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| '''] Valmiki''' (]: वाल्मिकी, ''vālmikī'') is the |
'''] Valmiki''' (]: वाल्मिकी, ''vālmikī'') is the author of the ] epic ]. | ||
| The story of Valmiki is steeped in legend. One version has it that Valmiki was originally a ] dacoit called Ratna who haunted the forests and preyed upon the unwary travellers. One day a sage called ] passed through the forest. Ratna saw him and immediately attacked him. Narada asked him why he did his foul deeds to which Ratna replied that it was to take care of his family, which consisted of his aged parents, wife and children. The sage then wanted to know if they would be willing to share in the punishment for his misdeeds. Ratna was sure they would but the sage advised him to go and ask them. Ratna tied the sage to a tree and ran home to ask his family if they would share in his punishments. His family replied in the negative, saying that it was Ratna's duty to take care of them and they were not responsible for the path he chose to do so. Disappointed, Ratna returned to the forest and confessed to the sage. The sage told him to repent for his sins and to stop his evil ways and to chant the name of Lord ]. Legend has it that Valmiki meditated in one place till an ant-hill formed on top of him without him realising it. Hence the name Valmiki (from 'Valmik' which means ant-hill in ]). Valmiki became a maharishi (great sage). | |||
| Benjamin Walker in “HINDU WORLD” an Encyclopedia Survey of Hinduism believes that Bhagwan Valmik was of the Naga or Pre-Aryan birth. The Nagas were the indigenous population of India. Valmikis believe that they are the descendents of Nagas. | |||
| There is another legend behind his writing the Ramayana. According to this legend, Valmiki was in the forest one day, when a hunter shot a bird. Valmiki was so touched by the pain of the bird that he composed and sang a sad song. ] was greatly moved by the touching song. He appeared before Valmiki and asked him to compose the life of Sri Rama in a similar verse. | |||
| Bhagwan Valmik wrote the first version of the Ramayana in the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit. Astronomical analysis place Bhagwan Valmiks work as pre 3000BC, it’s final shape may have been acquired by about 250A.D. He was also the first to codify music. | |||
| Brahma gave the gift of insight of Sri Rama's life to Valmiki. Valmiki began to compose the great eternal song and poem of the life of Sri Rama—The Ramayana. Valmiki's Ramayana is the very first poem in Sanskrit. Therefore, it is called the ''Adikavya'' or "The first poem" and Valmiki is also known as the ''Adikavi'', which means "The first poet". | |||
| He also wrote the ] which is also known as the ]. The Yogavasista consists of 32,000 verses. The Yogavasista is a philosophy of life and the means of salvation( Jiwan Mukti). The Yogavasista is popular with Yogis, Monks or ordinary people who seek salvation, peace of mind and satisfaction in their lives. | |||
| Legend has it that it was Maharshi Valmiki who offered refuge to ] the wife of Lord Rama, and the queen of Ayodhya when she was banished from the kingdom. It was in his hermitage in the forest that Rama and Sita's twin sons ] and ] were born and brought up. | |||
| The word Bhagwan has come to mean a man of great religious wisdom. The Ramayana is divided in to seven books and contains 24,000 couplets. The first and last books were added later to the original version of Valmiks Ramayana. | |||
| Through-out Valmiki's Ramayana, Rama is portrayed as a unique man but above all a human King. But this was to change when according to later additions the status of King Rama was to become the god Vishnu in human form. | |||
| The perspective of the Valmiki community is one which believes that indeed Rama was a King and therefore differs from the vast majority of Hindus. | |||
| Bhagwan Valmiki was believed to be a great man of wisdom, a sage who could visualise the past, the present, and the future as was clearly demonstrated in the Ramayana. | |||
| The Ramayana of Bhagwan Valmik is called the Adikavya( The first poem ) and Bhagwan Valmik( The first poet ). | |||
| At his hermitage he taught both males and females. He had great instinct for pure moral living, he was kind and humane and gave shelter to Sita on her banishment. | |||
| Bhagwan Valmiki is accepted by many Indian communities as the author of the Yoga Vasistha, this particular piece of work was taught to Rama when he was disillusioned with the world at large. The Yoga Vasistha is an incredible piece of text which discusses a wide array of philosophical issues. Moreover, it is conjectured to have been written over 5000 years ago. Further information can be found in Dr Julia Leslies book called "Authority and Meaning in Indian Religions and the Case of Valmiki". | |||
| There is a popular misconception amongst most Hindus that Bhagwan Valmiki was a dacoit (robber) and many publications still continue to convey this false message. On the 21st February 2000 a similar claim was made by a presenter on Radio XL (Birmingham, UK). The long and short it is that Radio XL was taken to the Radio Authority, the complaint against Radio XL was upheld and the case eventually reached the High Court (UK) with a decision in favour of the Valmiki community. It is suggested that those who take an interest in the Ramayana and Hindu culture read “Authority and Meaning in Indian Religions” by Dr Julia Leslie where details of the case are explained in more elaborate terms. For more information about Bhagwan Valmiki please visit the following website: [http://www.bhagwanvalmiki.com) | |||
| ==About the Ramayana== | |||
| Bhagwan Valmik’s Ramayana is one of the great epic poems of India. The Ramayana tells a story unparalleled in qualities and attributes of a literacy work. It is a unique combination of scripture, literature and ethics in one. The Ramayana foretold the fortunes of Rama. The Ramayana was written in the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit. The appeal of the Ramayana inspired one of India’s greatest poets Rabindranath Tagore to write his first play “The Genius of Valmiki.” | |||
| For Valmikis in India the Ramayana has served to provide a cultural and religious foundation and was the link during colonial rule which labourers took with them when they went from India. | |||
| The Ramayana is divided into seven books called Kandas. Each Kanda is divided into several( cantos). | |||
| The books( Kandas ) are 6. Yuddhakanda | |||
| 7. Uttarkanda (to the holy lake on which the Golden Temple would be built. | |||
| ==Ardas== | |||
| Oh Lord we stand before you and pray, we beg for your protection. | |||
| Bless us to call upon you with every breath we take and beg you to protect us from all sins, guide us so that we always pray to you. | |||
| Bless us that we always do good deeds oh Lord and Creator of all things. | |||
| Bless us with peace of mind and infinite wisdom, show us the way of righteousness so our sole be cleansed. | |||
| Bless us so that we never forget your teaching oh Lord and that we shall sing your praises, light candles and incense, oh Lord those who pray to you with all their heart shall go and meet you in Heaven. | |||
| Oh Lord those who read and listen to your holy scriptures, you are so merciful upon them. | |||
| Oh Lord we beg you to show us the way so that we can be spared from evil. | |||
| ==Festivals== | |||
| There are a number of religious festivals that Valmikis celebrate. | |||
| Dussehra is celebrated in September. Often the celebrations will take place over several days and Bhagwan Valmik’s Ramayana is dramatised to commemorate the occasion. | |||
| Diwali is of equal importance for Valmikis and is celebrated in November. The word Diwali means groups of lights. It signifies the return of King Rama to his Kingdom of Ayodha after his banishment. | |||
| Diwali is celebrated by displaying lights in and around the house and fireworks are let off. Celebrations may also be dramatised by enacting the Ramayana. | |||
| Sisters day called Rakhi is celebrated in August and this is when sisters tie a thread around their brothers wrist and wish them a long and successful life, in return the brothers will give their sisters presents and promise to protect them. | |||
| The thread is meant to represent the special bond between brothers and sisters. | |||
| The Flag Ceremony, this takes place once a year. During this ceremony devotees take down the old flag and replace it with a new flag, while other devotees sing hymns and chant prayers. Basically this ceremony denotes the renewal of ones faith in Bhagwan Valmik. | |||
| But perhaps the most important event of the year for Valmikis is the birthday celebrations of Bhagwan Valmik. This tends to take place during October, the actual date of the birthday celebrations varies from year to year and is determined by astrological configurations. | |||
| Often in India celebrations take place over several days and the whole event is marked by large processions through towns and cities. Once again celebrations are dramatised by enacting the Ramayana of Bhagwan Valmik as well as prayer and devotional hymns. | |||
| However, in the U.K. celebrations are restricted to one day because of the constraints of work. It is usually celebrated on Sunday. Events in the U.K. tend to be similar to those in India but on a much smaller scale. | |||
| ==The Ideology of the Ramayana == | |||
| Valmikis believe that there is only one God, called Bhagwan Valmik. First and foremost it is vitally important to realise that Bhagwan Valmik did not believe in the caste system and thought that all human beings were equal in the sight of God. | |||
| Bhagwan Valmik’s Ramayana is not just a story but illustrated several ideals of human behaviour. The Ramayana is a scripture in it’s own right and gives answer to all human problems. The essence of the Ramayana is depicted in a number of characters. | |||
| Rama is the ideal King. He puts his duty to the people of his Kingdom before his responsibility to his family. Sita is the ideal wife. No matter how many dangers she faces, she remains faithful to her husband. | |||
| Lakshman is the ideal brother. He supports his elder brother without questions , even at great loss to himself. | |||
| Hanuman is the most loyal of followers. Bhagwan Valmik’s Ramayana teaches the importance of duty and obedience. If Lakshman had obeyed Rama and stayed with Sita, she would not have been captured. If Sita had obeyed Lakshman and stayed in the house, she would have been safe. Evil in the form of Ravana can have no power over those who are dutiful, faithful and obedient. | |||
| Bhagwan Valmik’s Ramayana although written thousands of years ago has come to epitomize the concept of moral rectitude and it’s consequences for a person’s fate in the shape of: | |||
| 1. DHARMA: This is the path of duty or right action and is the fulfilment of one’s domestic responsibilities attached to one’s role in life; it would seem that only if this is carried out mindfully and with dedication can it be effective | |||
| 2. KARMA: This is the theory, which concludes that there are equal and opposite reactions for every action or that as you sow, so shall you reap. | |||
| For Valmikis, respect for the animal kingdom is as important as respect for one’s fellow human-being. For Bhagwan Valmik’s Ramayana taught the importance of man’s kinship with his animal Kingdom as characterised by Hanuman a warrior from the monkey tribe. Furthermore, in his desire to see that all forms of animal life are respected and conserved, E.Hoftetter on the basis of the story of the Kraunch bird sees Bhagwan Valmik as a Lord Of Animals (Der Herr der Tiere im Alten Indien ( Freiburger Bietrge Zur Indologie 14) Wiesbaden 1980, pp. 97-9). | |||
| ==Valmiki Dharma== | |||
| "Principles of Living" | |||
| 1. We believe in One Absolute God. "Wohi Ek Brahm", Bhagwan Valmiki Ji. | |||
| 2. We meditate via reciting Bhajans. | |||
| 3. We discard gambling, stealing and exploitation of the poor. | |||
| 4. We abstain from clouding the mind. | |||
| 5. We respect the individuality of others and thier beliefs. | |||
| 6. We stand for truth and our right to defend us. | |||
| 7. Meditation has cruical importance. It is a means to know one-self and learning how to change to enlightenment the state of mind. | |||
| Maharishi Valmik is accepted by many indian comunities as the author of the Yoga Vasistha, this particular piece of work was taught to Rama when he was disillusioned with the world in large . The Yoga Vasistha is an incredible piece of text which discusses a wide array of philosphical issues. Moreover, it appears to have been written over 5000 years ago. Further information can be found in Dr Julia Leslies book called "Authority and meaning in indian religions and the case for Valmiki". | |||
| == References == | == References == | ||
| * | * | ||
| For more information about |
For more information about the Valmiki community please visit the following website:www.bhagwanvalmiki.com | ||
| & | |||
| ==See Also== | |||
| *] | |||
| *] | |||
| ==External links== | ==External links== | ||
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Revision as of 12:29, 11 December 2006
Maharishi Valmiki (Sanskrit: वाल्मिकी, vālmikī) is the author of the Hindu epic Ramayana.
The story of Valmiki is steeped in legend. One version has it that Valmiki was originally a dalit dacoit called Ratna who haunted the forests and preyed upon the unwary travellers. One day a sage called Narada passed through the forest. Ratna saw him and immediately attacked him. Narada asked him why he did his foul deeds to which Ratna replied that it was to take care of his family, which consisted of his aged parents, wife and children. The sage then wanted to know if they would be willing to share in the punishment for his misdeeds. Ratna was sure they would but the sage advised him to go and ask them. Ratna tied the sage to a tree and ran home to ask his family if they would share in his punishments. His family replied in the negative, saying that it was Ratna's duty to take care of them and they were not responsible for the path he chose to do so. Disappointed, Ratna returned to the forest and confessed to the sage. The sage told him to repent for his sins and to stop his evil ways and to chant the name of Lord Rama. Legend has it that Valmiki meditated in one place till an ant-hill formed on top of him without him realising it. Hence the name Valmiki (from 'Valmik' which means ant-hill in Sanskrit). Valmiki became a maharishi (great sage).
There is another legend behind his writing the Ramayana. According to this legend, Valmiki was in the forest one day, when a hunter shot a bird. Valmiki was so touched by the pain of the bird that he composed and sang a sad song. Brahma was greatly moved by the touching song. He appeared before Valmiki and asked him to compose the life of Sri Rama in a similar verse.
Brahma gave the gift of insight of Sri Rama's life to Valmiki. Valmiki began to compose the great eternal song and poem of the life of Sri Rama—The Ramayana. Valmiki's Ramayana is the very first poem in Sanskrit. Therefore, it is called the Adikavya or "The first poem" and Valmiki is also known as the Adikavi, which means "The first poet".
Legend has it that it was Maharshi Valmiki who offered refuge to Sita the wife of Lord Rama, and the queen of Ayodhya when she was banished from the kingdom. It was in his hermitage in the forest that Rama and Sita's twin sons Lava and Kusha were born and brought up.
Maharishi Valmik is accepted by many indian comunities as the author of the Yoga Vasistha, this particular piece of work was taught to Rama when he was disillusioned with the world in large . The Yoga Vasistha is an incredible piece of text which discusses a wide array of philosphical issues. Moreover, it appears to have been written over 5000 years ago. Further information can be found in Dr Julia Leslies book called "Authority and meaning in indian religions and the case for Valmiki".
References
For more information about the Valmiki community please visit the following website:www.bhagwanvalmiki.com
External links
- True version of Valmiki's story according to Puraanas
- www.valmikiramayan.net - Site has the Ramayana text with meaning.
- Works by Valmiki at Project Gutenberg
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