Then, established in deep yoga, that righteous-souled sage perceived all that had unfolded in the past, seeing it as clearly as one might see a fruit resting in the palm of the hand. With this true vision and keen discernment, the great-minded sage became intent on composing the entire, delightful story of Rama. This tale, resplendent with the pursuits of desire, wealth, and virtue, and ever expanding with righteousness and purpose, was as enchanting to all who heard it as the ocean overflowing with precious gems. Drawing upon the account previously narrated by the great sage Narada, the venerable sage set about composing the story of the Raghu dynasty. He recounted the birth of Rama, his extraordinary valor, his universal favor, his belovedness among the people, his patience, gentleness, and unwavering truthfulness. The sage wove in marvelous tales: Rama’s assistance to Vishvamitra, the marriage of Janaki, and the breaking of the mighty bow. He told of the dispute between Rama and Parashurama, the virtues of King Dasharatha, Rama's intended consecration, and the wickedness of Kaikeyi. The narrative unfolded with the obstruction of Rama’s consecration, his exile to the forest, the king’s overwhelming grief and lamentation, and finally the king’s passing from this world. The sorrow of the people, their dismissal, the conversation with the chief of the Nishadas, and the turning back of the charioteer were all recounted. The crossing of the Ganga, the meeting with the sage Bharadvaja, his gracious permission, and the sight of Chitrakuta’s beauty were described. The building of the forest dwelling, Bharata’s arrival, his earnest persuasion, and the water-offering for their departed father followed. The consecration of Rama’s sandals, Bharata’s residence at Nandigrama, the journey to the Dandaka forest, and the slaying of Viradha marked further chapters in the tale. The sage recounted meetings with great ascetics: Sharabhanga, Sutikshna, and the virtuous Anasuya, who gifted fragrant ointment. Rama’s meeting with Agastya, the receiving of a powerful bow, the encounter with Shurpanakha and her disfigurement—all were vividly portrayed. He told of the slaying of Khara and Trishiras, the rising up of Ravana, the killing of Maricha, and the abduction of Vaidehi, Sita. The lamentation of Raghava, the death of the king of vultures, the encounter with Kabandha, and the sight of the Pampa lake deepened the story. Next came the meeting with Shabari, their sustenance on fruits and roots, Rama’s lamentation at Pampa, and the fateful meeting with Hanuman. The journey to Rishyamuka, the alliance with Sugriva, the establishment of trust and friendship, and the conflict between Vali and Sugriva unfolded. Vali’s defeat, Sugriva’s restoration, Tara’s lamentation, the forging of agreements, and the monsoon retreat were narrated. The anger of lion-like Raghava, the gathering of the armies, the dispatching of search parties in all directions, and the reporting to the earth were described in detail. The giving of Rama’s ring, the sight of the bear’s cave, the resolve to fast unto death, and the meeting with Sampati followed. The ascent of the mountain, Hanuman’s leap over the ocean, the words exchanged with the ocean itself, and the sight of Mainaka were told. The threatening of the demoness, the encounter with the shadow-grasper, the destruction of Simhika, and the first sight of Lanka and the Malaya mountains came next. Hanuman’s stealthy entry into Lanka by night, his solitary reflections, his search at the drinking ground, and the discovery of the guarded enclosure were all recounted. The sight of Ravana, the Pushpaka chariot, the Ashoka grove, and the first glimpse of Sita were described. Hanuman’s giving of Rama’s token, his speech with Sita, the threats of the demonesses, and Trijata’s prophetic dream were included. Hanuman gave Sita the jewel, broke a tree in his might, caused the demonesses to flee, and destroyed the Kinkaras. He was captured, yet roared as he set Lanka ablaze, then returned and partook of honey. Raghava was consoled, the jewel was handed over, and the army met the ocean, where Nala built the great bridge. The monkeys crossed the ocean, besieged Lanka by night, allied with Vibhishana, and received counsel on how to defeat the enemy. The destruction of Kumbhakarna, the defeat of Meghanada, the annihilation of Ravana, and the recovery of Sita in the city by the sea were all recounted. Vibhishana was consecrated as king, the Pushpaka chariot was seen, and the journey to Ayodhya began, including a meeting with Bharadvaja. Hanuman was sent ahead, Rama met Bharata, and the auspicious occasion of Rama’s consecration arrived. All the armies were dismissed, the kingdom rejoiced, and Sita was sent away. And whatever else concerning Rama was yet to come upon the earth, the venerable sage Valmiki composed in the later portion of his poem. Thus concludes the fourth sarga in the Balakanda of the glorious Valmiki Ramayana. The venerable sage Valmiki composed the entire story of Rama, who had attained his kingdom, with wondrous words and meaning. The sage uttered twenty-four thousand verses, organized into five hundred sargas, six kandas, and the supplementary Uttara section. Having completed that great work, including what was yet to come, the wise sage pondered, “Who indeed shall recite this?” He saw the two sons of the king, Kusha and Lava—righteous and renowned brothers, gifted with melodious voices and dwelling in the hermitage. Recognizing their intelligence and mastery of the Vedas, the sage taught them the poem, so that the glory of the Vedas might be further enhanced.