Hanuman Calisa

Pages: 62IntroductionLiving in this world, it is almost impossible for any individual to lead a life that is above criticism - just or unjust. If we study the great epic, Ramayana, we find that even Lord Rama and Mother Sita could not escape criticism, though unjust, from their own subjects. The only person in Ramayana who succeeded in accomplishing this difficult task is Sri Hanuman - the greatest devotee of the Lord. We do not find a single incident wherein Sri Hanuman has made any mistake and got blamed for it. He is the very embodiment of wisdom, devotion and service. This noble son of Wind God (vayu) has innumerable virtues.We all very easily recognize the importance and the service of sun because it is not available in the night. But the wind remains with us all the 24 hours of the day, serving all beings without any desire for recognition and appreciation for its service. Thus we take its existence for granted, without paying much respect and attention to it. Sri Hanuman has imbibed from his father, Wind God this rare and noble virtue of serving all without a trace of pride in his heart. He crossed the ocean, entered the formidable Lanka and burnt it. He discovered Mother Sita, killed the demonic forces of Ravana. He served Lord Rama is such numerous ways that the Lord Himself felt overwhelmed with extreme love and gratitude for Sri Hanuman and He gave expression to His feelings as well. But on hearing his own praise, Sri Hanuman, the true devotee of the Lord, fell at His feet with tears in his eyes, giving all credit for his achievements to Lord Rama alone. What a noble and inspiring ideal of service with utmost humility!Generally we are advised that we should imbibe from Sri Hanuman's character, this rare quality of serving our master with unswerving faith and devotion. But little do we realize that before doing so, it is of extreme importance to kno