Dr.Commander Selvam

Worshipping is what we already do, all the time, we just don't realize it. Our minds naturally worship something. To worship simply means to focus our attention with devotion, and most of the time we're devoted to fulfilling our material desires. Martin Luther said, "Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God." We worship money, fancy cars, luxurious homes, cool gadgets, offering huge sacrifices to attain these, while regularly prostrating at the modern temple: the Shopping Mall.
The Ramayana is full of Hanuman's acts of bravery and superhuman power making him the ultimate superhero. He has the faith to move mountains, which he does when he carries a whole mountainside filled with the sacred herb, Sanjivani, to heal Ram's brother, Lakshman. He can also make himself large at will, which he does to burn down Lanka and defeat Ravana's demon warriors. Likewise, he can make himself small, which he did to enter Ravana's palace undetected and find Sita. Therefore, Hanuman represents the ability to conjure up whatever qualities are necessary in the moment: to rise to the occasion to face our challenges, or make ourselves small and humble. His attitude is,"Whatever it takes, I'll do it 100%," as he fulfills Ram's work and brings goodness into the world. This is the attitude we need to become successful at any endeavor.
Ultimately, devotion is the reason we incarnate as well, because when we have devotion in our lives we realize our connection to God. In the Ramayana, Hanuman's devotion made it possible for Sita to be reunited with Ram. The Ramayana is an allegory representing the soul's evolution, with each character representing an aspect of our own nature. For instance, Ram represents God, Sita represents the individual soul as soon as she became separated from Ram, and Hanuman represents devotion. When our individual soul (Sita) is kidnapped by the demon Ravana (Ego), we need the help of devotion to an ideal (Hanuman) to reunite us with the Divine (Ram). So when we're feeling disconnected from God, Hanuman ignites the devotion that reunites us. See also the article, The Ramayana: A Myth to Live By.
Worship without devotion is just a rote mechanical practice. But once the heart is enlivened, then worship becomes that much better, regardless of which form of God you're worshipping: Krishna, Lakshmi, Shiva, Ganesh, Buddha, Christ, Muhammad, etc. For this reason, worshipping Hanuman can be considered a supportive practice that helps one become a better devotee of one's chosen form of God, or religion. Ultimately, Hanuman takes us beyond devotion to a form, towards devotion to serving Ram in all forms and seeing God's omnipresence everywhere (sarva vyapak).
Hanuman represents Mars because he's a warrior, like Mars, and represents power, strength, courage, energy, etc. which are all qualities of Mars. Hanuman is also associated with the color red or red-orange and the gem red coral, just like Mars. Hanuman balances the negative aspects of Mars like self-centered desire and ambition, impulsivity, domination, control, etc. by directing his entire energy towards service to a higher ideal, Ram. Hanuman's actions are life affirming because they're devoted to goodness, which Ram represents. This counters the destructive, aggressive force of Mars. Just like fire can be either destructive or purifying, Hanuman directs the fiery quality of Mars toward positive outcomes. For instance, in the Ramayana he burned down Ravana's stronghold of Lanka, which represents the purification of our ego-centered thoughts. Therefore, Hanuman is a remedy for Mars's afflictions in the natal chart.
Hanuman represents the positive qualities of Mars, like strength, courage, and energy, which are antidotes for the weakness, fear, and laziness that an afflicted Saturn represents. Hanuman also represents a major shift in attitude from Saturn's sense of limitation to unlimited possibilities, from selfishness to selflessness, from closed hearted bitterness to open hearted devotion, from seeing responsibilities as a burden rather than as joyous service. Therefore, to call upon Hanuman facilitates a transformation of a whole slew of negative, misery inducing qualities of Saturn.
Itt's well worth it to memorize the Hanuman Chalisa, because then you can recite it anytime, anywhere: while you drive, wash dishes, fold laundry, etc. Memorization is the ancient Iphone App of the yogis, giving you an ultimate portable playlist. In 1992, I spent the whole summer memorizing the Chalisa, because I wanted to chant it during my first trip to India later that year. Once I got there, I tried to find rickshaw drivers that had Hanuman's picture somewhere in the cab, and would sing the Chalisa while we drove. I'll never forget how one driver in New Delhi was spilling over with enthusiasm as we sang it together all day. "Come on, just once more?!!" he'd ask laughing hysterically.
No comments:
Post a Comment