(Painting by Sri Bolgum Nagesh Goud, with permission by the artist to use the painting)
Extract taken from (Hanuman: The Supreme Devotee)
Son of the Wind God and a great ‘‘devotee servant’’ of Rama. He was part man, part monkey. (Glossary for the Vahinis)
Birth of Hanuman (Also known as Anjaneya)
King Dasharatha and his queens had no sons. They decided that they should consult the family Preceptor, Vashishta, and accept his advice. Vashishta spoke thus: perform the sacred Yajna (Sacrifice) called Putrakameshti (the Yajna prescribed for those desirous of begetting a son). During the Yajna, the offerings were placed in the sacred fire. Suddenly, a Voice resounded from the dome of the sky, ‘Maharaja! Accept this Vessel, and give the sacred ‘Payasam’ food brought therein in appropriate shares to your three queens, ‘the Voice announced. Placing the vessel in the hands of the King the mysterious Person who had emerged from the flames disappeared into them. Vashishta directed Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi should partake of the Payasam.
Therefore, Kausalya and Kaikeyi kept their cups safe in the shrine itself and went among their maids to dry their hair, before attending to coiffure. Meanwhile, Sumitra stepped on to the terrace, and, keeping her cup on the short parapet wall, she dried her hair in the sun. (RKRV Part I, pp. 39-40) In the meantime, a servant-maid came running to her and informed that King Dasharatha had asked her to come at once. She plaited her hair and was about to pick up the cup. Just then, an eagle swooped down and took away the cup in a trice. (SSS Vol.35, p. 111)
The eagle which took away Sumitra’s pudding bowl dropped it in the lap of Anjana Devi while she was meditating. (She picked up the bowl and happily ate the pudding. As a result, she gave birth to the great hero of Ramayana (SSS Vol. 41, p. 112)
Hanuman was closely connected to Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna as he was born to Anjana Devi out of the sacred pudding that the queens of Dasharatha had partaken. Because of this reason Hanuman felt a close link with Lord Rama and played an important role in His Mission. (SSB 2002, p. 46)
No doubt Hanuman belonged to the species of monkeys. But, it is a mistake to consider him as the embodiment of chanchalatva (fickle mindedness). That is insulting a great devotee like Hanuman. He was Ishvara-amsa Sambhuta (one born with Lord Shiva’s amsa or part) verily. He had divinity in him undoubtedly. (Beacons of Divine Wisdom, Part 1, p. 68)
Hanuman was one who was at all times immersed in the spiritual and sacred name of Rama. For, as to think that Hanuman belonged to the tribe of monkeys and that Hanuman had a very wavering mind is very wrong. Hanuman was the embodiment of the aspect of Ishvara. If such divinity comes together with another aspect of divinity, there is no doubt of redoubled strength. (SSB 1977, p. 99)
A Scholar, Pandithaha Samadarsinaha:
Hanuman is the brightest example of a realised soul. When he first presented himself before Rama and offered his services, Rama turned to Lakshmana and said, ‘Brother! Listen! Notice how Hanuman has mastered the Vedas. His speech is saturated with the humility and dedication which the Rig Veda embodies, the retentiveness and reverence that the Yajur Veda promotes and the intuitive vision that the Sama Veda grants. Hanuman knows all the scriptural texts. He is a genuine devotee. Sugriva is fortunate to have him as his minister, Hanuman, whose thoughts, words and deeds are offered to God’ When these three are in perfect harmony, the person wins the grace of God, as hanuman succeeded in securing. (SSS Vol.19, p. 71)
Hanuman had succeeded in co-ordinating the thought, the word and the act. Therefore he had the unique distinction of being great in physical strength, mental stability and virtuous character. He shines as an invaluable gem among the personalities of the Ramayana. He was also a great scholar, who had mastered, of all things, the six schools or grammar! He knew the four Vedas and the six Shastras. The Gita says that a scholar is one who sees the same Divine force motivating everyone - Pandithaha Samadarsinaha. Hanuman was the very picture of humility, born out of genuine sincerity and wisdom. He realised that the Rama principle, Atmarama, was illumining every being and he adored it above all else. (SSS Vol. 10, p. 90)
Man’s mind alone is responsible both for his bondage and for his liberation. The final result of the work will depend on the attitude with which the work is done. Hanuman is one who had synthesized his thoughts, his words and deed; and he could become an important character. The scholarship of Hanuman made him look at everything with equanimity and equal mindedness. (SSB 1977, p. 94)
Hanuman is one who attained the unity of thought word and deed. He was great scholar. He was well versed in the nine types of Vyakarana (grammar). He had in-depth knowledge of the four Vedas and six Shastras. He was adept in the Paisachika, Gajakarna and Gokarna disciplines. He was the first person to write the Bhagavad Gita of Lord Krishna into Paisachika language for the first time. In keeping with Gita (5:18), saying,
vidya-vinaya-sampanne
brahmane gavi hastini
suni caiva sva-pake ca
panditah sama-darsinah
(A scholar in one who sees unity at all times at all places) Hanuman was scholar par excellence who visualised unity everywhere. Added to this quality, he had the wealth of humility in abundance. Hence, he could tread the most sacred path of Rama Tattva. He was always happy to visualize the Rama tattva radiating in every individual. Whatever objects he touched, he used to first examine whether there was Ramanama in it or not. Those that do not contain the vibrations of Ramanama were equal to stones in his view. In his own body, every hair used to chant the Ramanama. People forget God when they are happy. Some do not think of God even in difficult times. Hanuman was one who maintained perfect equanimity both in times of happy tidings and in difficulties as well. He had unparalleled might. He had noble qualities, with no trace of ego. He was a great soul who renounced mamakara (feeling of mine). That the reason why Sri Rama extolled him as ‘Shanthudu’ (serene person) ‘Gunavanthudu’ (of noble qualities) and ‘Balavanthudu’ (a mighty warrior). (Beacons of Divine Wisdom, Part 1, pp. 58-59)
The Mystery and Secret of Careers of Rama and Sita
On the day when Rama was crowned Emperor at Ayodhya, every personage got some present or the other before leaving the city. Hanuman alone refused any material gift. He asked Rama to explain to him the mystery of His Life, which he had failed to understand in spite of the length and loyalty of his he service. Rama then asked Sita to slake the thirst of Hanuman and reveal to him the secret of their careers. Sita announced that she was the Mula Prakriti, the Primal Nature, the Maya Shakti, the Energy which agitates in all Matter, which is Matter, which transforms and transmutes it into all this variety that binds and blinds; the Ramayana, she said was nothing but the play she designed. Rama is the Eternal, Unchanging, Purusha. The Atma in every being is Rama; hence the name Atmarama. Rama is eternal and so the Rama mantram is said to have been taken by Shiva Himself. Rama means that which showers Ananda that is all. Now what can give greater than the Atma? Rama is Anandam and He is Atmarama, the Anandam in your inner Consciousness. You can understand the Ramayana only if you keep this aspect in view. Orange has a form and a name; when you squeeze it and take the juice, the form and the name, orange too is gone. The taste alone remains. The sweetness, the flavour, the essence, these alone are experienced. It cannot be exactly described. It is beyond any vocabulary. Hanuman understood from Sita the formless, nameless, sweetness of Rama. (SSB 2002, pp. 40-41)
Rama sent Hanuman to Sita and requested him to bring Sita to the camp, in a palanquin. Hanuman bowed before Sita and got a vision of Lakshmi rising out of the waves of the ocean of milk. He felt that Vision was enough compensation for all the births he had to undergo. While the palanquin neared the camp, there spread everywhere a sublime splendour from it, which astonished the Vanara hordes. Rama sent word that Sita might alight and walk the remaining distance, so that they may fill their eyes with her glory. This is not mentioned in the books. (SSS Vol.4, pp. 15-16)
(Hanuman sees Sita in Ashokavana - Painting Courtesy - Sri K V Bhima Rao)
Sita asked Rama what reward He was going to give to Hanuman in this assembly. Rama said, ‘Sita, Hanuman would not like any ordinary reward. I know what he wants and I shall give.’
Bhakti will force the Lord to give you, Himself as the Gift. The Coronation Ceremony and the celebrations were all over; the presentation of gifts to all important people was over. Then, Sita remembered that Maruti (Hanuman) had been forgotten. There was no one in the Hall except Rama, Sita and Maruti. Rama wondered what to give him; He suggested to Sita that the gem-set ring that Janaka gave him on the occasion of the marriage would be best gift, because as He said, ‘Your father gave this to me, on the day he gave you to me; this Maruti gave you to me, a second time. So, I shall give him this.’ Maruti did not seem to be quite happy when the ring was placed in his hand. Evidently, he did not appreciate the gift because it was not given in full sight of all; when all were given, he was neglected! But Maruti placed near his ear, as if he sought to know what sound emanated from it; he bit it with his teeth; tried to peer into its structure.
Rama asked him why, and Sita was also anxious to know, Maruti said, ‘I am finding out whether it has the Ramanama which I want to the exclusion of everything else.’ Then, Rama embraced him and said, ‘Maruti! What other gift can I give you? I shall give you Myself as the gift. Accept Me!’ (SSS Vol.3, p. 16)
Then Rama got up, hugged Hanuman and said, ‘Hanuman! What boon can I give you? Nothing would be a worthy enough gift for you. (SSB 1996, p. 98) This is what I want to give you as your reward. I am with you and you are with Me. We can never be separated. This bond of love between you and Me is eternal.’ Hanuman was overjoyed. He said ‘I do not want anything except You. What more can I ask for? I am not interested in any wealth. Your name is my only treasure and Your form is my wealth.’ Sita was also very happy to hear this (SSS Vol.36, p. 231)
Hanuman lost himself in Bliss in this boon. The state is also called Nirvikalpa Samadhi. What is this Samadhi? If we concentrate intently at an object for twelve seconds, it is called Dharana. Twelve such Dharanas make one Dhyana. Twelve such Dhyana make a Samadhi. This is the relation among the three states of Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. Hanuman was instantly in the state of Samadhi. (SSB 1996, p. 99) The Ramayana is the holy text that has shown to the entire world the extraordinary and immense devotion of Hanuman. (SSB 1996, p. 99)
So, that is why he was neglected, at the time everyone else was awarded gifts! That is why wherever Maruti is, there, Rama is bound to be; wherever Rama is, there Maruti invariably present. The Name is so valuable for the Bhakta. It persuades the Form to bend and bless. (SSS Vol.3, p. 16)
Here is a fine illustration of the devotion of Hanuman to Rama. Rama, the embodiment of Nivritti tendencies, arrived at the seashore on His mission to destroy Lanka, which was steeped in Pravritti. Evil tendencies like ignorance, egoism and pomp do not allow man to enter into the World of Nivritti, even though he may have intellectual eminence to his credit. Rama, Lakshmana, Sugriva, Angada and Jambavan were making arrangements for the massive action to be launched against Lanka. He pretended as though he was tired and lay on the sands, resting His head on Lakshmana’s lap. It was the night of the full moon. He wished to impart a lesson in the Nivritti Marga to all those present. Suddenly, he threw a question as to why the moon had a mark on it and what that patch indicated. Meanwhile, Sugriva arrived there and heard Rama’s words. He said, ‘O Rama! I see spots in the Moon. Since the Moon is part of Prakriti (Nature), it contains valleys, mountains and the like. These are visible as spots.’ (SSB 1996, p. 61)
Each one ventured on an answer. Some said it was the shadow of the earth, some that it indicated a big hollow or crack on the surface of the moon, and some said it must be a huge heap of soil. (SSS Vol. 10, p. 92)
Rama then called Hanuman and asked the same question. Hanuman said:’ O Ramachandra! I don’t see any spot. I see only the reflection of Your face in the Moon. Since the Moon is like a mirror, Your face is reflected in the Moon.’ (SSB 1996, p. 61) He had the unique fortune of visualising Rama in everything he cast his eyes on. (SSS Vol. 10, p. 92)
The answers given by Sugriva and Hanuman reveal their Pravritti and Nivritti tendencies respectively. (SSB 1996, p. 61) What is the Nivritti Marga? The essence of the Nivritti lies in performing all deeds for the pleasure of the Lord. (SSB 1996, p. 66)
Defines Devotion - Never give up:
Hanuman fought the battle, his mind absorbed in Rama. He exchanged spiritual ideas with Vibhishana very often, He said:
Having grasped what out to be grasped,
Hold on till you succeed,
Having desired what ought to be desired,
Hold on till you succeed;
Having asked what ought to be asked,
Hold on till you succeed:
Having thought what ought to be thought,
Hold on till you succeed;
Disgusted with you, He should yield to you!
When you ask , ask with fervour.
That is what a devotee should do.
A devotee should never accept defeat and go away, (SSB 1996, p. 73)
Steadfastness and faith in God:
Was it beyond the power of Rama to discover Sita in Lanka Himself? What need was there for Him to send Hanuman? Rama wanted Hanuman to go on the search, so that He could show to the world the devotion and steadfastness and faith of Hanuman. It is a case of Grace on the part of Rama. In the same manner, if Sai so much as wants to do so many things Himself, He could do anything. This endeavour is not for the sake of Sai. It is done through these Seva Organisations so that members of the organisation get the chance to do service and redeem themselves. Try to understand the basic truth that these avenues of service have been provided so that you will get good name for yourselves and not for the sake of Sai. (SSS Vol.17, p. 111)
At this, Agastya, one of the renowned sages who was assembled in the hall, rose up and challenged Hanuman with the question, ‘Hanuman! You say that you will not wear or bear, eat or carry anything that does not sound of Rama. Well, you carry about this body, don t you? Does it sound of Rama to you?’ Hanuman accepted the challenge. He pulled a single hair from his wrist and held it to the ear of the sage. Lo! It was reciting Rama, Rama , without interruption. Hanuman s loyalty and his devotion to all that belonged to his Master, was so deep and so sincere. That is the reason why he achieved success, whatever the assignment. (SSS Vol. 10, p. 94)
Sita started praising Hanuman thus:
You are the crest jewel among the monkeys
Who fulfilled Rama’s mission.
You are the great hero who found the
Whereabouts of Sita and destroyed the city of Lanka. (Telugu Poem)
It can be said that but for Hanuman, Ramayana would not have existed. He is the embodiment of devotion and surrender. Hanuman is present wherever Rama’s name is chanted. Rama’s name and form are not different. Hanuman experienced this unity. That is the principle of non – dualism. (SSS Vol.33, p. 133)
Hanuman (courage) had a vision, unclouded by desire or ignorance. His only desire was fixed on the Name of Rama and the Form. So he was able to leap across the ocean, smooth and safe. (SSS Vol.19, p. 70)
The darshan of Rama conferred on Hanuman an enormous reinforcement of power, even physical power. Or else how could he have jumped across a hundred miles of sea? A task that Jambavan, Angada and other Vanara heroes would not dare venture upon, Hanuman accomplished by mere recitation of the Name of Rama. (SSS Vol. 10, p. 91)
After Hanuman had the divine vision of Rama, he had at once undertaken the sacred task of searching for Sita. With the help of name of Rama and placing faith and belief in Rama and in the divine strength and power of Rama, he could jump across the miles and miles of the ocean. The extraordinary achievements on the part of Hanuman caused great surprise to others like Jambavan and Sugriva….He had the divine notion in his heart and the self-confidence. Hanuman showed the strength and necessary of self-confidence in a clear manner. (SSB 1977, pp. 97-98)
The youth of India must pay special attention to this feature of Hanuman s life. He never calculated the pros and cons.... can I succeed? Why am I, of all people, chosen for this mission? - When Rama asked him to discover the whereabouts of Sita. ‘Why should I weigh the chances of success or failure?’ he said to himself. ‘The Rama who chose me will bear the responsibility.’ He decided to pray and do his best. While on his flight, a hill rose up from the sea and offered him rest and hospitality, but he refused the invitation. A demoness rose from the sea and invited him to fight with her before he proceeded further, but he brushed her aside and flew on. He sped through the sky like one of Rama s own arrows. Self –confidence was the basis of his courage; over 1t he erected the walls of self-satisfaction; on them he constructed the roof of self-sacrifice, and he dwelt in that mansion enjoying the bliss of self-Realization. (SSS Vol. 10, p. 92)
It is said, ‘roma romamu Rama Namame’. Every single hair recited ‘Rama Nama’. His tail was formidable flail, for it was suffused with the might of the Name. He is also called Sundara, the charming, the Beautiful. Why? Because, he had Rama installed in his heart; since the splendour of Rama reflected on his face, he was charming to behold. He was a charming companion because he spoke of Rama only, sang of Rama alone. (SSS Vol.5, p. 83)
Hanuman can cool his heart with just Rama chintana (contemplation of the divine name of Rama) (Beacons of Divine Wisdom, Part 1, pp. 62-63)
Great renunciation and devotion
Sita said: ‘Hanuman! It is not possible to satisfy you with wealth, gold, mansions and other such items. Even if I were to bring the three worlds and give it to you, I will not be able to repay my debt. You are such a great renunciator and devotee. Because of these two qualities, you can go around all the three worlds. Because of your travels, all the three worlds will be secure and prosperous.’ (SSB 1996, p. 104)
Lord is a servant of His devotees. He is the final authority everywhere, except in the presence of His devotee! The Lord’s powers are benign to His devotees and devastating to wicked people. Hanuman’s life signified the same idea. Hanuman was humble in front of Rama but bold and terrible to Ravana. Virtue, faultless behaviour, renunciation – all these are merely facets of devotion. (SSB 1995, p. 54)
He reveals the depth of Devotion
On the occasion of the Coronation of Sri Rama at Ayodhya, presents were given to the ministers and the distinguished visitors, collaborators and companions of Rama Vibhishana, Sugriva, Jambavan, Nala, Neela etc. Hanuman was not given any. Observing this, Sita, who had benefitted most by his selflessness and heroism, devotion and dedication, felt pained. She communicated her feelings to Rama who was beside her on the throne. (SSS Vol. 10, pp. 93-94)
Rama gave a pearl necklace to Sita and wanted her to give away to whoever she liked and she gave to Hanuman who was pressing Rama’s feet and praised him thus: ‘You are the supreme devotee who faithfully carried out every command of Rama. You are the one who strained so much to search for me.’ (SSB 1996, p. 97)
Immediately, Hanuman took the pearls apart, and putting them one by one between his teeth, he bit each pearl and spat it out in disgust! Sita became flushed with anger. She whispered to Rama that Hanuman could not be but a monkey. (SSS Vol. 10, p. 94)
In order to show to the world the great devotion of Hanuman, Rama said: ‘Foolish One! Can there be Rama’s name resounding in the pearls?’ (SSB 1996, p. 98)
Hanuman replied, ‘O mother, I examined each pearl in order to see whether it had the sacred name of Rama in it. I could not find it in any pearl. Without the name of Rama, they are but stones and pebbles. So, I cast them on the ground. (SSS Vol.33, p. 133)
Hanuman replied: ‘Not at all, O Rama! I am constantly immersed in the feeling of Rama. I repeatedly chant the name of and hear the name of Rama. Amongst the nine paths of devotion, this is most important to me. That is why I have become Your servant. The nine types of devotion are Shravana (listening), Kirtanam (singing), Vishnu smaranam (contemplating), Pada sevanam (pressing the Lord’s feet), Vandanam (offering obeisance), Archana (worshipping), Dasyam (servitude), Sneham (friendship) and Atma nivedanam (offering oneself to the Lord). Hence, by qualifying to be Your servant, I have also become Your confidant, Without this servitude to You, I could not have become Your friend. After becoming Your friend, I am offering myself to You. I do not like to listen to anything other than the name of Rama. Therefore, I am listening intently to see if the name of Rama is resounding in these pearls.’ (SSB 1996, p. 98) Hanuman said, ‘I was only examining whether these pearls had Rama in them; I could not find anyone which had, so cast them away. If a thing has no Rama in it, it is to me as worthless as stone.’ (SSS Vol. 10, pp. 93-94)
Such was the great devotion of Hanuman. That is the reason why he could become such a close confidant and trusted friend of Rama. Anybody may be far away, but Hanuman was never far away from Rama. Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughna and even Sita were, at some time or the other, a little distant. But never was Hanuman away from Rama, even for an instant. What was the reason for this? It was constant chanting of Rama’s name and constant service of Rama which elevated Hanuman to lofty heights. He constantly served Rama with body, mind and soul. (SSB 1996, p. 98)
Bhakti (Devotion) is of three types – Sadharana (ordinary), Madhyamika (medium) and Ananya (one-pointed). Ordinary devotion is marked by ego. Here the egoistic feeling ‘I’ dominates all actions and thoughts. The medium type of devotion is marked by the feeling, ‘I am in you; you are in me.’ Ananya Bhakti is marked by the feeling, ‘You alone exist. I do not exist at all.’ Hanuman one day said to Rama: ‘Oh Lord! When I think that I am the body, I am overcome by the feeling that I am Your servant. When I think that I am the individual self, I am overcome by the feeling that You are the object, and I am your reflection. When I know I am the Atma, then I feel that You and I are one.’ Thus, Hanuman revealed the depths of his devotion. (SSB 1996, p. 64)
Next, about the third stage: ‘Tvam Eva Aham iti trida’; this is the Avibhaktha-bhakthi, the inseparable devotion. The devotee offers all to the Lord, including himself, for he feels that he cannot withhold himself. That completes his surrender.
The Tvam Eva Aham feeling is the Advaitic (non-dualistic) Saranagati (surrender), based on the realization that all this (Idam) is Vasudeva and nothing less, nothing else. So long as the consciousness of the deha or body persists, the bhakta (devotee) is the servant and the Lord is Master. So long as the individual feels that he is separate from other individuals, the bhakta is a part and the Lord is the Whole. When he progresses to the state when he gets beyond the limits of the body as well as of ‘I’ and ‘Mine,’ then, there is no more distinction; Bhakta and Bhagawan are the same. In the Ramayana, Hanuman achieved this third stage through Bhakti (devotion). (GV, p. 23)
He would present himself wherever the glory of Rama is sung – Experience of Tulsidas
There were many Sages and Saints who were ready to sacrifice their lives for the sake of Rama. Tulsidas was a great devotee of God who lived on the Chitrakoota Mountain. Every day after bath, he would offer holy water to a tree. One day, a spirit appeared in front of him and said; ‘Oh master, while you discourse on Ramayana, there is a person, an old man who comes here first and is the last one to leave. Tomorrow, you must cling on to his feet and ask for a boon.’ The spirit disappeared.
On the next day, Tulsidas was busy preparing sandal paste and singing the name of Rama. After sometime, the old Brahmin came there. Tulsidas began discoursing on the Ramayana. At the end of the discourse, everyone went except the Brahmin. Tulsidas went to him and fell at his feet. The Brahmin asked Tulsidas what boon he wanted. Tulsidas replied: ‘I want to have the darshan of the beautiful form of Sri Ram.’ The Brahmin then said; ‘You will have the darshan of Sri Rama in a few days.’ Who was this Brahmin? It was none other than Hanuman. He would present himself wherever the glory of Rama is sung. Hanuman always passes in to rapture while listening to the glory of Rama,
A few days later, a boy of tender age came to Tulsidas when he was preparing sandal paste for the Lord. He approached Tulsidas and said; ‘Oh grand sire, will you give some paste to me? Tulsidas readily agreed to do this favour for the boy. While he was giving the paste to the boy, the birds of the tree felt pity for Tulsidas, since he did not recognise that the boy was the same Lord Rama. For whom he had been pining for so many years. The Lord is everywhere:
Whether you are in the forest or in the desert,
Whether you are in town or village,
Whether you are on the mountain- top or mid- stream,
The Lord helps the hapless ones.
Two days after this incident, the old man asked Tulsidas whether he had seen the Lord on the previous day. Tulsidas replied in the negative. Then the old man said: ‘Who do you think came yesterday in the form of a boy to take the sandal paste to worship Him in one form only. Ramachandra is the in –dweller of your heart. Your heart is the altar of God. Don’t install anyone in the altar of your heart except the Lord. My son, you may give room to your kith and kin in any part of your house, but do not install them in the altar of your shrine. Kith and kin come in the middle and go away in the middle. Serve them, but do not give your heart to them. Fill your heart with compassion. A heart laden with compassion is the temple of the Lord. ‘Hrudah + Daya makes Hridaya,’ Hanuman taught this lesson to Tulsidas and disappeared. (SSB 1996, pp. 72-73)
Hanuman is the great exemplar of this type of devotion. Concentrating on the name of Rama and rendering service to Rama were Hanuman s preoccupation all the time. He was no ordinary being. He was a master of the 64 sciences and arts. Rama described him as a hero of peace, who possessed immense strength and wisdom. In everything he handled, Hanuman would examine whether it had Rama s name on it. If it was not there, he would discard even a precious gem as a useless piece of stone. While building the bridge to Lanka, Hanuman hurled rocks into the sea uttering the name of Rama and they rose to the surface. The letters ‘Ra’ and ‘Ma’ were written on separate stones and when they were thrown into the sea they joined together on the surface and thus the bridge was formed. Each hair of Hanuman was echoing the name of Rama. He was a devotee who remembered Rama at all times, whether in joy or sorrow. He had no sense of ego. He had given up all feeling of ‘mine’ and ‘thine.’ When the Rakshasas asked him in Lanka who he was, he firmly declared: ‘I am a dasa of the Lord of Kosala (Rama).’ In all situations he described himself as a servant of Rama. (SSS Vol.19, pp. 177-178)
Angada said to Hanuman, ‘Oh Son of the Wind-god, you are the dedicated servant of Rama. Your devotion is indeed deep. You were blessed first among all of us with the Darshan of Rama through your intelligence, diplomacy and moral pressure; you established friendship between Rama and our ruler Sugriva.’ (RKRV Part II, p. 120)
Hanuman, a great devotee of Lord Sri Rama, always considered himself ‘Dasoham Kosalendrasya’. As the servant of Lord Sri Rama he enjoyed great happiness in that feeling. But, how long? As long as he was a Dasa. After some tome, he was separated from his Lord. Due to this separation, he underwent great agony. Then, he developed ‘Soham’ feeling. When he developed this feeling of oneness with the Lord, he did not experience any pain. In ‘Dasoham’ state, there is a feeling of separation between the Lord and his devotee. But, in the Soham state, there is no separation. Where there is no separation between the Lord and his devotee, there is bliss. First and foremost, one who is desirous of attaining Divinity, must control his desires and anger. (BhaG, pp. Part I 126-127)
Rama said to Hanuman. ‘You are as dear to me as Lakshmana is.’ (RKRV Part II, p. 82)
(Hanuman then allows himself to be captured by Ravana, who sets his tail on fire_)
Hanuman became the messenger of Rama. There are three classes of messengers: those who do not understand the orders of the master or do not care to understand, and who operate to the detriment of the work assigned them; those who do only just as much as the order literally communicates; and those who grasp the background and significance of the orders and carry them out to the full, until the purpose is achieved. Hanuman belonged to the last and the best category. He never flinched in his efforts, whatever the obstacle, and reported back only after his conscience was satisfied with the result of his assignment. He could delve into the commands of Rama and know what his order meant. As soon as he received the order, he felt a thrust of power inside him and a new confidence that, since he had been so ordered, the strength and intelligence, the audacity and the adventurous spirit needed will be granted by Rama himself. So, he never had any qualms about his capacity or capability. His body and spirit were vitalised by the very fact that Rama asked him to do something. An electric wire has a copper wire inside its plastic coating; for good operation, both must be of high quality. So, too, the body and the spirit within have both to be in good trim, and Rama s words made them both efficient and active. (SSS Vol. 10, p. 91)
Born to Serve as His Instruments
All the Vanara soldiers who died in the war were resurrected by Rama and gathered around Him. Even the demons who were killed had the golden opportunity of the divine darshan of Rama before they breathed their last. To the Vanaras, Sri Rama granted a boon. ‘You are born to serve as instruments in My Avataric mission, hence you become immortal. (Beacons of Divine Wisdom, Part 1, p. 34)
Installed Rama in his heart – everything will be added
When Rama is installed in the heart, everything will be added unto you - fame, fortune, freedom, fullness. Hanuman was a mere monkey leader until he met Rama; he was a minister in the court of his master; but; when Rama gave him the commission to seek Sita and sent him, that is to say, when Rama was installed in his heart as guide and guardian, Hanuman became immortal, as the Ideal Devotee. (SSS Vol.9, p. 204)
Hanuman said, ‘Swami, (Rama) You asked me, You commanded me, so I am sure that You will give me the need skills, strength and abilities to cross the ocean and fulfil the task entrusted to me.’ (Alarm Bells! Divine, p. 45)
Serve the Lord, as His faithful unquestioning servant – this is the path of Hanuman in Ramayana. He had no will or wish of his own. His prayer was to be a fit instrument for the purposes of the master. (SSS Vol. 6, p. 167)
Hanuman was amazed at the variety of multi-coloured birds that fluttered to and fro in clusters within the parks. Hanuman claimed onto a charming mountain nearby and thought within himself, ‘This success is not due to my skill or strength. It is entirely due to the Grace and Blessings of Rama only. (RKRV Part II, p. 122)
Hanuman was highly intelligent, in matters relating to the Divine, he made no distinction between good and bad. He carried out implicitly whatever he was ordered to do. He did not care to enquire whether it was right or wrong. Why? Because he regarded whatever Rama said as Veda vakya (Gospel truth). God’s word is beyond question.
Hanuman felt that he was not competent to sit in judgement on the Lord’s words. ‘My duty is to carry out whatever Rama says,’ ‘Kartavyam Yoga Ucyate’ (Duty is Yoga), says Gita. What is this yoga? ‘yogah karmasu kausalam’ says Gita (2:50). Yoga is excellence in performance of duty. Hence you should embark on all actions in accordance with the Divine injunctions. Then alone you experience all kinds of knowledge. (SSS Vol.28, pp. 277-278)
There are in the world today millions of people who recite the Lord’s name. But while reciting the name, they do not realise the greatness and glory of the Divine name. When Hanuman entered Lanka, the land of Rakshasas the first friendly person he encountered was Vibhishana. All the Rakshasas in Lanka, who had not seen a monkey, were curious to know all about the simian visitor. They asked him: ‘Who are you? Wherefrom have you come and at whose behest? How did you enter Lanka?’ Hanuman was unruffled. He told them, ‘I am the servant of the Lord Kosala, Sri Rama,’ though he was very powerful. This means also that in any situation one should remain calm and unperturbed. How is this tranquillity to be secured? When the heart is pure, peace is assured. Without purity of the heart peace is unattainable. Even if one appears to be at peace, it is only a pretence. When one has both purity of heart and peace of mind, one can achieve anything. There are three P s. The first P stands for purity. The second P for patience. The third P stands for perseverance. When these are present, one can acquire the grace of Sri Rama. This was amply demonstrated by Hanuman. (SSS Vol.28, pp. 276-277)
Anjaneya or Hanuman dedicated every moment of his life, every wave of thought, every twitch of muscle, to his Master, Rama. When Rama sent him in the southerly direction on the mission to search for Sita, he was neither elated on being thus recognised as an efficient instrument nor depressed as the dangerous nature of his task. He knew that Rama would confer on him the skill and strength needed to fulfil the errand; in fact all his skill and all his strength were ‘His gifts to feed that he was too weak an instrument was, he concluded, an insult to Rama s Omnipresence and Grace. (SSS Vol.9, pp. 40-41)
Hanuman was always engaged in the contemplation of Rama. Hanuman had tears in his eyes and in the heart of Hanuman, there was nothing else except Rama’s name and Rama’s form (SSB 1977, p. 98) Every hair on his body chanted the name of Rama. Hanuman is adored by devotees as an example of total devotion to the Lord. When some had doubts whether Hanuman could leap the ocean to search for Sita in Lanka, Hanuman told them that Rama had given him the task and He would also give him the strength to accomplish it. This absolute faith was the cause of his success. When people entertain doubts as to their capacity to carry out the tasks assigned to them by the Divine, they will be weak and powerless. Hence, to accomplish anything, firm faith is essential. Doubts have to be expelled. Everything that happens should be accepted as for one s own good. That is the means to qualify for God s grace. To go on speculating over Swami s words is an insane exercise. Hanuman exemplified complete freedom from doubts. He had only two desires - to be dear and near to Rama. Hanuman intensely yearned to be always near to Rama. He had no use for any object, however valuable, which did not proclaim the name of Rama. He threw away the pearl necklace presented to him by Sita because the pearls did not recite Rama s name. (Swami sang a ballad, in which Rama praised Hanuman as the greatest of devotees and embraced him). Rama declared: ‘Hanuman! No material object is fit enough to be given to you as a present. You live in the world of the Spirit. You have no attachment to the things of the world. Let you be present wherever my glory is sung.’ (SSS Vol.28, pp. 280-281)
Service as worship to realise God
Hanuman is the supreme example of a devotee who practised service as the form of worship to realise God. His great acts in the service of Rama show how he was completely free from ego and how deep his devotion to Rama was at all times. (SSS Vol.22, p. 199)
Seva is a small word but is filled with immense spiritual significance. Hanuman is the supreme exemplar of the ideal of service. When Rakshasas asked Hanuman, during his search for Sita in Lanka, who he was, he replied simply: Dasoham Kosalendrasya . He was content to describe himself as the humble servant of Rama. (SSS Vol.18, p. 11)
The greatness of Hanuman was the symbol of selfless service. He was endowed with mighty power, valour, strength and he was hailed as a great scholar of impeccable character. Yet when the demons in Sri Lanka questioned him who he was, he never hesitated to reply that he was the servant of Sri Ramachandra. (SSS Vol.30, p. 151)
Hanuman was such a bhakta; Rama was very life breath for him. After the coronation, one day, Sita and the three brothers of Rama met and planned to exclude Hanuman from the seva of Rama and wanted that all the various services for Rama should be divided among themselves. They felt that hanuman had had enough chance already. So, they drew up a list, as exhaustive as they could remember of the services from dawn till dusk, down to the smallest minutiae and assigned each item to one among themselves. They presented the list of items and assignees to the Lord, while Hanuman was present. Rama heard about the new procedure, read the list and gave His approval, with a smile. He told Hanuman that all tasks had been assigned to others and that he could now take rest. Hanuman prayed that the list might be read and when it was done, he noticed an omission – the task of ‘snapping fingers when one yawns.’ Hanuman pleaded that he might be given the duty of snapping his fingers whenever Rama yawned. The others agreed, for they thought that the chances of Rama yawning would be very rare indeed. For Hanuman, however, it was a god send. For he was ever watching the face of Rama, his fingers ready, waiting for the chance of performing the rite that was his duty! This too was the Grace of Rama, for what can happen without His knowledge and His plan? Who can keep the devotee away from the presence of God? Rama demonstrated by this incident that no one can obstruct His wish and stand between His devotee and Himself. (SSS Vol. 10, p. 95) Of course, being an emperor, Rama should not be allowed to do it himself. It has to be done by a servant, he pleaded. Rama agreed to allot that to Hanuman!
It was a great piece of good luck for Hanuman, for it entitled Hanuman’s constant attendance on the Master, for how could anyone predict when the yawn would come? And, he had to be looking on that heart-warming face all the time to be ready with the snap, as soon as the yawn was on! He could not be away for a minute nor could he relax for a moment. You should be happy that the seva of the Lord keeps you always in His presence and ever vigilant to carry on His behests. The Lord cares for ekagrata and citta shuddhi, concentration and clarity. You need not feel that you are physically away from Him. He has no ‘near’ and ‘far.’ (SSS Vol.4, pp. 54-55)Through seva sadhana, Hanuman attained identity with Rama, as the river attains identity with the sea. (SSS Vol. 15, p. 165)
Remember each person has three sources of power in him: as an individual, as a child of God and as a shrine where Atma is installed. Hanuman once told Rama, ‘When I feel I am this body You are my Lord; when I feel I am a distant Soul or Jiva, I know I am the reflection and You are the Original; when I know I am Atma, I know that I am You and You are I.’
Be ever in the consciousness that you are but the shadow of God, His image. Then, no harm can hamper you. God walks along the royal road of Truth; the shadow, holding on to Him, by the feet, falls on hallow and hill , fire and water, dirt and dust. So, if you hold on to the feet, you can be unaffected, as the shadow by the ups and downs of life. (SSS Vol. 6, p. 260)
Search for the Lord as Hanuman searched for Sita. He had not even seen her; he had only heard her being described. He could also judge what she should be like, if Rama could aspire for her so deep. It was like the attachment of Purusha for Prakriti, no less… Like Hanuman, man too should seek the incomprehensible Adi-Shakti, among the multifarious counter- attractions and distractions of Lanka. (SSB 1996 p. 56) Since the entity is not known, one has to discover it by means of the characteristics it is supposed to have. The experience of sages is the only guide, the only map or chart. The chart is supplied by the Bhagavatam, the Ramayana, and the Puranas. Have the Lokamata, the Tripurasundari in your heart. Her lineaments clear and pure; then proceed bravely into the land of Rakshasas; and you will succeed. Saturate yourself in the search; establish yourself in the faith; then, you can fill yourself with the Bliss. Who can describe the signs of the Sita you seek to find? Only Rama can, for He is the Master. Take Him as the truest guide. The Vedas are like that; Lakshmana, Sugriva and the rest are as the Shastras, arguing by deduction, not from actual mastery. They did not describe Sita; they could not, for they had not seen. (SSS Vol.4, p. 19)
Take Hanuman as your example in seva. He served Rama, the Prince of Righteousness, regardless of obstacles of all types. Though he was strong, learned and virtuous, he had no trace of pride. When asked who he was by Rakshasas in Lanka into which he had entered so daringly, he described himself, in all humility, as the ‘servant of Rama’. That is the ideal example of uprooting of the ego, which Seva must bring about in us. None can serve another while his ego is rampant. The attitudes mutual help and self-less service develop the ‘humanness’ of man and help the unfoldment of the divinity latent in him. (SSS Vol. 15, pp. 163-164)
Hanuman was a great hero in the story of Ramayana. He led an army of Vanaras in his holy mission of searching for the whereabouts of Sita, who was kept in captivity in Lanka by Ravana. He was a very intelligent and faithful servant of Rama/ he was person of noble qualities and great physical strength. In his noble qualities and might, he was unparalleled, In fact, one whole chapter, namely, Sundara Kanda was devoted to describe his qualities of head and heart, in the Ramayana. (SSS Vol. 41, pp. 115-116)
Vibhishana used to praise Hanuman as gunavantha – highly virtuous, Balavantha – extremely strong and powerful and Shanta – always calm and peaceful. Remember that like Hanuman, you too can derive strength and peace only through love and service, together with control of senses. (SSB 1990, pp. 113-114)
Lead an ideal life – no fickleness or wavering:
Hanuman is pictured as a monkey, and monkeys are nature, wayward and frolicsome. Monkeyish , has become a synonym for fickleness. But Hanuman did not have any of this fickleness. He was of Divine descent, and distinguished with the Divine qualities mentioned in the Gita. He derived Bliss in the contemplation of Rama. He had full mastery over physical and sensual cravings. He was shining in Atmic splendour. He had established his life on the foundations of sathya and dharma; and led his companions also on the same path, exercising the force of his example on them. (SSS Vol. 10, pp. 92-93)
Hanuman was intoxicated by his devotion to Rama and was always in a state of ecstasy in chanting Rama s name. He was all humility in the presence of Rama. He was utterly fearless before Ravana. Before the Divine he was a suppliant. Before a Rakshasa he was a hero. Hanuman knew how to conduct himself in any situation. He was supremely intelligent. He stands out as ideal for mankind. (SSS Vol.28, p. 281)
Sugriva and Hanuman saw that Rama and Lakshmana were coming in their direction while searching for Sita. However, Sugriva felt that Rama and Lakshmana were messengers of Vali coming to spy on him, and do him harm. On the contrary, Hanuman, because of his very great good quality and peace of mind, told Sugriva not to be agitated, and that he would go and find out who those people were and report back. He advised that whatever we wish to do, we should never be in haste. Haste is not the right natural quality of one’s own mind. Haste always leads to waste, waste always causes worry and therefore, one should not be in a hurry. Hanuman was well acquainted with these maxims and so he did not make haste. (SSB 1977, p. 94)
Hanuman, who discovered Sita and conveyed to her the message of hope and the assurance of hope, managed to enter the Audience Hall of Ravana. He revealed to him that Sita was the Mother of all the worlds and his own mother. He described the might and majesty of God in the Rama form and drew ominous pictures of the destruction that was in store for Ravana. He advised him to restore Sita and surrender to Rama. He said that eternal disgrace was the fate of everyone who thrusts his ego forward and keeps God behind, beyond consideration. (SSS Vol.18, pp. 88-89)
Women can be compared with Mother of creation. We call our country motherland; we do not call it fatherland. Here, Hanuman is teaching young people how they should treat women as mother. This kind of attitude is very essential for young people today. It is only when we promote such qualities amongst us that we will be able to resuscitate the glorious culture of Bharat. If we have no good quality, our entire life becomes useless. For the good of the world, people with good qualities are very necessary. (SSB 1977, p. 97)
Of the three gunas, sattva (the balanced), rajas (the passionate) and tamas (the dull), rajas is the quality to be watched carefully, for its first progeny is kama or lust. Lust destroyed Ravana, who was a great scholar, warrior, emperor and a mighty hero. It can overwhelm and neutralise every good quality in man, and reduce him to the level of a beast. Anger is the second among the progeny of this quality. Anger can seize the treasure chest of wisdom from your grasp and break it to smithereens. It is usually compared with fire, anala, which literally means, not enough . It always relishes more and more fuel, to feed its limitless hunger. Hanuman had no lust. His anger was not of the not- enough variety. In order to search for Sita, Hanuman had to enter the women s apartments in the palace of Ravana to look into the faces of the sleeping women, and compare their features, with Rama s description of Sita. (SSS Vol. 10, p. 93)
The quality of lust has no satisfaction under any circumstances. The quality of lust has been compared with fire. Fire has also another name called Anala. Anala means something which has no sufficiency at any time and which is insatiable. The meaning of this is, however much you say may experience and enjoy, there is o satisfaction. You will always want more and more. As you put more and more fuel into the fire, the fire goes on increasing. The fire can never be extinguished by adding fuel. In the same manner by your trying to satisfy your desires, the desire will go on increasing. They will never decrease by satisfaction and appeasement. Without submitting to this kind of lust Hanuman earned the grace of Rama. (SSB 1977, p. 103)
While he was embarking on his holy mission of finding Sita in the City of Lanka, he was given certain identification clues about Sita. He was told that Sita was a woman of noble qualities and divine beauty and that she would not mix with the Rakshasa ladies. He searched for Sita in every nook and corner of Lanka, including the inner chambers of the palace where Ravana’s queens and ladies attending on them stayed. During his search he came across ladies scantily dressed and fallen on their beds, intoxicated by drink and dance. But, he was totally unmoved by these obscene forms, keeping always in his mind the characteristics and excellence of Sita that Rama had described to him earlier. His supreme stability of mind in such an environment befitted his true Brahmachari (celibate) status. One cannot find parallels to Lord Rama and His noble servant Hanuman, in this world. They are both Unique. (SSS Vol. 41, p. 116)
He was looking for those features among several women. He was looking at the eyes and ears of women who were in the king’s apartments with a view to see if the features given to by Ramachandra could be found in the eyes and ears of those women. But after some time he found some disgust in his own mind. He came to banks of the ocean. When he came to the ocean, he told himself how much sin he should have committed by having to look at faces of all those women. Having looked at the faces of so many women, he was wondering how could he go back to Ramachandra. He preferred to commit suicide by drowning himself in the oce