When Valmiki completed his Ramayana, Narada said 'It's good, but Hanuman's is better.’
This made Valmiki wonder and he found Hanuman's Ramayana inscribed on 7 broad leaves of a banana tree.
He read it and found it to be perfect. The most exquisite choice of grammar and vocabulary, meter and melody.
He was overwhelmed and started to cry.
'Is it so bad?' asked Hanuman.
'No, it is so good', said Valmiki
'Then why are you crying?' asked Hanuman.
‘Because after reading your Ramayana no one will read mine,' replied Valmiki.
Hearing this Hanuman tore the banana leaves stating ‘Now no one will ever read mine!’
‘But why?’ asked Valmiki.
Hanuman said, 'You need your Ramayana more than me. You wrote yours so that the world remembers you; I wrote mine so that I remember Ram.'
At that moment Valmiki realized how he had been consumed by the desire for validation. He had not used the work to liberate himself.
#like His Ramayana was a product of ambition, but Hanuman's Ramayana was a product of devotion. That's why Hanuman's Ramayana was so much better.
There are people like Hanuman who don't want to be famous. They just do their jobs and fulfill their purpose.
There are many unsung ‘Hanumans’ in our lives too. Our spouses, parents, friends, colleagues.
Let's remember them and be grateful for them.
