Hanuman's understanding of Karma, Bhakti and Jnana Yoga

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Shri Hanuman with strong body and great intellect was a humble servant

to Shri Ram. Strong conviction is an integral part of the realization

of SELF. The following example from a book illustrates how a person

with strong conviction can find a way to get out of the prison enclosed

by the body, mind and intellect. This example was originally stated by

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. (Reference: Essentials of Hinduism, by V.

Krishnamurthy (1989), Narosa Publishing House, New Delhi. Page 136.)

 

Shri Ram asked Hanuman, What is your attitude toward me?

How do you look upon, think of and worship me?

 

Hanuman replied, Oh Lord:

 

When I am conscious of my body, when I feel I am this visible body and

I have the conviction that thou art the Lord and I am thy servant. Thou

art to be served and I am one to serve.

 

When I am conscious of my self as the individual self, one with the

mind, the intellect and the soul, I have the strong conviction that thou

art the whole and I am thy part.

 

When I remain in Samadhi, in the mood that I am the Pure SELF devoid of

all qualifying adjuncts, I have the conviction that I am also verily

that which Thou art. Thou and I are one, there is

no difference whatsoever between Thou and I.

 

The first part of Hanuman's answer stresses his attitude to serve (Karma

Yoga). The second part focuses on the surrender attitude (Bhakti Yoga).

The final part of the answer confirms the inseparability or non-duality

(Jnana Yoga).

 

Ram Chandran