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Jai Bajrangbali – Perfect combination of Power, Intellect & Devotion

12/29/2018

Jai Bajrangbali – Perfect combination of Power, Intellect & Devotion

“मनोजवं मारुततुल्यवेगं, जितेन्द्रियं बुद्धिमतां वरिष्ठ । वातात्मजं वानरयूथमुख्यं, श्रीरामदूतं शरणं प्रपद्ये ।“
(Meaning: Manojavam – One who is swift as mind, Maarutatulyavegam - has speed equal to the wind God, Jitendriyam - has complete control on his senses, Buddhimataamvarishtham - most senior among intellectuals, Vaataatmajam - son of wind God, Vaanarayoothamukhyam - chief of vanara army, Shree raamdootam - messenger of Rama, I take Refuge).

Shree Hanuman is with phenomenal physical, mental, intellectual, and spiritual powers and ardent devotee (bhakt) of Shree Rama. He is known for his erudition, bravery, velour and above all his great self-effacing humility. Tulsidas ji has lucidly elaborated the attributes of Hanuman ji in various verses of Sunderkand, Lankakand, Hanuman Chalisa, Hanumanshtak and Bajrang Ban. He demonstrated eight perfections while crossing Indian Ocean, entering Lanka, presenting before Mata Sita, burning the Lanka, killing demons, bringing life-saving herbs from Himalayas, killing Ahiravana, and at many other places.

Shree Hanuman (whose jaws are prominent) has many names such as Anjaneya (son of mother Anjana), Maruti (son of wind god), Pawansuta (son of wind god), Kesarinandan (son of kesari), Shankara Suvana (son of Shiva), Bajrangbali (whose limbs are as strong as vajra), Mangalmurti.
Sri Vivekananda says: Shri Rama was the Paramatma. Sita was the Jivatma, and each man’s or woman’s body was the Lanka. Sita, thus imprisoned and trying to unite with her Lord, receives a visit from Hanuman, the Guru or divine teacher, who shows her the Lord’s ring, which is Brahma-Jnana, the supreme wisdom that destroys all illusions; and thus Sita finds the way to be at one with Shri Rama, or in other words, the Jivatma finds itself one with the Paramatma.

Hanuman as Symbol of selfless Devotion & Dedication:
Hanuman ji is symbol of pure devotion, unconditional faith, total surrender to Shree Rama, absence of ego. Hanuman ji is generally seen in temples standing with a mace in the right hand or sitting in a devotional posture before the images of Rama and Sita. Sri Ramakrishna Pramhansa says, ‘Hanuman kept the “servant ego” after realizing God in both His Personal and His Impersonal aspects. He thought of himself as the servant of God.’ This is the ‘ego of Devotion’. He does not nourish any kind of ego but surrenders himself, body and soul to Shree Rama. Under Navdha Bhakti, devotion of Hanuman ji comes under Dasya Bhakti.

In Hanuman Chalisa (verses 12 to 15), Tulsidas ji has mentioned that Shree Raghu Ram praised Hanumanji and said:

Brother, you're as dear to me as Bharat!
May the thousand-mouthed serpent sing your fame! So saying, Shri's Lord draws Hanumanji to Himself.
Sanak and the sages, Brahma, gods, and great saints, Narada, Sarasvati, and the king of serpents, Yama, Kubera, and the guardians of the quadrants, poets and scholars - none can express your glory.

(रघुपति कीह्नी बहुत बड़ाई । तुम मम प्रिय भरतहि सम भाई ॥१२॥ सहस बदन तुह्मारो जस गावैं । अस कहि श्रीपति कण्ठ लगावैं ॥१३॥ सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीसा । नारद सारद सहित अहीसा ॥१४॥ जम कुबेर दिगपाल जहाँ ते । कबि कोबिद कहि सके कहाँ ते ॥१५॥)

As great devotee, Hanuman ji is praised by Tulsidasji all over Ramacharitramana and Hanuman Chalisa. A few verses from Hanuman Chalisa and Ramacharitramanas are mentioned hereunder:

Hanuman Chalisa

Supremely wise, virtuous, and clever, you are ever intent on Ram's work. You delight in hearing of the Lord's deeds; Ram, Lakshman, and Sita dwell in your heart. (बिद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर । राम काज करिबे को आतुर ॥७॥ प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया । राम लखन सीता मन बसिया ॥८॥)
You hold the elixir of Ram's name and remain eternally His servant (राम रसायन तुह्मरे पासा । सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा ॥३२॥)

Ramcharitramanas

On the way to Sri Lanka for locating Mata Sita, Hanuman ji encounters a mountain who asks him to rest a while before proceeding. But Hanuman ji thanks him and says that he cannot take rest without completing the task of Raghunath ji (हनूमान तेहि परसा कर पुनि कीन्ह प्रनाम। राम काजु कीन्हें बिनु मोहि कहाँ बिश्राम॥1॥)
Only after meeting Mata Sita and alleviating her sorrow, Hanuman ji recalled his hunger and prayed Mata Sita to grand him permission to eat the fruits. (सुनहु मातु मोहि अतिसय भूखा। लागि देखि सुंदर फल रूखा॥ सुनु सुत करहिं बिपिन रखवारी। परम सुभट रजनीचर भारी॥4॥ तिन्ह कर भय माता मोहि नाहीं। जौं तुम्ह सुख मानहु मन माहीं॥5॥)

Hanuman ji as symbol of power, courage & intellect:
Hanumanji is revered as symbol great power and supremely intelligent. Therefore, he is called as “Mahaveer” and “Mahabali”. Hanuman ji is highly intellectual, learned in Vedanta philosophy, the Vedas, a poet, grammarian etc. As per Puranas, Hanuman was taught the Vedas and all other branches of learning by Sun God himself, Surya. He learnt his lessons by trotting alongside the Sun's chariot as it moved across the sky.
Hanuman ji was granted wishes of exemplary powers by several gods viz. Indra, Agni, Vayu, Varuna, Vishnu, Shiva, Surya, Kuber, Yama, Vishwakarma and Brahma. Indra granted the wish that his body would be as strong as Indra's Vajra. Agni granted the wish that fire won't harm him; God Varuna granted a wish that water won't harm him; God Vayu granted a wish that he will be as fast as wind and the wind won't harm him. Lord Brahma granted a wish that he can move at any place where he cannot be stopped at anywhere, Lord Vishnu granted a weapon for Hanuman which is named as "Gada".Hence this wishes makes Hanuman an immortal (Chiranjivi), who has unique powers and strong. From Shiva he obtained the boons of longevity, scriptural wisdom and ability to cross the ocean. Shiva assured safety of Hanuman with a band that would protect him for life. Surya gave him two siddhis of yoga namely "laghima" and "garima", to be able to attain the smallest or to attain the biggest form . Yama, the God of Death blessed him healthy life and free from his weapon danda, thus death would not come to him. Kubera showered his blessings declaring that Hanuman would always remain happy and contented. Vishwakarma blessed him that Hanuman would be protected from all his creations in the form of objects or weapons.

A few verses from Hanuman Chalisa and Ramacharitramanas are being quoted hereunder:

Hanuman Chalisa:

Assuming tiny form you appeared to Sita, and in awesome guise you burned Lanka. Taking dreadful form you slaughtered demons and completed Lord Ram's mission. . Bringing the magic herb, you revived Lakshman, and Ram embraced you with delight. (सूक्ष्म रूप धरि सियहिं दिखावा । बिकट रूप धरि लङ्क जरावा ॥९॥ भीम रूप धरि असुर सँहारे । रामचन्द्र के काज सँवारे ॥१०॥ लाय सञ्जीवन लखन जियाये । श्रीरघुबीर हरषि उर लाये ॥११॥)
Though the sun is thousands of miles away, you swallowed it, thinking it a sweet fruit. (जुग सहस्र जोजन पर भानु । लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू ॥१८॥)
Holding the Lord's ring in your mouth, it's no surprise you leapt the ocean. (प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं । जलधि लाँघि गये अचरज नाहीं ॥१९॥)
You alone can withstand your own splendor, the three worlds tremble at your roar. Ghosts and goblins cannot come near, Great Hero, when your name is uttered. All disease and pain is eradicated, brave Hanuman, by constant repetition of your name. Hanuman releases from affliction those who remember him in thought, word, and deed. (आपन तेज सह्मारो आपै । तीनों लोक हाँक तें काँपै ॥२३॥ भूत पिसाच निकट नहिं आवै । महाबीर जब नाम सुनावै ॥२४॥ नासै रोग हरै सब पीरा । जपत निरन्तर हनुमत बीरा ॥२५॥ सङ्कट तें हनुमान छुड़ावै । मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै ॥२६॥)

Hanuman ji demonstrated his power, intellect and decision making at several places. Details as under:

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Jai Shree Hanuman – the Chiranjeevi

12/21/2018

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Jai Shree Hanuman – the Chiranjeevi
“ॐ हनुमते नमः”

Shree Hanuman is one of the most revered deities across India. The worship of Hanuman cuts across sects and communities of Hindus. Vaishnavas worship Garuda and Hanumān alike as the mounts of Vishnu. Shaivas worship Hanuman as an incarnation of Shiva or the eleventh Rudra. Hanumān is also a manifestation of Shakti. The tantrikas worship one-headed, five-headed and eleven-headed Hanuman for spiritual attainment. Madhvacharya, the founder of the Dvaita school of Vaishnava philosophy, called himself the incarnation of Hanuman. Hanuman ji is one of the Chiranjeevis (immortals) who lives in all four ages.

Besides being a popular deity in Hinduism, Hanuman is also found in Jainism and Buddhism. Outside of India, Hanuman is known in countries which were influenced by the Hindu culture such as Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Hanuman as Chiranjeevi:
Tulsidas ji has mentioned that splendor of Hanuman ji fills all the four ages and his glory is famed throughout the world (चारों जुग परताप तुह्मारा । है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा ॥२९॥ Hanuman Chalisa)

Vedic Roots: Hanuman finds mention in ancient scriptures such as in Vedas (hymn 10.86 of the Rigveda), in Purans (Mahabhagvata Purana, the Skanda Purana, the Brhaddharma Purana and the Mahanataka etc.).
Hanuman ji is worshipped with Vaishno Devi. As per scriptures, Hanuman ji guarded at the cave entrance, where Vaishno Devi was meditating for nine months, before she came out of cave. There is a stream called Ban Ganga (Ban literally means an arrow), where Devi used her arrow to take out a stream of water from the hill, to quench the thirst of Hanuman when he became thirsty. Hanuman also fought with Bhairavnath before Vaishno Devi asked him to leave Bhairavnath to her.
Treta Yug: Hanuman is central character in Ramayana.
Dwaper Yug: Hanuman finds mention in Mahabharata.
First mention of Shri Hanuman was during the exile of Pandava. Bhima meets shri Hanuman in the forest while Shri Hanuman took a form of an old monkey. Basically the whole incident happened to remove the pride of Mighty Bhima. Bhima enters a field where Hanuman is lying with his tail blocking the way. Bhima, unaware of the monkey's identity, told him to remove it; in response, Hanuman tells him to remove it himself. Bhima tries with all his might but is unable to separate the tail from its owner. Being the mighty warrior that he was, Bhima quickly comes to the conclusion that this monkey must be much more powerful than him. Hanuman reveals his identity, and the two brothers embrace one another.
Second time the Shri Hanuman meets Arjuna when the later questions the strategy of Shri Ram to use monkey for constructing bridge to cross the sea. It is during this encounter that Shri Hanuman promised to protect Arjuna in the war. This incident was precipitated by an earlier encounter between Hanuman and Arjuna wherein Hanuman appeared as a small talking monkey before Arjuna at Rameshwaram, where Sri Rama had built the great bridge to cross over to Lanka and rescue Sita. When Arjuna wondered out aloud as to why Sri Rama's accepted the help of monkeys rather than building a bridge of arrows by himself, Hanuman (in the form of the little monkey) challenged him to build one capable of beating him alone, and Arjuna, unaware of the monkey's true identity, accepted. Hanuman then proceeded to destroy the bridges Arjuna created one after another, and as a result Arjuna became depressed, deciding to take his own life. Vishnu then appeared before them both, chiding Arjuna for his vanity and Hanuman for making the accomplished warrior Arjuna feel incompetent. In another version, when Arjuna becomes suicidal, Lord Krishna places his Sudarshana Chakra (Discus) below Arjuna's final bridge of arrows, preventing Hanuman from breaking the bridge. As an act of penitence for his behavior, Hanuman decides to help Arjuna by fortifying his chariot before the imminent battle. Accordingly, legend suggests that Hanuman is one of only three people who heard the Gita from Lord Sri Krishna himself, the other two being Arjuna and the poet Sanjaya.
Third mention of Shri Hanuman in Mahabharata was during the War. Shri Hanuman was present in the flag of the chariot of Arjuna. Shri Hanuman presence on the chariot protected the chariot from turning into ashes.

Kali Yug: A few learned and wise people have reported seeing him. Sage Madhavarcharya was said to have been graced with Lord Hanuman’s visit in 13th Century AD. In early 1600s, Lord Hanuman apparently visited Tulsidas and inspired him to write the Hindi Ramayana entitled Ram Charit Mans. Samarth Ramadas Swami (17th Century), Raghavendra Swami and Swami Ramdas were all have been said to have got the darshan of Lord Hanuman as well.

The legends about the Birth, Birth places, forms of Hanuman ji is mentioned hereunder:

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Ashtavakra – the Self-Realised Saint

12/14/2018

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Ashtavakra – the Self-Realised Saint

Sri Ashtavakra is a revered Vedic sage in Hinduism. His name literally means "eight bends", reflecting the eight physical handicaps he was born with. As per historians, the period of Sri Astavakra lived over 7000 years ago. However, as per Vedic calculations, it may be over one to two lakhs years ago.

Guru Ashtavakra, a self-realized saint of Advaita philosophy, held dialogue with the disciple King Janaka of Mithila Kingdom on self-realization or enlightenment. Ashtavakra Gita (298 Sutras, 20 chapters) or song of Sri Ashtavakra is the detailed account of this dialogue.

Three legends are popular relating to Ashtavakra as under:

Sage Aruni, mentioned in the Chandogya Upanisad, ran a school (Asrama) teaching the Vedas. Kahoda was one of his students, along with Aruni's daughter Sujata. Aruni's daughter married Kahoda. She got pregnant, and during her pregnancy, the developing baby heard the chanting of the Vedas and learnt the correct recitation. According to one version of the legends surrounding Ashtavakra, his father was once reciting the Vedas, but erred in correct intonation. The fetus corrected his father. As per other version, Ashtavakra said to his father that scriptures are only collection of words. Wisdom is inside everybody. The father got angry and cursed him. The curse caused him to be born crooked, with eight bends, which is what his name "Ashtavakra" means.
When Ashtavakra was of twelve years old, king Janak organized a competition on philosophy among learnt scholars. He kept a price of hundred cows with gold mounted on their horns. Ashtavakra came to know that his father has been winning except with one scholar. Ashtavakra reached in the conference room to contest. Ashtavakra being deformed, all scholars laughed at him. Later, Ashtavakra also burst into laughter. King Janak asked Ashtavakra that he understood the reason of laughing of scholars but could not understand the reason for his laughing. Ashtavakra said that he laughed to see the debate is being conducted among cobblers. After hearing the reply of Ashtavakra, silence spread in the conference. Before scholars could react, Raja Janak asked him the reason for his comment. Ashtavakra said that cobblers are assayer of skin not knowledge as they made judgement on that basis. They have no realization of the soul. Wise persons have vision of self not skin. Raja Janak bowed down to Astavakra and touched his lotus feet. Raja Janaka then escorted him to his own throne and washed his feet and begged his apologies. Ashtavakra then challenged the winning scholar to have debate with him and defeated him. After seeing his son Astavakra kohada muni was very pleased but at the same moment he felt very sad for cursing the baby in anger .Muni Kohada blessed his son with all the spiritual powers which he gained through his virtues all life. As soon Ashtavakra take the dip in the holy river, Ashtavakra’s body regained his original pure form.
King Janak studied several scriptures. In one scripture, it was mentioned that attainment of spiritual wisdom or enlightenment is very easy which can be attained in no time. The time taken may be equivalent to the time taken in placing the foot on another stirrup (रकाब) of horse after putting one foot on the stirrup. King Janak challenged many scholars to prove the statement or delete the sentence from the scripture. Nobody could prove it. Ashtavakra accepted the challenge. He took Raja Janak in secluded place along with horse and asked him the statement mentioned in the scripture. King Janak mentioned that for spiritual wisdom can be attained by those who have competence or eligibility for it. But for its eligibility, freedom from ego, emotions, gathered knowledge from scriptures & external objects and complete surrender are required. King Janak said that he surrenders him his body, mind, buddhi, ego and everything. On surrendering the ego and emptying the entire vessel, Raja Janak realized the spiritual wisdom before he could place another foot on stirrup. Three days passed. Ministers of searched the king and found them sitting in silence. The ministers asked Raja Janak to return the kingdom to manage it. Raja Janak said that he has surrendered everything to the Guru and he will now follow his dictates only. Then Astavakra understood that Raja Janak has attained enlightenment and advised him to manage the affairs of the kingdom.

Advait Philosophy:
1.    Astavakra preach about spiritual experience or enlightenment as under:
a.   People reside in body, mind, buddhi and ego where he feels about pleasure-pain. Anger, greed, attachment, lust etc. arise from them.
b.   Away from body, mind, buddhi and ego, is pure consciousness (Jivatma, soul). Jivatma is non-doer, non-enjoyer, not bound but only witness. Experience of Jivatma is moksha. All individual jivatma combined together are Brahman.
c.   Sri Ashtavakra claims that spiritual experience or enlightenment or wisdom (आत्मज्ञान) can be instantaneous. However, it has three requisites viz. one should be seeker, one should be is worthy for it and presence of enlightened teacher (सद्गुरु).
d.   To be worthy, one should be free from ego, absolute surrender, free from sentiments (feelings, attitudes) of body & mind, emptiness from knowledge of scriptures and make himself free from external benefits.

Shankaracharya (788 – 820 AD) made commentaries on various scriptures of Hinduism including several Upanishads. He wrote on philosophy of Advait Vedant i.e. non dualism. As per the philosophy, this world is an illusion (maya); only Brahman (Parabrahman) is ultimate reality and jiva is not different from Brahman.
In 15th century, saint Kabir explained the advait philosophy in his poetry of “Moko Kahaan Dhunde Re Bande”. The lyrics & Translation are as under:

मोको कहाँ ढूंढे रे बन्दे | मै तो तेरे पास में | ना तीरथ में ना मूरत में |ना एकांत निवास में | ना मंदिर में ना मस्जिद में | ना काबे कैलास में | ना में जप में ना में तप में | ना में बरत उपास में | ना में क्रिया करम में रहता |नहिं जोग संन्यास में | ना ब्रह्माण्ड आकाश में | ना में प्रकृति प्रवार गुफा में | नहिं स्वांसो की स्वांस में | खोजि होए तुरत मिल जाऊं | इक पल की तालास में |कहत कबीर सुनो भई साधो |मै तो हूँ विश्वास में |

Where do you search me? I am with you, Not in pilgrimage, nor in icons; Neither in solitary living; Not in temples, nor in mosques; Neither in Kaba nor in Kailas; Not in prayers, nor in meditation; Neither in fasting or prohibition; Not in vedic procedure; Nor in yogic postures; Not even in sky or universe; Neither in womb of nature; Not in the breath of the breaths; If you are a true seeker; In a moment than you discover; Says Kabir, listen with care, where your faith is, I am there.

List of the chapters and topics are as under:

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DEITIES, PHILOSOPHERS & BHAKTS

Jai Bajrangbali – Perfect combination of Power, Intellect & Devotion

Jai Shree Hanuman – the Chiranjeevi

Ashtavakra – the Self-Realised Saint

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Jai Bajrangbali – Perfect combination of Power, Intellect & Devotion

Jai Shree Hanuman – the Chiranjeevi

Ashtavakra – the Self-Realised Saint

Archives

Categories

DEITIES, PHILOSOPHERS & BHAKTS