The simple and sure path of Bhakti advocates constant chanting of the Lord's name which is accorded a higher status than even the Lord. The power that inheres in the simple and small two-syllable Rama Nama is more marvellous than the fantastic growth of the banyan tree from the simple, tiny seed, for it has the power to confer salvation. The fruit of chanting this mantra will automatically be reaped. It is similar to the way medicine does its work, regardless of whether we know about it or not.
Sage Valmiki's life exemplifies the search for Absolute Truth through the sheer power of the Rama Nama, pointed out Sri Sankararama Dikshitar in a lecture. The Ramayana does not have details of the sage's life. There are many versions regarding the antecedents of Valmiki. According to one version, he hailed from a family belonging to the lineage of Sage Bhrigu. By chance he was led to live with hunters in the forest. He became a seasoned hunter and robber. But he was initiated into enlightenment in a very unique manner by Sage Narada, whom the hunter waylaid once in the forest.
Narada tried to wean the hunter from thieving which he justified as a means for his livelihood. The sage made it clear that though the family members enjoyed the benefits of his earnings, they would not share the punishment that his wrongdoing brought along. The hunter did not believe this, but on verifying with the family, realised that it was true.
He accepts Narada as his guru and asks him to guide him in life. Being unlearned and not initiated into the forms of worship, the hunter was diffident to undertake any austere practice. But Narada taught him to just meditate on the name Mara which is a familiar term for the hunter and which he would not easily forget. The sage knew that repetition of Mara would include Rama. With single-minded concentration, the hunter began his penance and did not realise that an anthill had grown over him. He got his name Valmiki as he emerged from the anthill. He is honoured as the Adi Kavi as he was chosen to compose the Ramayana with the grace of Brahma.
