Illuminations: The First Chapters of The Ramayana

By Michael R.E. Adams and Valmiki

Who in this world stands as a force of virtue­­?

 

Valmiki searches for the ideal hero. He must pen a legend that will inspire generations.

 

He consults the sage Narada. And a tale of romance and magic builds the foundation of faith. The power of story transforms one man…and the world.

 

An ancient Hindu epic. The Ramayana conjures a world where divine creatures battle dark forces. In this modern translation of the first four chapters, follow Valmiki as he seeks the inspiration to pen the myth. Witness the epic's original poetry inspire a new form. A beautiful adaptation of the Sanskrit verses into a lyrical English poetic.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Enchanted Cipher
• Release date: Jan 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201597573

Michael R.E. Adams

MICHAEL R.E. ADAMS pens myths both natural and speculative. He invokes the lyricism of poetry and the suspense of genre fiction to create verse and prose in literary and SFF worlds. Portraying underrepresented groups, he seeks to expand the world’s imagination of who we can all be. He tells tales that all people can relate to, stories about the desire and fear of connecting to others and exploring our own hearts. (www.MichaelREAdams.com)

Book preview

Chapter 1

Devoted to self-denial,

          Valmiki asked sage Narada,

well-spoken and eminent,

          a stern studier of the vedas:

"Who in this world, here and now, stands

          as a force of virtue—mindful

of the good done for them,

          determined in their own deeds, trustful?

"Who composes an even temper,

          competence in their duties,

devotion to the good of all,

          and a uniqueness of beauty?

"Who harnesses self-control,

          is brilliant and humble to their core,

and yet the gods at once fall to fear

          when they rise, provoked to war?

"Yes. I wish to hear your answer,

          Great Sage. My curiosity

to know this person is too great.

          Share your famed capability."

Narada listened to Valmiki.

          Cognizant of the three worlds,

he beckoned his inquirer

          to now listen: "Let it be heard

As I have heard from Brahma, he

          said. "So many impossible

virtues for one human…yet

          there is one who is infallible.

"Born in Ikshvaku dynasty,

          named Rama—he is self-controlled

and resolute, a resplendent

          sovereign over vice and vile.

"Marked with fortune’s three neck-lines,

          his long arms and broad shoulders

bear his glory. His high cheekbones

          carve him as the wise destroyer.

"And with a high, crowning head

          his broad