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Life History of Sages - Naradha
Inspiring Valmiki
 Valmiki, who, after meditating upon Lord Rama for many years became a sage, asked Naradha, "Is there any person who possess all the 16 noble qualities like good character, strength, being well-versed in sacred laws, who is grateful, upholds truth, etc., in this world." Naradha replied that Rama is the only one who possessed all these 16 qualities and recited briefly the story of Rama in 100
slokas.
Later on, with Lord Brahma's blessings, Valmiki wrote the Ramayana in 24,000 slokas. Thus, sage Naradha was the prime inspiration for Valmiki's Ramayana.
Vyasa divided the Vedas and put them in order. He wrote Mahabharata which consists of 1,00,000 slokas, the Puranas, and a Vedanta book called Brahma
Sutram.
But he was not satisfied and his mind was filled with confusion. He came to Naradha for counsel. The sage advised him to write a book about God and His devotees alone, as this would give him peace and clarity of mind. As per his advice, Vyasa wrote the Bhagavatham and attained peace of mind.
Naradha himself wrote 'Bhakti Sutram', a book which defines
bhakti.
When
 Kali Yuga was born, Naradha saw that the world was filled with sins. He approached Lord Brahma and told Him that people of the Earth could no longer perform yagnas or do penance and so asked Him for a remedy. Brahma agreed with him and told him that they can be absolved of their sins if they chanted the following
namas -
Hare Rama, Hare Rama |
Rama Rama Hare Hare |
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna |
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare |
This is known as 'Shodasa Maha Mantra Japam' and is found in a book called 'Kavi Sandharanopanishad'.
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