"The Ramayana of Valmiki" -Hanuman-

If you were the only person in the world that could rescue someone or even do something for another without anything in return. Would you do it?

That seems to be the case with Hanuman in the story of “The Ramayana of Valmiki.” 

In the story it is told that Hanuman is the only one that can rescue Sita from Ravana because of the distance that is required to travel to Lanka. Over 800 miles of pure ocean requires strength and longevity that no human or anyone else can do alone. It is only Hanuman as the book states, “There is no one equal to you in strength or in the ability to cross this ocean, nay, an ocean far wider than this. All others are discouraged; the mission surely depends upon you.” How is possible for this specific “vanara” to accomplish such a task, when others like him can’t do it or is he like the other vanara’s?

The history of Hanuman is that he is the son of the wind-god and his mother is part nymph and vanara, which is half human half monkey. His first gift was recognized as a baby when he sought after the sun, thinking it was a piece of fruit and tried to pluck it out of the sky. However, Indra the god of all gods was so angry with Hanuman for trying to grab the sun that he threw a thunderbolt at him. The thunderbolt was so powerful that it knocked Hanuman down and broke his left chin, yet he didn’t die. The wind-god, Hanumans father, was so mad at Indra for what I call “giving another man’s child a spanking” that out of retaliation for Indra’s behavior he stopped the wind from moving throughout the entire world.  This frightened all of the other Gods. So Brahma (the creator) gave Hanuman the gift of “invincibility in battle.” When Indra found out that Hanuman didn’t die from the thunderbolt he also gifted and confirmed that Hanuman “will die only when he wishes to.”

Because Hanuman is the only one that can rescue Sita, he decides to go. Throughout his journey Hanuman faces many trials. Some of the trials seemed more like tests from the Gods, as if they were testing his character. Once he triumphed over the demoness “the gods applauded this feat and said: ‘He in whom are found (as in you) these four virtues (firmness, vision, wisdom, and dexterity) does not despair in any undertaking.’”

Once Hanuman arrives to Lanka he sees Ravana but not Sita and becomes discouraged. Thoughts run across his mind, “Whether she is lost, or she has perished or has died, how can I inform Rama about it?”   His thoughts become overwhelming because he starts to doubt his ability of finding Sita and the feelings of disappointment start to show because he begins to think about what will happen if he doesn’t follow through with his promise to Rama and the others.  “If I do not find Sita there, I shall with the same speed go to the heaven to search for her. And, if I do not see her even there, I shall get hold of Ravana, bind him and bring him over to the presence of Rama. I shall definitely return with success.”

 (“I shall not yield to despair. For, it has been well said that perseverance alone is the secret of prosperity and great happiness; perseverance a lone keeps all things going, and crowns all activities with success.”)

And so he continues his search for Sita. What is the real drive for his perseverance? Is it honor or something greater?

 “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness” (2 Peter 1:5-7 NIV)

How often do you make a promise to do something and not follow through with it? For example work commitments, plans with friends, or any other obligation. Yet, you may have been too selfish to stop and think about the domino effect it has on everyone else or even yourself. Time and time again I’ve learned the hard way (in my younger years of course) that overall everything I do or say does affect someone.

Although it’s just in the story but you can see the similarities with Hanuman and his promise to Rama.

The Ramayana of Valmiki

There is so much to say about the story of “Ramayana of Valmiki” that I’ve had such a hard time just picking one. It is full of betrayal, suspense, love and commitment.

 I would like to touch on one subject though; it has to do with not listening to “warnings” from others. It’s easy to become completely consumed by the illusion of a particular situation and not having discernment enough to see the “big” picture. Sita and Rama are perfect examples of this.

 In the story, Sita, Rama’s wife observes a rare and beautiful deer in the forest. It’s so beautiful that she seems to have become enamored with it. Even her husband Rama becomes fixated on its beauty. The only one that seems to question how this rare deer came before them is Laksmana. He then gives them a warning, “I think it is the same demon Marica in disguise. I have heard that Marica could assume any form at will, and through such tricks he had brought death and destruction to many ascetics in this forest.” Without paying attention to Laksmanas’s advice they pursue the deer anyway. This seemingly simple act turns into a great disaster.

How many times have you heard a “warning” from someone you loved maybe from a parent, a partner or even a friend? They are quick to offer discouraging advice so that you don’t make the same mistake as they did. The consideration is this if it’s discouragement or a warning it comes from an experience that didn’t turn out the way they had hoped it would.

Yet, being stubborn and very human, you decide to go against the advice given anyway. My question for you is this, how many times do you reflect on a choice you’ve made and wish you could go back and change the outcome? If you’ve answered more than once; maybe you should take that into consideration next time when someone offers you advice. Stop, listen, reflect and consider if they are giving you advice out of love? If so, maybe you should reconsider your decision.

For myself I’ve learned this lesson the hard way!

Job

“There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”

Job’s heart for God was so unwavering that God knew without a doubt no matter what trials or turmoil Satan caused Job, Job’s love for God would not waiver nor subside. Satan tested Job constantly throughout the story; he took everything away from him by killing his children, destroying all of his live stock, giving Job sores from head to toe, even the ones closets to him questioned his moral fiber.

Yet, through all of his pain and suffering, Job never cursed God. Satan was in complete disbelief that a man could still love God the way Job did. As Job said, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”

In my opinion that is easier said then done! I know that it is easier to be thankful and praise God when everything in life seems to be going well. However, it is harder not to question God and his existence when times are extremely tough. Yet, I’ve personally learned over time that God does exist and he answers prayers even though in my opinion he may show up painfully slow. Yet his timing is always perfect!

At the end of the story Job was given twice as much as he had before because he continued to show his faithfulness towards God. “Those who persist in trusting God will be rewarded.” I don’t believe that God will always bless us with material things. However, I do believe that God will reward us with his love, wisdom and strength to last us until our dying days.

“As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.”
(Proverbs 27:19, NIV)

Abraham and Isaac

The ultimate test given by God to Abraham, I’m sure God gave Abraham many tests before and after this one. However, I don’t know if any test could compare to the idea of one sacrificing his “one and only son.” Yet, without hesitation or questioning God, Abraham was fully prepared to sacrifice his son the next day.

Once Abraham had prepared his son’s sacrifice an angel came to him and spoke. The angel said that he wasn’t going to allow him to sacrifice his son because he passed Gods test. Then the angel gave Abraham and Isaac a ram to sacrifice. Because of Abraham’s faith in God and trusting his word, God then blessed Abraham and his generations to follow.

My question for you is this; would you pass or fail this specific test? Do you have enough faith in God to acknowledge his will for you and your life? If that seems to unrealistic for the era that you live in, than do you trust God with your daily tests that are given? If you are wondering what I’m talking about, let me give you some examples.

- Finances may be tight due to the economy and the stress is becoming unbearable, the thought often crosses your mind, how am I going to pay my bills, put food on my table, and clothe myself or my family? At that point do you actually step back and think God will provide for you? Do you trust that he will answer your prayers?

- A type of relationship just ended a marriage, dating or friendship. The feeling of being lost overwhelmed or even a serious depression overcomes you. Do you believe that God will see you through the pain? Do you believe and trust for whatever reason that this specific outcome has prevailed itself so that God can show you his “BEST” plan for you and your life?



Throughout life God gives us many tests and I believe they are to build our faith in him, as well as, to build our character. In the big picture God doesn’t give us anything we can’t really handle. It’s a matter of faith and persevering through the tough times which only make us stronger.



“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

(NIV: James 1: 3-5)