Reciting Hanuman Chalisa
Hanuman, the devotee of Rama, said: When I identify myself with the body, O Lord, I am Thy creature, eternally separate from Thee. When I identify myself with the soul, I am a spark of that Divine Fire which Thou art. But when I identify myself with the Atman, I and Thou art one.
Swami Vivekananda
Hanuman is the breath of Rama, the breath of God. God is not far away from us but as close as our breath. Symbolically Hanuman represents the breath, our constant companion and aid along the spiritual path.
Tulsidas
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God reveals Himself in the form which His devotees love most. His love for devotees knows no bounds. Puranas say that God assumed the form of Rama for His heroic devotee, Hanuman.
Ramakrishna Paramhamsa
I have been reciting Hanuman Chalisa since my childhood and in the process like every other devotee have memorised it. However I still have a problem.Sometime when I recite it , I seem to go into a loop ie go to previous line somewhere in the prayer and start all over again.
This has happened many a times, in fact majority of times during past years. I did not discuss it with anyone. Some days back I enquired from my better half , she replied that she sometimes did the same.
Some days back I was with my Sister in law (Bhabhi) in the car. I asked her to recite the Hanuman Chalisa for me. She started and look what happened, she also got into a loop. All of us reciting Hanuman Chalisa since past many years, going into a loop and not completing the Chalisa ,I felt a little strange.
Last Sunday I had to go up a little early as I had to go somewhere.I was having my bath at 4.00 AM in the morning in cold water. My senses constricted , fear of cold water , I started to bath and was reciting Hanuman Chalisa in complete fear of cold water.It was just like asking for help that the bath gets completed.I completed the Hanuman Chalisa fluently and without any loop.
After the bath I realised this and then I caught the secret of Hanuman Chalisa, a prayer for knowledge.
Pray for knowledge with full heart and complete devotion. If you are not absorbed , one with God, while praying ,you will be in a loop.A loop of knowledge which won’t lead you anywhere. You can come out of the loop only with complete devotion and surrender.
AND ONLY THEN WILL THE CHALISA BE COMPLETE.
Hanuman is said to be Lord of Prana .He being son of Vayu Devata ie (air) is closest to us in form of Breath . Swami Vivekananda says breath is the bridge between mind and Atma (self).In Ramayana also Hanuman ji is instrumental in creation of first connection between Mother Sita (Nature) and Lord Rama . In this context I always felt that Pranayama is actually nothing but in Bhakti terms , prayer to Hanuman ji to connect us to Lord Ram . In this context Hanuman Chalisa is said to the greatest form of physical prayer to Lord Hanuman.
Having practiced Pranayama for past 15 years and also being reciting Hanuman Chalisa since childhood , I always felt these two should be related to one another in some way. I felt this , because one is Prayer to Lord Hanuman at grosser level and other at a finer level.
This morning as I was practicing Pranayama , holding the Moolbandha and using the Kechri Mudra (rolling the tounge upward in closed mouth like a ring) , I leapt into a thoughtless state . I got a glimpse of peace ,of truth. Every Pranayama practitioner feels this , nothing new . But suddenly I remembered this from Hanuman Chalisa –
“Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukh Mahi , Jaladi langh gaye achraj nahi” ie having Lord Rama’s ring in his mouth ,Hanuman crossed the Ocean full of waves (or mind full of thought waves), nothing to be astonished about.
I was overwhelmed , so wanted to share this with all !
JAI BAJRANG BALI
| Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj | After cleansing the mirror of my mind with the pollen | |
| Nij mane mukure sudhar | dust of holy Guru’s Lotus feet. I Profess the pure, | |
| Varnao Raghuvar Vimal Jasu | untainted glory of Shri Raghuvar which bestows the four- | |
| Jo dayaku phal char | fold fruits of life.(Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha). | |
| Budhi Hin Tanu Janike | Fully aware of the deficiency of my intelligence, I | |
| Sumirau Pavan Kumar | concentrate my attention on Pavan Kumar and humbly | |
| Bal budhi Vidya dehu mohe | ask for strength, intelligence and true knowledge to | |
| Harahu Kalesa Vikar | relieve me of all blemishes, causing pain. | |
| Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagar | Victory to thee, O’Hanuman! Ocean of Wisdom-All | |
| Jai Kapis tihun lok ujagar | hail to you O’Kapisa! (fountain-head of power,wisdom | |
| and Shiva-Shakti) You illuminate all the three worlds | ||
| (Entire cosmos) with your glory. | ||
| Ram doot atulit bal dhama | You are the divine messenger of Shri Ram. The | |
| Anjani-putra Pavan sut nama | repository of immeasurable strength, though known | |
| only as Son of Pavan (Wind), born of Anjani. | ||
| Mahavir Vikram Bajrangi | With Limbs as sturdy as Vajra (The mace of God Indra) | |
| Kumati nivar sumati Ke sangi | you are valiant and brave. On you attends good Sense | |
| and Wisdom. You dispel the darkness of evil thoughts. | ||
| Kanchan varan viraj subesa | Your physique is beautiful golden coloured and your dress | |
| Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa | is pretty. You wear ear rings and have long curly hair. | |
| Hath Vajra Aur Dhuvaje Viraje | You carry in your hand a lightening bolt along with a victory | |
| Kandhe moonj janehu sajai | (kesari) flag and wear the sacred thread on your shoulder. | |
| Sankar suvan kesri Nandan | As a descendant of Lord Sankar, you are a comfort and pride | |
| Tej pratap maha jag vandan | of Shri Kesari. With the lustre of your Vast Sway, you are | |
| propitiated all over the universe. | ||
| Vidyavan guni ati chatur | You are the repository of learning, virtuous and fully accom- | |
| Ram kaj karibe ko aatur | plished, always keen to carry out the behest’s of Shri Ram. | |
| Prabu charitra sunibe ko rasiya | You are an ardent listener, always so keen to listen to the | |
| Ram Lakhan Sita man Basiya | narration of Shri Ram’s Life Stories. Your heart is filled with | |
| what Shri Ram stood for. You therefore always dwell in the | ||
| hearts of Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita. | ||
| Sukshma roop dhari Siyahi dikhava | You appeared before Sita in a Diminutive form and spoke to | |
| Vikat roop dhari lanka jarava | her in humility. You assumed an awesome form and struck | |
| terror by setting Lanka on fire. | ||
| Bhima roop dhari asur sanghare | With over-whelming might you destroyed the Asuras | |
| Ramachandra ke kaj sanvare | (demons) and performed all tasks assigned to you by Shri Ram | |
| with great skill. | ||
| Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye | You brought Sanjivan (A herb that revives life) and restored | |
| Shri Raghuvir Harashi ur laye | Lakshman back to life, Shri Raghuvir (Shri Ram) cheerfully | |
| embraced you with his heart full of joy. | ||
| Raghupati Kinhi bahut badai | Shri Raghupati (Shri Ram) lustily extolled your excellence and | |
| Tum mam priye Bharat-hi sam bhai | said: “You are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat.” | |
| Sahas badan tumharo yash gaave | Thousands of living beings are chanting hymns of your glories; | |
| Us kahi Shripati kanth lagaave | saying thus, Shri Ram warmly hugged him (Shri Hanuman). | |
| Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa | When prophets like Sanka, even the Sage like Lord Brahma, | |
| Narad Sarad sahit Aheesa | the great hermit Narad himself, Goddess Saraswati and Ahisha | |
| (one of immeasurable dimensions). | ||
| Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan te | Even Yamraj (God of Death) Kuber (God of Wealth) and the | |
| Kavi kovid kahi sake kahan te | Digpals (deputies guarding the four corners of the Universe) | |
| have been vying with one another in offering homage to your | ||
| glories. How then, can a mere poet give adequate expression | ||
| of your super excellence. | ||
| Tum upkar Sugreevahin keenha | You rendered a great service to Sugriv. You united him with | |
| Ram milaye rajpad deenha | Shri Ram and he installed him on the Royal Throne. By heeding | |
| Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan mana | your advice, Vibhishan became Lord of Lanka. This is known | |
| Lankeshwar Bhaye Sub jag jana | all over the Universe. | |
| Yug sahastra jojan par Bhanu | On your own you dashed upon the Sun, which is at a fabulous | |
| Leelyo tahi madhur phal janu | distance of thousands of miles, thinking it to be a sweet | |
| luscious fruit. | ||
| Prabhu mudrika meli mukh mahee | Carrying the Lord’s Signet Ring in your mouth, there is | |
| Jaladhi langhi gaye achraj nahee | hardly any wonder that you easily leapt across the ocean. | |
| Durgaam kaj jagat ke jete | The burden of all difficult tasks of the world become light | |
| Sugam anugraha tumhre tete | with your kind grace. | |
| Ram dware tum rakhvare, | You are the sentry at the door of Shri Ram’s Divine Abode. | |
| Hoat na agya binu paisare | No one can enter it without your permission, | |
| Sub sukh lahai tumhari sarna | All comforts of the world lie at your feet. The devotees enjoy all | |
| Tum rakshak kahu ko dar na | divine pleasures and feel fearless under your benign Protection. | |
| Aapan tej samharo aapai | You alone are befitted to carry your own splendid valour. All the | |
| Teenhon lok hank te kanpai | three worlds (entire universe) tremor at your thunderous call. | |
| Bhoot pisach Nikat nahin aavai | All the ghosts, demons and evil forces keep away, with the | |
| Mahavir jab naam sunavai | sheer mention of your great name, O’Mahaveer!! | |
| Nase rog harai sab peera | All diseases, pain and suffering disappear on reciting regularly | |
| Japat nirantar Hanumant beera | Shri Hanuman’s holy name. | |
| Sankat se Hanuman chudavai | Those who remember Shri Hanuman in thought, words and deeds | |
| Man Karam Vachan dyan jo lavai | with Sincerity and Faith, are rescued from all crises in life. | |
| Sub par Ram tapasvee raja | All who hail, worship and have faith in Shri Ram as the Supreme | |
| Tin ke kaj sakal Tum saja | Lord and the king of penance. You make all their difficult tasks | |
| very easy. | ||
| Aur manorath jo koi lavai | Whosoever comes to you for fulfillment of any desire with faith | |
| Sohi amit jeevan phal pavai | and sincerity, Will he alone secure the imperishable fruit of | |
| human life. | ||
| Charon Yug partap tumhara | All through the four ages your magnificent glory is acclaimed far | |
| Hai persidh jagat ujiyara | and wide. Your fame is Radiantly acclaimed all over the Cosmos. | |
| Sadhu Sant ke tum Rakhware | You are Saviour and the guardian angel of Saints and Sages and | |
| Asur nikandan Ram dulhare | destroy all Demons. You are the angelic darling of Shri Ram. | |
| Ashta sidhi nav nidhi ke dhata | You can grant to any one, any yogic power of Eight Siddhis | |
| Us var deen Janki mata | (power to become light and heavy at will) and Nine Nidhis | |
| (Riches,comfort,power,prestige,fame,sweet relationship etc.) | ||
| This boon has been conferred upon you by Mother Janki. | ||
| Ram rasayan tumhare pasa | You possess the power of devotion to Shri Ram. In all rebirths | |
| Sada raho Raghupati ke dasa | you will always remain Shri Raghupati’s most dedicated disciple. | |
| Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavai | Through hymns sung in devotion to you, one can find Shri Ram | |
| Janam janam ke dukh bisravai | and become free from sufferings of several births. | |
| Anth kaal Raghuvir pur jayee | If at the time of death one enters the Divine Abode of Shri Ram, | |
| Jahan janam Hari-Bakht Kahayee | thereafter in all future births he is born as the Lord’s devotee. | |
| Aur Devta Chit na dharehi | One need not entertain any other deity for Propitiation, as | |
| Hanumanth se hi sarve sukh karehi | devotion of Shri Hanuman alone can give all happiness. | |
| Sankat kate mite sab peera | One is freed from all the sufferings and ill fated contingencies of | |
| Jo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera | rebirths in the world. One who adores and remembers Shri Hanuman. | |
| Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosahin | Hail, Hail, Hail, Shri Hanuman, Lord of senses. Let your victory | |
| Kripa Karahu Gurudev ki nyahin | over the evil be firm and final. Bless me in the capacity as my | |
| supreme guru (teacher). | ||
| Jo sat bar path kare kohi | One who recites Chalisa one hundred times, becomes free from the | |
| Chutehi bandhi maha sukh hohi | bondage of life and death and enjoys the highest bliss at last. | |
| Jo yah padhe Hanuman Chalisa | All those who recite Hanuman Chalisa (The forty Chaupais) | |
| Hoye siddhi sakhi Gaureesa | regularly are sure to be benedicted. Such is the evidence of no less a | |
| witness as Bhagwan Sankar. | ||
| Tulsidas sada hari chera | Tulsidas as a bonded slave of the Divine Master, stays perpetually at | |
| Keejai Nath Hrdaye mein dera *1 | his feet, he prays “Oh Lord! You enshrine within my heart & soul.” | |
| Pavantnai sankat haran, | Oh! conqueror of the Wind, Destroyer of all miseries, you are a | |
| Mangal murti roop. | symbol of Auspiciousness. | |
| Ram Lakhan Sita sahit, | Along with Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita, reside in my heart. | |
| Hrdaye basahu sur bhoop. | Oh! King of Gods. |
Follow the path of Hanuman — he is pure love, devotion, power, strength, generosity, dedication, dharana, kindness and humility, says LAURA PLUMB to PRITI AGRAWAL
I have always admired Hanuman, the monkey god in the Hindu epic of Ramayana. He symbolises complete and selfless devotion to his beloved Rama. He is empowered by his love for Rama and in a way, we can emulate Hanuman to be similarly empowered. Hanuman is the story of how to reconnect to your divine nature, and access the grace that is available to you.
The first mantra of the Ishavasya Upanishad, “Ishaavaasyam idam sarvam”, means the entire universe is His dwelling and is enveloped and covered by the Supreme Being. “Wake up in god; walk in god; talk in god; lie down in god…whatever you do is God’s work; whomsoever you meet, see God in the person; God is in everything and everything is in God!” recites Laura Plumb, an ayurvedic practitioner, and yoga teacher in San Diego, USA, who came to India to teach yoga at the International Yoga Festival (IYF) at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh.
She enjoys the realm of silence and is fascinated by nature’s majesty. “Fortunately, life kicked me hard enough and induced me to go in search of teachers who would help me make sense of both my love of light and beauty, and the suffering I felt in the individualised human experience,” says Laura. Teachers, masters, sages, saints, people with heart from all walks of life, influenced and inspired her. She found herself leaning towards the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, Paramhansa Yogananda, Anandamayi Ma, Swami Rama, don Miguel Ruiz, Rita Rivera, Vamadeva Shastri, Suhas Kshirsagar, T K V Desikachar, Maya Tiwari, Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati.
She advocates the Hanuman Namaskar as a panacea for a whole lot of life’s conditions: Focus your mind on that light within, and breathe into that power. Feel your divine Self come alive. Use yourself as a fountain of energy and then channel this energy to others through devotion. “Give them an embodied experience of the divine and of humanity through service. With focus on mantra and breath, we flow through a series of poses that open and offer the heart, and offer our practice as embodied prayer. It is devotional, almost like a puja in motion. This practice takes people out of the head and makes them experience in their own cells, tissues and bones, the miracle of life, and the greatness of the heart. “Follow the path of Hanuman as he is pure love, devotion, power, strength, generosity, dedication, dharana, life and light force, kindness, and humility. Hanuman symbolises the power of mantra, the power of breath, and the power of prana. Hanuman is the power of surrender. Hanuman is ati balwan; he is so strong! As the son of Vayu, Hanuman represents the power of prana, and the power of a mind turned inward to the light of the heart. Act like Hanuman as you practise your yoga: wag your tail, breathe deep, embody your poses with power, remain single-pointed, stay strong, feel your devotional heart, offer your practice to something you believe in, and chant, letting the chant inform the breath and the breath guide your movements. The prayer is to the power of life, light and love within us, and within all. The mantra is Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Hanuman” says Laura.
Devotion And Dharana
Hanuman was a true devotee of Rama and his devotion evoked wonders. “Nowadays, everyone talks about the power of intent, effectively teaching the sixth limb of the Yoga Sutras, dharana. There is tremendous power in this and brings in clarity of mind and mental concentration. But Hanuman can teach us another greater power. When you combine dharana, the power of the mind, with devotion, the nectar of the heart, you can move mountains, leap across oceans, swallow the sun, and soar into great heights. That may not be literally true, but this is how it can make you feel — when you align yourself with the rhythm and power of the cosmos,” adds Laura.
Laura has a simple philosophy, for it is only with experimentation that you will learn the Truth. Rules are meant to be broken. So she doesn’t believe in celibacy as a rule. There are many sages who have been undone by their inability to live up to that commitment. On the other hand, there are great sages who were householders, married and not celibate. She says, “Celibacy is essential for directing all your energy to the divine, for one who is mature in practice.” All of us should ask ourselves a few questions: What is the best way to live your life? What way of living serves your highest good so that you can serve the highest good in all? “Be honest with yourself. Some people hide in celibacy. Others hide in sexual relations. Be honest about your own needs and capacity. Truth is the only way to lasting happiness. You live your life by discovering your own truth,” suggests Laura.[ad name=”HTML”]