Work with devotion and passion
"It is good, but Hanuman's is better", he said.
"Hanuman has written the Ramayana too!", Valmiki didn't like this at all, and wondered whose Ramayana was better.
So he set out to find Hanuman.
In Kadali-vana, grove of plantains, he found Ramayana inscribed on seven broad leaves of a banana tree.
He read it and found it to be perfect. The most exquisite choice of grammar and vocabulary, metre and melody. He couldn't help himself. He 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 my Ramayana." replied Valmiki.
Hearing this Hanuman simply tore up the seven banana leaves stating
"Now no one will ever read Hanuman's Ramayana.'"
Valmiki was shocked to see this action of Hanuman and asked him why he did this.
Hanuman said, "You need your Ramayana more than I need mine. You wrote your Ramayana so that the world remembers Valmiki; I wrote my Ramayana so that I remember Ram."
At that moment he realised how he had been consumed by the desire for validation through his work.
He had not used the work to liberate himself from the fear of invalidation.
He had not appreciated the essence of Ram's tale to unknot his mind.
His Ramayana was a product of ambition; but Hanuman's Ramayana was a product of pure devotion and affection.
That's why Hanuman's Ramayana sounded so much better.
That is when Valmiki realised that "Greater than Ram .... is the name of Ram!"
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 life too, our mother, father, friends, let's remember them and be grateful to all.
In this world, where everyone is highlighting his work and seeking validation, let us just do our karma (duty).
Our devotion, our passion bring out the best in us and thus in our work. Competition may bring success but if work and life becomes a race and battle to win, the work will loose its charm and passion, devotion will vanish eventually bringing losses and suffering.
Be humble and the best version of yourself and do what you do with love, devotion and passion and success and love will fill your life.
