Reflections

Maharishi Valmiki, is one of the most revered sage of India. He lived during the time of Lord Rama around 5th century BCE. He was born as Agni Sharma to a Brahmin family. According to the legend, he met sage Narada once and discussed about his duties and dharma in life. Moved by Narada's discourse, he did penance for several years and chanted the word 'Mara' which overtime became 'Rama.' As he continued his penance, huge ant hill formed around him and became known as Valmiki, which means Ant-Hill. He learned the scriptures from Narada and became an ascetic. Their is a story how he composed his first verse in sanskrit, he was going to river ganges for daily ablutions, when he came across a stream of water. Impressed by the clarity of the water just like the mind of good man, he decided to bathe there. As he was looking to step into the stream, he saw a crane couple mating. Valmiki was very pleased to see the happy birds. Suddenly an arrow shot the male cra...