“How can I ensure that the purpose of my task does not get destroyed? How shall I avoid mental disparity, and how do I ensure that my crossing of the ocean does not go for naught?” (Hanuman, Valmiki Ramayana, Sundara Kand, 2.41)

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न विनश्येत्कथं कार्यं वैक्लब्यं न कथं भवेत्
लङ्घनं च समुद्रस्य कथं नु न वृथा भवेत्

na vinaśyetkathaṃ kāryaṃ vaiklabyaṃ na kathaṃ bhavet
laṅghanaṃ ca samudrasya kathaṃ nu na vṛthā bhavet

1. What do you need done?

“Alright, you called me. You said it was urgent. I am here. What is up? Your physical appearance and demeanor do convey urgency. Is that because you are calm, cool, and collected? If you could go into as much detail as possible, that would be helpful.”

2. When do you need it by?

“Okay, great. I understand, completely. Let’s talk about timelines. When are you looking for completion? When do you expect me to start? This information is helpful because it allows me to manage expectations, measure progress, and properly pace myself. Otherwise, waiting until the last moment adds too much pressure. I perform better under known conditions, conducive to steadiness.”

3. How do you define success?

“Alright, so let’s spell it out. Right now. I want to avoid any potential confusion, after the fact. I do not want you to be upset with me over a misunderstanding. I know what the mission is. I know what I have to do. I would like you to describe what a successful outcome looks like. This way, we are both clear on the matter.

4. What will I get out of it?

“I know that I am your friend. I appreciate that you trust me. I would certainly reach out to you if ever I needed something. Is there anything I am getting out of this, though? It doesn’t have to be money. It could be something as basic as appreciation. If you want to add a token to a virtual bank account of favors, that would also suffice. I can then redeem that token at any time in the future, if I should require your assistance.”

5. Will you hold failure against me?

“We are friends now. We have a good relationship. What happens if I don’t come through? This is not the easiest thing you are asking for. I think I can do it. I will try my best. But what if I should fail? Are you going to end the friendship? Are you going to hold it against me? If so, I will take that information into account, as to whether or not I will accept the task.”

…

The above questions are only natural. Why would someone want to be exploited? Why would they continue to work for free? Why would they sacrifice for someone who does not appreciate their efforts? Empathy is knowing how someone else feels. A wise person has empathy. A wise person retains memories of their own difficult experiences. They then translate that to tasks they ask of others. They understand that nothing is easy. A kind person realizes that others are not around to simply serve them, day and night.

तव देव प्रसादाच्च भ्रातुश्च जयतां वर
कृतं न प्रतिकुर्याद्यः पुरुषाणां स दूषकः

tava deva prasādācca bhrātuśca jayatāṃ vara
kṛtaṃ na pratikuryādyaḥ puruṣāṇāṃ sa dūṣakaḥ

“O best among the glorious ones, all of this has been achieved by me through the divine grace of You and Your brother. One who does not repay the favors offered to him certainly is considered a disgrace among men.” (Sugriva speaking to Lord Rama, Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindha Kand, 38.26)

The above review creates its own picture. Setting that aside for a moment, we consider the task accepted by the Vanara representative known as Hanuman. His heroic exploits are described in detail in the Sanskrit poem known as the Ramayana. This is a work of history. This book belongs in the non-fiction category. It also happens to be sacred to millions of people, across thousands of years. Though the Ramayana gets its name from Shri Rama, who is the main character, the work of Hanuman creates content sufficient to fill an entire section. That section is known as the book of beauty, or the Sundara-kanda.

What does Hanuman have to do? He, along with other Vanaras working for the leader named Sugriva, must scour the earth in search of a missing princess. Her name is Sita, and she is the beloved wife of Rama, who is the prince from Ayodhya. What is the time frame? Sugriva has explained the clock, so to speak. No one knows for sure where Sita is or how she is faring. The sooner the better, in terms of starting. The mission is of utmost urgency.

Success in the mission is finding Sita. That is it. Hanuman does not have to necessarily rescue her. He does not have to bring her back to Rama’s side. There is no personal gain involved. It is not like a cash reward awaits the worker for their sacrifice. Rama is the kindest individual this world has ever known. Only recently did Sugriva almost forget about the deal to help Rama. Sugriva was enjoying the kingdom he regained directly through Rama’s help. This oversight was not held against Sugriva. This means that Hanuman would not be portrayed as a villain if he should fail in the mission.

Nevertheless, Hanuman took that task as his life and soul. During the latter portion, he was alone. Hanuman was separated from the other Vanaras, due to exceptional ability. Hanuman did many amazing things prior to ultimate success. He still worried about completion. He still wanted all of his efforts to mean something. He was not getting anything out of the ordeal. This is the definition of pure devotion, or bhakti. It is no wonder, then, that Hanuman is so dear to Sita and Rama.

कियो सुसेवक धरम कपि प्रभु कृतग्य जियँ जानि
जोरि हाथ ठाढ़े भए बरदायक बरदानि

kiyo susevaka dharama kapi prabhu k।rtagya jiya’ jāni
jori hātha ।thā।dhe bhae baradāyaka baradāni

“The great devotee in the monkey form carried out his duty, giving everything of himself, and the Lord became so grateful that He, the one who gives boons, stood before Hanuman with folded hands asking for a boon.” (Dohavali, 112)

In Closing:

By his determination clear,
Why to couple dear.

Nothing in it for him,
No honor or prize to win.

At the end all alone,
Brilliant in darkness shone.

Where Sita eventually to find,
Daily to keep Hanuman in mind.

Categories: the five

Tags: dailyprompt, hanuman, hare krishna, life, self-help