Like the Greek Diogenes looking for the last honest man in Greece with a lantern, a highway man named Valmiki teases a gaggle of Brahman about the lack of effect they have on a rotten and corrupt society top to bottom. Narada takes up the gauntlet to step forward to tell the tale of Rama.
This is the beginning scene of the Hindu epic Ramayana. The highway man would have a transformative experience upon hearing RamaSita’s tale and would go on to become an epic poet as he wrote down what he heard and travelled around making a living selling the story.
For those who subscribe look for more Sanskrit based content, with the Mahabharata project rather done, a new translation of the Ramayana is in the works. Start a run after the current threads of historical illustration on the conquistador movements of North America close. https://crackpot.substack.com/t/rama
Ramayana
Canto 1
1.
Valmiki said,
“AUM. To the one. Whose penances. Duties. Knowledge of the Vedas. Second to none.”
Valmiki approached the sage Narada with words honeyed by the sun.
2.
“O’ great sage! Of men in this rotten age, who is developed with edge?
Who has knowledge?
Who is with Dharma after college?
Who is honest and true to it?
Who serves truth to privilege?
Who has a relentless nerve to wit?”
3.
Just show me one whose bold 3-fold yoke binds beings.
Who showers wealth and wisdom from vast reservoirs of health.
4.
One born soul whose wrath is tempered ice cold.
Whose words are divine bespoke by one born in cloth gold.
5.
If such a man comes this way, I would love to hear his name.
Great Rishi, enlighten me. Do you know one honest man?”
6.
Narada ears were tickled pink by Valmiki’s insolent incense.
Narada who knew of all three worlds beckoned Valmiki to listen.
7.
Narada said,
“I have a story in hand that will blow your mind.
I am in a good enough mood to share it with your kind.
8.
Born by Lord Ikshvaku’s line, Rama was born thick.
The fortunate son Rama was marked by duty, valor and work ethic.
9.
Rama was the acme of form divine, a slayer of enemy slime.
Rama’s knowledge of divine arms was bar none in his time.
10.
Rama’s illustrious hair fell over shoulders bulged like onion bulbs.
Rama’s leonine limbs hung from his trunk like clubs.
11.
Rama was born under swelling stars.
Rama’s parents were steel gem cars.
12.
Rama upheld truth like a pillar from the ground he stood.
Rama was dharma’s vessel with a mind bent for good.
….
Related Mahabharata
Translation notes
