Valmiki as the sage and author

Valmiki as the sage and author · by Seva Lamberdar Sat Jul 06, 2019 9:08 am

"Ramayana by Valmiki is a great account of happenings at the beginning of civilization. Valmiki himself started his life as an outcast given to robbing and harming people. But after coming in contact with a noble Brahmin named Narada, he gave up his evil lifestyle. He also did penance, and after learning Sanskrit language and priestly duties became a Brahmin. He defied all odds related to his tragic and humble beginnings and changed his life through hard work and wise counsel of Narada. It shows that one could change his vocation (caste or varna) -- and even become a Brahmin from an outcast -- if he seriously tried. Valmiki also established meter system in Sanskrit, which he used for composing Ramayana based on his hero Rama's life. His account of early civilization appears to agree very well with the events and situations described in the Vedas and Puranas. Ramayana is thus also a tribute to Valmiki as a great cultural and historical author. Above all, it shows that even the criminals, such as Valmiki himself originally, should be treated humanely and given a second chance if they show true remorse and do penance for their past evil deeds."

Ref.: "Essence of the Ramayana" (2003) --- http://www.geocities.ws/lamberdar/ramayana.html

Re: Valmiki as the sage and author · by Seva Lamberdar Mon Jul 15, 2019 1:56 pm

Note: Additional information related to above paragraph available in the following.

(1) "Vedic vocations (Hindu castes) were not related to heredity (birth)" (2001): http://www.geocities.ws/lamberdar/_caste.html

(2) "Brahmin priest from a sudra, dalit or scheduled caste" (2007): http://www.geocities.ws/lamberdar/dalit_becomes_brahmin.html

(3) "A comment about the Uttarakanda or Uttara Ramayana" (2012):
http://creative.sulekha.com/a-comment-about-the-uttarakanda-or-uttara-ramayana_595972_blog

Valmiki as the sage and author

Valmiki as the sage and author

Re: Valmiki as the sage and author