Meeting with the Master -1 (TCH#4)

(Photo courtesy: Ramcharit Manas-Manoj Publications)

In the previous blog, we discussed how Hanuman's influence was demonstrated through his role as an advisor to Sugreev. In this blog, we will focus on Hanuman's devotion to Shri Ram.

When Shri Ram and Laxman first encounter Hanuman in the guise of a Sanyasi, they are initially suspicious of his intentions.  However, Hanuman's probing questions and insightful observations eventually convince Shri Ram of his sincerity. When Hanuman's disguise fades away and he reveals himself as a monkey, he falls at Shri Ram's feet in tears of devotion.

In Kishkindha Kand of Ramcharit Manas, Goswami Tulsidas has narrated this scene very nicely (from chaupai 4 onwards) and the conversation between Ram and Hanuman ji is worth understanding:

Hanuman asks:
को तुम्ह स्यामल गौर सरीरा ⁠। छत्री रूप फिरहु बन बीरा ⁠।⁠।

कठिन भूमि कोमल पद गामी ⁠। कवन हेतु बिचरहु बन स्वामी ⁠।⁠।

"Ko tumha syaamal gaur sareeraa. Chhatree roop firahu ban beeraa.

Kathin bhoomi komal pad gaamee. Kavan hetu bicharahu ban svaamee."

"Who are you, wandering in the forest as warriors with dark and fair bodies, oh brave ones? Oh master, your feet are delicate, walking on the hard earth. Why are you wandering in the forest?

मृदुल मनोहर सुंदर गाता ⁠। सहत दुसह बन आतप बाता ⁠।⁠।

की तुम्ह तीनि देव महँ कोऊ ⁠। नर नारायन की तुम्ह दोऊ ⁠।⁠।

"Mridul manohar sundar gaataa. Sahat dusah ban aatap baataa.

Ki tumha teeni dev mahan ko'u. Nar Narayan ki tumha dou."

Your soft and charming body sings, enduring the unbearable heat and wind of the forest. Are you one of the three gods - Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, or both Nar and Narayan? Or are you the Lord himself, the cause of the world, and the master of all worlds, who took human form to help people cross the ocean of existence and end the burden of the earth?

Ram replies:

कोसलेस दसरथ के जाए ⁠। हम पितु बचन मानि बन आए ⁠।⁠।

नाम राम लछिमन दोउ भाई ⁠। संग नारि सुकुमारि सुहाई ⁠।⁠।

इहाँ हरी निसिचर बैदेही ⁠। बिप्र फिरहिं हम खोजत तेही ⁠।⁠।

आपन चरित कहा हम गाई ⁠। कहहु बिप्र निज कथा बुझाई ⁠।⁠।

"Kosalesh Dasharath ke jaaye. Hum pitu bachan maani ban aaye.

Naam Ram Lachhiman dou bhaai. Sang naar sukhumaari suhaai.

Ihaan hari nisichar baidehi. Bipra firahin hum khojat tehi.

Aapn charit kaha hum gaai. Kehahu bipra nij katha bujhaai."

We are the sons of King Dasharath of Kaushal State and have come to the forest obeying our father's command. Our names are Ram and Laxman, and we are brothers. We were accompanied by a beautiful woman named Sita. Here in the forest, a demon abducted my wife, Janaki. Hey Brahmin! We have been searching for her ever since. We have told our story. Now, tell us your story.

प्रभु पहिचानि परेउ गहि चरना ⁠। सो सुख उमा जाइ नहिं बरना ⁠।⁠।

पुलकित तन मुख आव न बचना ⁠। देखत रुचिर बेष कै रचना ⁠।⁠।

पुनि धीरजु धरि अस्तुति कीन्ही ⁠। हरष हृदयँ निज नाथहि चीन्ही ⁠।⁠।

मोर न्याउ मैं पूछा साईं ⁠। तुम्ह पूछहु कस नर की नाईं ⁠।⁠।

Prabhu pahichaani pareu gahi charana. So sukh uma jaa'i nahin barna.

 Pulakit tan mukh aava na bachana. Dekhat ruchira besh kai Rachana.

Puni dheeraju dhari astuti keenhi. Harsha hridayan nij naathahi cheenhi.

Mor nyaau main poochha sai. Tumh poochhahu kas nar ki naai.

Recognizing the Lord, Hanuman grabbed his feet and fell on the ground (prostrated). Shiv says – “O Parvati! Words cannot describe that happiness. The body trembles, and no words come out of the mouth. They are looking at the beautiful form of the Lord. Then, Hanuman praised the Lord with composure. Recognizing his Lord filled his heart with immense joy. Then he said – “Oh Lord! I asked you who you were.”

This episode shows how Hanuman's devotion to Shri Ram transcends all boundaries of physical appearance and societal norms. Hanuman is not afraid to express his emotions openly and without reservation. His single-minded devotion to Shri Ram is an inspiration for leaders in the corporate world to remain true to their values and principles.

Furthermore, Hanuman's use of disguise and intelligence to gather information also provides a valuable lesson for leaders. It is essential to be resourceful and adaptable in the face of challenges and to use one's skills and talents to overcome obstacles.

Hanuman's influence and devotion are powerful examples for leaders in the corporate world. By understanding people beyond their external appearances and remaining true to one's values and principles, leaders can inspire trust and loyalty among their followers.