#169 The Glory of Hanuman
After Bhagavan Rama if there is anyone who is worshipped and has become beloved it is Hanuman. He is seen as a unique embodiment of heroic shakti (power and strength) and bhakti (devotional love towards Bhagavan Rama). In later literature, he is seen as the deity of of martial arts such as wrestling, acrobatics, meditation and diligent scholarship.
From the first meeting itself, the admiration of Sri Rama and Hanuman for each other was evident. Sri Rama and Laxmana reach the Pampa lake and were spotted by Sugriva. Suspecting that his elder brother Vali had sent these men to kill him, Sugriva was frightened. Although dressed in the bark of trees, he recognised them to be distinguished warriors. Hanuman, the minister to Sugriva, the king in exile, was sent to ascertain their intentions and appraise them of Sugriva.
Hanuman assumes the form of a sadhu and approaches Rama and Laxmana and addresses them, ‘ How have you two sadhus of remarkable vigour, unfailing prowess, austere vows and excellent appearance and resembling a couple of royal sages or Gods, come to this region, causing fright to the herds of deer while surveying the trees and lending charm to the lake of sparkling water?
Who are you of charming arms and remarkable fortitude, clad in the bark of trees and possessing a lustrous face? Hanuman continues with his soft, pleasing words in praise of them.
He is quick to grasp that they are not at all a source of danger and decides to drop his guard and reveal the truth about his king Sugriva and him seeking friendship.
So impressed is Sri Rama with Hanuman’s words that he cheerfully tells Lakshmana, ‘Blessed is Sugriva who has a minister like Hanuman, whom I was seeking. ‘
Hanuman knows how to speak and can tame enemies. To speak in the way he has done is only possible for one who has studied the Rig Veda with meaning, Yajurveda and Samaveda. Surely the entire range of grammar has been studied by him in many ways is clear from the fact that nothing has been wrongly worded by him even though speaking a good deal.
No fault of expression was noticed anywhere in his face nor even in his eyes nor his forehead not his eyebrows nor in anyone of his limbs. The speech emanating from his chest and articulated by his throat is unambiguous, unfaltering and does not make a grating impression uttered in a modulated tone, His remarkable speech is grammatically correct, fluent and delightful to the mind.
Even the mind of an enemy with his sword uplifted will be made friendly.
After sharing their life story upto the separation from Sita, they tell Hanuman that indeed they too were looking for Sugriva for his help and Hanuman delightfully takes them there.
After hearing Hanuman’s report of how he reached Lanka, located Sita and shared Rama’s message with her, Sri Rama was most delighted. In Yuddhakanda 1-6, he says that, A great work, rare on earth has been done. He has manifested his strength in proportion to his courage in this way. He talks about 4 types of servants. Servant is the one who serves and not someone who is lowly or inferior as the acquired meaning.
Sri Rama says – They speak of that servant as the foremost among men who when entrusted by his master with a duty difficult to perform, does even more in consonance with the work. The other second type of servant is a mediocre man which though qualified and capable accomplishes some part of the work. People dub that servant as the lowest of men, who though qualified and capable does not do the work. While extra work was done by Hanuman, no dishonor was brought to his own self. Through the discovery of the princess Sita, the entire race was saved from destruction.
Sri Rama says – It bothers me that I cannot show my kindness worthy of Hanuman. This embrace which all that I can call my own is unreservedly offered to this Mahatma, Hanuman. Saying so, he embraced Hanuman. A very beautiful moment when Sri Rama expresses his gratitude to Hanuman. We see Rama ‘s eagerness in gratitude and that an act of love and service can never be fully compensated. It is not an impatience of settling an account or trying to free one from obligation.
In the service of Sri Rama no task was too large or difficult. He literally moved a mountain when the Sanjeevani herb was urgently required to save Lakshmana’s life. By choosing to take the entire mountain he left no possibility of error or waste of time.
Although Vali and Ravana ‘s might was incomparable, it was not equal to the strength of Hanuman. Shauryam, daakshyam, balam, dhairyam, Courage, agility, strength, forbearance had taken their abode in Hanuman. Before the war, perceiving the army of monkeys sinking into despondency at the very sight of the sea, he was quiet. He had to be reminded of his strength by Jambavan. Jambavan, the aged Vaanara tells him – O warrior, learned in all branches of knowledge why are you sitting silent and apart? You are equal to Sugreeva. You are almost equal to Rama and Lakshmana. As a child you had imagined the rising sun to be a fruit and flew towards it in order to pluck it, Seeing your effortless and fearless flight, Indra hurled his thunderbolt at you and. Struck by it your right jaw was broken. Enraged by this your father, the Wind God stopped his movement and stood still. Everyone became breathless and all the Gods begged Vayu to lay aside his anger and came forward to bless you. You would be equal to the Wind God in splendor, intelligence and power. Death would come to you at your will and no weapon could slay you. After being reminded of his power and strength, the mighty armed Hanuman leapt across the sea covering a hundred yojanas or 800 miles. Very often we too need reminders of the shakti that we have been blessed with.
After overpowering the rakshasa-s presiding over the city of Lanka, Sita was discovered and spoken to as well and actually comforted by him. Hanuman’s service to Rama had its moments of pain and insult. He allowed himself to be bound and taken prisoner in Lanka. He was paraded around the city and the citizens were given the opportunity to kick him. In the battle, the leaders of Ravana’s army, the sons of his ministers, his own servants and son all of these were struck down there by Hanuman single handed. Lanka was reduced to ashes.
When we reflect on Hanuman’s service there are important questions that come to mind. What is the source of his extraordinary motivation, the strength and enthusiasm that he brings to his work? What helped him to put up with the humiliation and to strive against all odds? Surely it was not material reimbursement, since he neither requested nor received any such reward from Rama. Yet his work brought him great joy, meaning and fulfillment. When Sri Rama asks him ‘What service can I do for you in return? He replies, everything is attainable by your grace. Hanuman further says – Love for you is the source of the greatest happiness. Please grant me unending love’. To these heartfelt and sincere words Sri Rama says – so be it. In these two lines we understand the purpose of his work.
Love for Sri Rama expressed itself in the willingness to serve. The dedication and sacrifices of parents for children, of husbands and wives for each other and their children, the patriots for their countries and those who care for the poor and the suffering are all inspired by love. Of course, the salary, pension benefits, vacations, bonuses and stock options are important. Yet work if not motivated by love will not continue to be fulfilling. Those whose work is inspired by the fullness of love have that rare energy, commitment and enthusiasm to do whatever it takes. The thing about love as in Hanuman’s case, is that it provides its own immediate satisfaction. The reward is immediate, continuous and continues to gladden the heart. Hanuman has understood the connection between love and happiness and the desire to serve.
Bhagavan Krishna tells Arjuna
yat karoshi yat ashnaasi yajjuhosi dadaasi yat
Yat tapasyasi kaunteya tatkurushva madarpanam
Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever ritual you perform, whatever you give, whatever religious discipline you follow, please do it as an offering to me.
This understanding transforms our attitude. Our work, our home, the clinic, the factory, the streets all become a place of worship. We express our love to Bhagavan in contributing to our families and societies.
Why did Hanuman not ask Sri Rama to bless him with love and compassion for all beings? Perhaps that is a noble desire. The reason is that the Love of God implies and includes the love for beings. Sarvasyachaaham hrdi sannivishtah – I am present in the hearts of all beings. And so where is that God is not, however we choose to relate – whether it be Sri Rama, Krishna or Devi. Surely, it is not possible to love God and exclude his creation which is his divine manifestation
Through Hanuman’s life of service to Bhagavan Rama we see that power and strength is worth its while when used to serve the cause of dharma. In recent times servant style leadership is spoken of in management circles. It is a willingness to serve the cause, your clients, customers, a willingness to serve your students, doing what needs to be done. We now have a role model and a source of blessing in Hanuman.
It is said that when Sri Rama asks Hanuman, how he related to him, Hanuman said –
Deha Buddhya tu Dasoham
Jiva Buddhya Tvadaamsakah |
Atma Buddhya Tvamevaham
iti me nishchita matih ||
“Oh Lord, while I identify myself with my body, I am your servant. When I consider myself as Individual, I am a part of you. But when I see myself as the Atma, I am you..”
Such wisdom grants you the freedom to play any role including the role of a human being and a servant.
My prayers that we remember and use our shakti to serve the cause of dharma,
May our increasing love for Bhagavan include our love, care and contribution to all beings.
Siyaavar Ram Chandra ki jai, Bolo Hanuman hi jai, Bolo Sab santan ki jai.
Jai shri Ram! Jai Shri Hanuman!
Such is his glory, such is his devotion that he could move mountains (and he did!) and he moved us with his shakti and bhakti.
Time and again, I have seen that anyone who invokes the grace of Hanuman becomes more loving, powerful and committed to serve dharma. There are no exceptions.
On the eve of Hanuman Jayanti, prayers for all as we reflect on The Glory of Hanuman.
