In the vast expanse of existence, there shines a universal Self, radiant and illuminating, pervading the heavens, the earth, and the infinite space both within and around us. It is to this essence that we offer our salutations. Among those who seek liberation, there exists one who is firmly resolved, caught in the balance of not being entirely ignorant nor fully enlightened. This seeker alone is deemed worthy of the sacred scripture that unfolds before us. The wise among us, those who take the time to examine the methods of liberation and the means to freedom, find that they do not take birth again. It is within the work known as the Rāmāyaṇa that I have chosen to present these fruitful stories, crafted as pathways to liberation. To my devoted disciple, the wise Bharadvāja, I imparted these precious gems, knowing he would seek them with an earnest heart. In a serene cave on the sacred Mount Meru, Bharadvāja recited these stories at the behest of Brahmā, the creator and grandsire of the worlds. Pleased with his devotion, Brahmā spoke to him with kindness, offering a boon. Bharadvāja, with reverence, requested that the people may be freed from suffering. “Seek out the teacher Vālmīki,” Brahmā instructed, “for it is through him that this flawless Rāmāyaṇa shall come to fruition.” Whoever understands this scripture, even if they find themselves in a state of delusion, will cross over the treacherous ocean of existence, just as one crosses a bridge over turbulent waters. With these words, Brahmā journeyed to my humble hermitage alongside Bharadvāja. I welcomed the divine presence with offerings and water for washing the feet, and the great soul, devoted to the welfare of all beings, spoke to me. “O noble sage,” he urged, “do not abandon your efforts in narrating the nature of Rāma until this blameless task is complete. By knowing this, the world will swiftly escape the perils of saṃsāra, much like one crosses an ocean in a sturdy boat.” The Unborn One charged me with this mission, and in an instant, he vanished, leaving me in awe as I turned to Bharadvāja for clarity. “Tell me, what did Brahmā mean?” I asked, and Bharadvāja replied, “He instructed you to compose the Rāmāyaṇa as a swift vessel, guiding all beings across the ocean of worldly existence.” I sought to know how Rāma, engaged in worldly affairs, and his noble brother Bharata navigated the challenges of this life. I was curious about how Śatrughna, Lakṣmaṇa, the illustrious Sītā, and the great-hearted sons of ministers who followed Rāma attained freedom from suffering. Bharadvāja, with respect, affirmed my quest, and I began to share the teachings as instructed. “Listen, dear Bharadvāja,” I said, “for through this narrative, you will dispel all delusion. Act wisely, as Rāma did, with a heart unattached to worldly things, and you shall find happiness.” Just like Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, Bharata, and the noble Shatrughna, along with Kausalya, Sumitra, Sītā, and King Dasharatha, they reached a state of steadfastness and non-opposition, embodying the highest knowledge. The great souls, including Vasistha, Vamadeva, and the ministers, such as Ghrishti, Vikukshi, Bhama, Satyavardhana, Vibhishana, Sushena, Hanuman, and Indrajit, were liberated while living, their minds free from attachment. “If you, my son, live as they did—giving, taking, dwelling, and remembering without attachment—you will truly be free from distress,” I conveyed. One who possesses noble nature and crosses the boundless ocean of worldly existence attains supreme discipline, remaining untouched by sorrow and ever content. “O Brahman,” I implored, “reveal to me the state of the liberated while living, as it was established in Raghava from the beginning, so that I may always remain happy.” The illusion of this world, colorless like the vast sky, is better forgotten than remembered. Without the knowledge of the absolute non-existence of the perceived, true experience eludes us; thus, let one seek that knowledge. If such knowledge is attainable, then this scripture serves that purpose. By listening to it, one may attain the truth; otherwise, it remains out of reach. This world-delusion, though seemingly real, is not truly there, disappearing like color in the vastness of space. When the mind's attachment to the perceived is cleansed through this understanding, supreme bliss arises. For those who wander aimlessly in the depths of scriptures, liberation remains elusive, even across countless ages. The highest liberation is said to come from abandoning latent tendencies, a pure path that reveals knowledge. When these tendencies are exhausted, the mind dissolves, just as a snowflake melts when the stream of cold ceases. Thus, the teachings unfold, guiding us toward the light of liberation, illuminating the path for all who seek to cross the ocean of worldly existence.