In the calm and purified mind of sage Vālmīki, a profound resolve arose: he would compose the entire tale of Rāma, the Rāmāyaṇa, in verses. With noble themes and meanings, and words delightful to the mind, Vālmīki sought to immortalize Rāma’s fame. Through hundreds of verses, each measured and harmonious, the illustrious sage crafted a poem that would bring glory to its subject. He arranged his compounds and conjunctions with care, constructing sweet and well-formed sentences. Thus, he invited all to listen to the story of Rāma, the scion of Raghu, composed by his own hand, and centered upon the slaying of the ten-headed Ravana. Let us now hear the third section in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, within the Bāla Kāṇḍa, the third sarga. Having listened to all the events—each righteous, meaningful, and beneficial—Vālmīki sought to understand clearly what befell that wise one, Rāma. He purified himself with water, stood with palms joined upon darbha grass whose tips faced east, and sought to discern the course of events according to dharma. With the strength of righteousness, he observed everything: smiles, speech, movement, and all actions, thoroughly and properly. He examined all that befell Rāma, steadfast in truth, as he wandered the forest with his wife and brother. Then, established in yoga, that righteous-souled sage perceived all that had happened in the past, as clearly as a fruit resting in the palm of his hand. Having seen all truly, with discernment, Vālmīki became intent upon composing the entire delightful story of Rāma. The tale, endowed with the qualities of desire, wealth, and virtue, expanded with righteousness and purpose, enchanting all who heard it like an ocean rich with gems. As previously narrated by the great sage Nārada, 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 of character. He narrated marvelous tales: Rāma’s assistance to Viśvāmitra, the marriage of Janaki, and the breaking of the bow. He described the dispute between Rāma and Parashurāma, the virtues of Dasharatha, the planned consecration of Rāma, and the wickedness of Kaikeyi. He recounted the obstruction of Rāma’s consecration, his exile, the king’s grief and lamentation, and Dasharatha’s passing to the next world. He told of the sorrow of the people, their dismissal, Rāma’s conversation with the chief of the Nishadas, and the turning back of the charioteer. He described the crossing of the Ganga, the meeting with Bharadvāja, the permission granted by the sage, and the sight of Chitrakuta. He narrated the building of the dwelling, the arrival of Bharata, Bharata’s persuasion of Rāma, and the water-offering for their father. He told of the consecration of the sandals, the residence at Nandigrama, the journey to the Dandaka forest, and the slaying of Virādha. He recounted the meeting with Sharabhanga, the encounter with Sutikshna, the story of Anasuya, and the giving of fragrant ointment. He described the meeting with Agastya, the receiving of the bow, the conversation with Shurpanakhā, and her disfigurement. He narrated the slaying of Khara and Trishiras, the rising up of Ravana, the killing of Maricha, and the abduction of Vaidehi, Sita. He told of Rāma’s lamentation, the death of the king of vultures, the encounter with Kabandha, and the sight of the Pampa lake. He described the meeting with Shabari, subsisting on fruits and roots, the lamentation at Pampa, and the meeting with Hanuman. He recounted the journey to Rishyamuka, the meeting with Sugriva, the establishment of trust and friendship, and the conflict between Vali and Sugriva. He narrated the defeat of Vali, the restoration of Sugriva, Tara’s lamentation, the agreement, and the dwelling through the rainy season. He told of the anger of Rāma, the gathering of the armies, the dispatching in all directions, and the reporting to the earth. He described 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, Hanuman’s leap over the ocean, the words of the ocean, and the sight of Mainaka. He told of the threatening of the demoness, the encounter with the shadow-grasper, the destruction of Simhika, and the sight of Lanka and Malaya. He narrated the entry into Lanka at night, the solitary reflection, the going to the drinking ground, and the sight of the guarded enclosure. He described the sight of Ravana, the sight of the Pushpaka chariot, the entering of the Ashoka grove, and the sight of Sita. He told of the giving of the token of recognition, the speech with Sita, the threatening of the demonesses, and Trijata’s dream. He recounted the giving of the jewel to Sita, the breaking of the tree, the flight of the demonesses, and the destruction of the Kinkaras. He narrated the capture of Hanuman, his roaring as Lanka was set ablaze, the return journey, and the taking of honey. He described the consoling of Rāma, the handing over of the jewel, the meeting with the ocean, and the building of Nala’s bridge. He told of the crossing of the ocean, the siege of Lanka at night, the alliance with Vibhīṣaṇa, and the offering of means for killing. He narrated the destruction of Kumbhakarna, the defeat of Meghanada, the annihilation of Ravana, and the recovery of Sita in the city by the sea. He described the consecration of Vibhīṣaṇa, the sight of the Pushpaka chariot, the journey to Ayodhya, and the meeting with Bharadvāja. Thus, with reverence and clarity, Vālmīki composed the entire story of Rāma, a tale that shines with virtue, righteousness, and delight for all who hear it.