Remember Shri Hanuman in Thought, Word and Deed

“Man Kram Vachan Dhyaan Jo Laaye.” The literal interpretation of this line taken from the ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ means, “Those who remember Shri Hanuman in thoughts, words and deeds, with sincerity and faith, are rescued from all crises of life.”

Then why is it that even though humankind is blessed with such knowledge and guidance that we continue making mistakes? The answer is ‘maya’ – the delusion that influences every activity that we take part in or that influences us. To rise above this, Shri Hanuman, in the compilation by the famous sage, is asking us to be aware and remind ourselves of our thoughts, words and deeds.

The thoughts we entertain are influential in what we create. They can be a positive creation or demonic, violent and destructive. If one were to simply browse the history of humankind in terms of both constructive, positive creations and negative creations, we will see that our thoughts are always the precursor to the actions we perform. While this may be a statement of redundancy, nevertheless, it demonstrates the need to maintain self awareness of these three powerful forces we can use and have used.

These positive or negative actions are what may encompass a blessed and harmonious lifestyle or create anxious, negative forces that can work against us. The actions we perform are who we become.

As a sculptor uses various materials to create a masterpiece, so too, do our values and our deeds, negative or positive. For example, the charity we perform can help elevate us on the ladder of divinity.

These three simple words, expressed in the ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ give us the answer if practised in dharma. We are again asked, as modern Sanaatanists, are we practising these age-old principles?

In contemporary Trinidad and Tobago, with the wanton need to simplify in our analysis of Sanaatan Dharma, I ask, would you practise these three simple doctrines to help rid yourself of the problems you may be afflicted with? If not, why? With proper priority and perseverance we can do it. We are constantly reminded, “As a man thinks, so he acts; as he acts, so he becomes.” What and who are we? Save yourself.

Hinduism has again exalted humankind with the intelligence to take responsibility over our thoughts, actions and deeds. This will rid us of our problems, taking us closer to God. Jai Hanuman!

By Pt. Vasistha Persad