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Hanuman was the living embodiment of the power of Ram-Nam.
He was an ideal selfless worker, a true Karma Yogi who worked
desirelessly. He was a great devotee and an exceptional Brahmachari
or celibate. He served Sri Rama with pure love and devotion,
without expecting any fruit in return. He lived only to serve
Sri Rama. He was humble, brave and wise. He possessed all
the divine virtues. He did what others could not do—crossing
the ocean simply by uttering Ram-Nam, burning the demon-king's
city of Lanka, and bringing the sanjeevini herb to restore
the life of Lakshmana. He brought Sri Rama and Lakshmana from
the nether world after killing Ahiravana.
Hanuman possessed devotion, knowledge, spirit of selfless
service, power of celibacy, and desirelessness. He never boasted
of his bravery and intelligence.
He said to Ravana, "I am a humble messenger of Sri Rama.
I have come here to serve Sri Rama, to do His work. By the
command of Sri Rama, I have come here. I am fearless by the
Grace of Sri Rama. I am not afraid of death. I welcome it
if it comes while serving Sri Rama."
See how humble Hanuman was! How deep was his devotion to
Sri Rama! He never said, "I am the brave Hanuman. I can
do anything and everything."
Sri Rama Himself said to Hanuman, "I am greatly indebted
to you, O mighty hero. You did marvellous, superhuman deeds.
You do not want anything in return. Sugriva has his kingdom
restored to him. Angada has been made the crown prince. Vibhishana
has become king of Lanka. But you have not asked for anything
at any time. You threw away the precious garland of pearls
given to you by Sita. How can I repay My debt of gratitude
to you? I will always remain deeply indebted to you. I give
you the boon of everlasting life. All will honour and worship
you like Myself. Your idol will be placed at the door of My
temple and you will be worshipped and honoured first. Whenever
My stories are recited or glories sung, your glory will be
sung before Mine. You will be able to do anything, even that
which I will not be able to!"
Thus did Sri Rama praise Hanuman when the latter returned
to Him after finding Sita in Lanka. Hanuman was not a bit
elated. He fell in prostration at the holy feet of Sri Rama.
Sri Rama asked him, "O mighty hero, how did you cross
the ocean?"
Hanuman humbly replied, "By the power and glory of Thy
Name, my Lord."
Again Sri Rama asked, "How did you burn Lanka? How did
you save yourself?"
And Hanuman replied, "By Thy Grace, my Lord."
What profound humility Hanuman embodied in himself!
There are many who want wealth in return for their services.
Some do not want wealth, but they cannot resist name and fame.
Others do not want any of these, but they want approbation.
Still others want nothing, but they boast of their deeds.
Hanuman was above all these. That is why he is recognised
as an ideal Karma Yogi and an unsurpassed adept in Bhakti.
His life is full of object lessons. Everyone should try his
best to follow the noble example of Hanuman.
His birthday falls on Chaitra Shukla Purnima—the March-April
full moon day.
On this holy day worship Sri Hanuman. Fast on this day. Read
the Sri Hanuman Chalisa. Spend the whole day in the Japa of
Ram-Nam. Hanuman will be highly pleased and will bless you
with success in all your undertakings.
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