An act of devotion
Aashvi came running to her mother and climbed onto the two-wheeler. Her voice busted with excitement. She had a fun day at school discussing mythology. Each student had to speak about one character and what they liked. It was unbelievable; so many of them had picked the same character and anecdote as her, Little Krishna and his fight with the evil Kaliya, the poisonous snake. She went on and on the entire ride back home about what the children shared. Soon they reached home, and as they were getting in, she asked, “Mummy, what is your favourite mythology character?” The mother was not her usual self. Seeing that her mother was preoccupied, the child immediately said, “Let’s talk about it during bedtime”. Just five years old, her thoughtfulness and sensitivity always amazed the mother.
Thinking about a favourite character from mythology always took the mother back to that experience. It was a Satsang on holistic life; the Guru explained the part from the epic Ramayana. “After vanquishing the mighty Ravana the demon king in a fearsome battle, Rama was reunited with his beloved wife, Sita. He decided to honour everyone who helped him in this journey with gifts. Lanka was a land of abundance, kingdoms, gold, and priceless treasures; Rama distributed all of it. The contentment in all their faces gladdened Rama’s heart until Sita pointed out someone.
Standing in one corner, oblivious to the happening around, chanting the name of Rama in complete devotion, was this very tall monkey, Hanuman. Rama wondered what could he possibly give to express the love he felt. Because of Hanuman, Sita found hope during her dark times, and Rama found strength during despair. Yet there he stood humbly, seeking no acknowledgement or appreciation.
Overflowing with love, Rama took a step toward Hanuman. Sensing his Lord’s movement, Hanuman moved towards Rama and squatted. He did not like the idea of Rama looking up or looking down on him. Such was his devotion. Lovingly Rama asked, “What do you seek, Hanuman? I have treasures beyond imagination, gold, diamonds, clothes, kingdoms, and you shall have them all.”
Hanuman simply replied, “I seek nothing but you; that you exist is all I seek my Rama.”
Realizing that Hanuman did not care for materialist things, Rama said, “I then offer you a place in heaven. I give you moksha. All living beings crave it and take several births and rebirths to attain it, but I can give it to you now.” Saying, so he lifted his hand in blessing.
Hanuman asked, “Will you be there, Rama?”
Rama replied, “It is heaven. I will not be there as Rama, but I will be there as….”
Hanuman interrupted and said, “Where there is no Rama, there will not be a Hanuman. I do not want to go to Rama. My place is by your side, chanting your name and singing your praise.”
Bewildered, Rama explained, “Hanuman, once I leave this mortal body, no Rama will exist on earth. Come with me to heaven.”
Smiling, Hanuman replied, “Much after you leave my beloved Rama, your name and glory will remain forever. Such is the love people have for you. Hymns of your praises and chanting of Rama’s name will continue for centuries. All I seek is to be one among the devotees, forever soaking in the bliss of devotion. All I wish is to be in this world that will always remember you in the name of Rama.”
Wanting to give but having nothing to offer was a very new state for Rama. Touched by the unconditional love and devotion, helplessly, Rama brought Hanuman closer and enveloped him in a tight embrace. He gave himself to him. Time stood still; the entire place fell silent witnessing this divine moment. A monkey becomes the closest to God.”
The Guru concluded, “The power of devotion and faith is unfathomable. Even today, legends believe that uttering Rama’s name and singing his song in one corner, oblivious to the happening, stands Hanuman in deep devotion chanting the name of the Lord. Through his unflinching faith, a mere monkey became a God.”
Not a soul stirred. The silence that ensued was proof of the depth and profoundness of the experience. It was not until tears fell on her hands that she realized her existence in an auditorium, listening to and experiencing a Satsang. She experienced devotion like never before.
Hanuman was the story she told her daughter that night. She said, “There was a time when Hanuman opened his heart to show his love for Rama. Rama was stunned to see an image of him in it. Touched by his love, Rama hugged Hanuman. It was through devotion and love; that a monkey became a God.” The child’s eyes were wide open in wonderment.
After a lot of questions, the child was finally ready to sleep. She kissed her mother good night and whispered, “Mummy, how I wish I could open my heart like Hanuman.” The mother was stunned, grateful, numb and at a loss of words. No matter her behaviour, all the child saw in her was love.
Ten years ago, she had experienced deep devotion in a crowded auditorium. Today in just a few words, her child showed her devotion once again.
It was the most incredible thing anyone had ever told her; the child said, “that's just how much I love you, mother.”
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