Shloka 1.2.38
द्वितीयः सर्गः — श्लोकप्रादुर्भावः (The Manifestation of the Śloka)
इत्युक्त्वा भगवान्ब्रह्मा तत्रैवान्तरधीयत ।ततस्सशिष्यो भगवान्मुनिर्विस्मयमाययौ ।।1.2.38।।
ity uktvā bhagavān brahmā tatraivāntaradhīyata |
tataḥ saśiṣyo bhagavān munir vismayam āyayau ||1.2.38||
Having spoken thus, the Blessed Lord Brahmā vanished then and there. Thereupon the venerable sage Vālmīki, together with his disciples, was filled with astonishment.
Having spoken these words, lord Brahma vanished. At this he and his disciples were astonished.
The verse underscores reverence toward divine guidance and the humility to receive it. Dharma here is expressed as openness to higher instruction that will be used for the welfare of the world through truthful narration.
Brahmā has instructed Vālmīki regarding the shaping of the Rāmāyaṇa; after speaking, Brahmā vanishes, leaving Vālmīki and his disciples amazed.
Vālmīki’s receptivity and spiritual readiness: he is able to recognize the significance of Brahmā’s words and respond with awe rather than pride.