द्वितीयः सर्गः — श्लोकप्रादुर्भावः (The Manifestation of the Śloka)
नारदस्य तु तद्वाक्यं श्रुत्वा वाक्यविशारद:।पूजयामास धर्मात्मा सहशिष्यो महामुनि: ।।1.2.1।।
nāradāsya tu tadvākyaṃ śrutvā vākyaviśāradaḥ | pūjayāmāsa dharmātmā sahaśiṣyo mahāmuniḥ ||
Having heard Nārada’s words, the great sage—righteous in spirit and skilled in speech—honored him, together with his disciples.
On hearing the words of Narada the distinguished and righteous sage Valmiki, proficient in composing slokas worshipped him along with his disciples.
Dharma is expressed as reverence toward a spiritual teacher and gratitude for right instruction—honoring wisdom as a sacred duty.
In the framing narrative, Vālmīki listens to Nārada and then respectfully honors him in the presence of his disciples.
Vālmīki’s humility and respect for guidance are emphasized, along with disciplined learning in a teacher–disciple setting.