Valmiki chanted Mara, but ended up as a greatest writer in India of all times.
Though, he started his life as a thief. Looting and feeding his family. He felt that he was protecting them and doing his duty.
The great sage Narada was passing by. He was about to steal from Narada too, who questioned him on his stealing ways.
Narada: Why do you steal?
Valmiki: It’s my duty to protect my family. I know only to steal.
Narada: By killing others you are acquiring lot of bad karma. Go and ask your family members whether they can take part any of your karma.
(Valmiki goes to his family)
Valmiki: Can any of you take part of my karma that I have incurred due to my stealing habits.
Valmiki’sMother: I didn’t know anything about the bad things you were involved in. Therefore, in no way I can be part of it.
(The other members of his family replied in similar lines)
Valmiki (to Narada): Nobody is willing to take part of it. What’s the salvation for me then?
Narada: Chant Rama Nama, 24 hrs a day.
Valmiki chanted Mara as he heard Rama as Mara. He chanted for many years to come. A pit formed over him. People heard only the sound.
When he came out of his meditation, he wrote the famous epic Ramayana.