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Overcoming sensory pleasures and achieving mastery over one’s mind are the success formulae for completing set tasks and reaching God. Hanuman shows one the way to control one’s wayward mind, meet goals and find a place close to God, said Damal S. Ramakrishnan in a discourse.
When tasked with flying south in search of Sita abducted by Ravana, Hanuman resolved to accomplish his task like Rama’s arrow, that great weapon which does not halt anywhere until it reaches its target. To this end, Hanuman, endowed with both formidable strength and a powerful mind, prepared himself physically. Bringing his palms together in obeisance to the Sun God and the Wind God, he grew rapidly in size on top of a mountain, watched in astonishment by the other apes.
He then pressed his hands and feet on the ground, in readiness for take-off. Valmiki says that when he balanced himself thus, the mountain teetered a little, causing a cascade of flowers on Hanuman. As he rose into the sky, many trees shot up into the sky, filled with other apes, all of whom followed him for a while, like hosts seeing off a guest, as ordained in the sastras, before falling into the water.
As Hanuman progressed, the sea decided to honour Hanuman, as he was on an errand for Rama of Ishvaku clan, the sea’s patron. The Sea God then commanded Mainaka, the great underwater mountain, to rise up and offer a place of rest for Hanuman. The great ape, however, mistook Mainaka for a hindrance sent by Ravana and slapped him aside.
When Mainaka explained its purpose, Hanuman, thanking it for its hospitality, said, “The work I do does not brook any delay. Also, I made a vow that I would not stop on the way.” Hanuman’s single-minded purpose is worthy of emulation.
Published - December 14, 2024 05:00 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit.
