Rama's assesment

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!! Sri Rama Jayam !!

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Valmiki Ramayana, Sundar Kanda, Canto 3

Literal translation, verse by verse (Gita Press, Gorakhpur).

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Addressing Rama and Lakshmana, Hanuman said:

" Sent by that high-minded Sugriva, king of the leaders of monkeys, I, a monkey,

Hanuman by name, have sought you. The said pious minded Sugriva actually seeks

your friendship. Know me to be his minister, a monkey sprung from the loins of

the wind-god and arrived here from Rishyamuka(mountain) in order to oblige

Sugriva and disguised in the form of a recluse (Brahmin), capable as I am of

going wherever I please and acting as I please. "

Having spoken thus to the aforesaid heroes, Sri Rama and Lakshmana, Hanuman, for

his part, who understood the true meaning of words and was an adept in

expression, said nothing further.

Hearing the foregoing speech of Hanuman, the glorious Rama, who wore a most

cheerful countenance, spoke (as follows) to his (half) brother Lakshamana,

standing by his side:

Sri Rama said:

" He who has arrived here in my presence is a minister of Sugriva, the

high-minded chief of monkeys, whom alone (Sugriva) I was seeking. Answering in

sweet words with affection the aforesaid monkey (Hanuman), who is a minister of

Sugriva, knows how to speak and is a true tamer of foes, O Lakshmana!

To speak in the way he has done is not possible for one who has not studied

Rigveda with an eye to its meaning, (who has) not memorized Yajurveda and has no

knowledge of Samveda either. Surely the entire range of (Sanskrit) grammar has

been studied by him in many ways, as is clear from the fact that nothing has

been wrongly worded by him (even) though speaking a good deal. No fault of

expression was noticed anywhere in his face nor even in his eyes, nor again in

his forehead nor in his eyebrows nor in any one of his other limbs.

The speech from his bosom and articulated by his throat is marked by absence of

prolixity (too great length; tedious length of speech), is unambiguous and

unfaltering and does not make a grating impression (on one's ears), uttered as

it is in a modulated tone. He utters a wholesome, distinct and remarkable

speech, that is grammatically correct, fluent and delightful to the mind.

Whose mind will not be rendered favourable by this wonderful speech, which has

its seat in the three articulating organs (viz., the bosom, throat and head)?

(To say nothing of others) the mind even of an enemy with his sword uplifted

will be made friendly thereby. How can the progress of undertakings of a king in

whose service no such envoy exists actually meet with success, O sinless

brother? By the very pleading of an envoy, all the objects of a sovereign in

whose service there happen to be agents adorned with hosts of such virtues are

(surely) accomplished. "

Thus ends Sri Rama assessing the personality of Hanuman at the first meet.

 

Hare Krishna

Hare Rama