoroughly and properly. He examined all that befell Rāma, steadfast in truth, as he wandered the forest with his wife and brother. Established in yoga, the righteous-souled sage perceived all that had transpired, as clearly as if a fruit lay in the palm of his hand. Having discerned the truth of all these events, the great-minded Vālmīki became intent on composing the entire story of the delightful Rāma. Endowed with the qualities of desire, wealth, and virtue, and ever expanding through righteousness and purpose, the tale he composed was as enchanting to all who heard it as the ocean is rich with gems. As the great sage Nārada had previously narrated, so did Vālmīki, the venerable sage, compose the story of the Raghu dynasty: the birth of Rāma, his great valor, his universal favor, his belovedness to the people, his patience, gentleness, and truthfulness of character. He recounted many marvelous tales—Rāma’s aid to Viśvāmitra, the marriage of Janakī, and the breaking of the mighty bow; the dispute between Rāma and Paraśurāma; the virtues of Daśaratha; the planned consecration of Rāma, and the wickedness of Kaikeyī. He told of the obstruction of Rāma’s consecration, his exile, the king’s grief and lamentation, and Daśaratha’s passing to the next world. Vālmīki described the sorrow of the people, their dismissal, the conversation with the chief of the Niṣādas, and the turning back of the charioteer. He spoke of the crossing of the Gaṅgā, the meeting with Bharadvāja, the sage’s permission, and the first sight of Chitrakūṭa. He narrated the building of the forest dwelling, the arrival of Bharata, the persuasion of Rāma, and the water-offering for their father. The consecration of the sandals, residence at Nandigrāma, the journey to the Daṇḍaka forest, and the slaying of Virādha followed. The tale continued with the meeting with Śarabhaṅga, the encounter with Sutikṣṇa, the story of Anasūyā, and the giving of fragrant ointment. Vālmīki recounted the meeting with Agastya, the receiving of the bow, the conversation with Śūrpaṇakhā, and her disfigurement. He told of the slaying of Khara and Triśiras, the rising up of Rāvaṇa, the killing of Mārīca, and the abduction of Vaidehī, Sītā. The lamentation of Rāghava, the death of the king of vultures, the encounter with Kabandha, and the sight of the Pampa lake were all described. The meeting with Śabarī, subsisting on fruits and roots, the lamentation at Pampa, and the meeting with Hanumān were recounted. The journey to Ṛśyamūka, the meeting with Sugrīva, the establishment of trust and friendship, and the conflict between Vāli and Sugrīva were all told. Vālmīki described the defeat of Vāli, the restoration of Sugrīva, Tārā’s lamentation, the agreement, and dwelling through the rainy season. He spoke of the anger of the lion-like Rāghava, the gathering of the armies, their dispatching in all directions, and the reporting to the earth. The giving of the ring, the sight of the bear’s cave, the resolve to fast unto death, and the meeting with Sampāti were narrated. The ascent of the mountain, the leaping over the ocean, the words of the ocean, and the sight of Maināka were all described. Vālmīki told of the threatening of the demoness, the encounter with the shadow-grasper, the destruction of Siṃhikā, and the sight of Laṅkā and Malaya. He recounted the entry into Laṅkā at night, the solitary reflection, the visit to the drinking ground, and the sight of the guarded enclosure. He described the sight of Rāvaṇa, the Pushpaka chariot, the entering of the Ashoka grove, and the sight of Sītā. The giving of the token of recognition, the speech with Sītā, the threatening of the demonesses, and the vision of Trijaṭā’s dream were all told. He spoke of the giving of the jewel to Sītā, the breaking of the tree, the flight of the demonesses, and the destruction of the Kinkaras. The capture of the Wind-god’s son, the roaring as Laṅkā was set ablaze, the return journey, and the taking of honey were all described. Vālmīki narrated the consoling of Rāghava, the handing over of the jewel, the meeting with the ocean, and the building of Nala’s bridge. He spoke of the crossing of the ocean, the siege of Laṅkā at night, the alliance with Vibhīṣaṇa, and the offering of means for victory. Thus, in this way, the sage Vālmīki set forth the sacred and glorious story of Rāma, the delight of the Raghus, for all to hear and cherish.