RAMAYANA REVELATION
Lord Hanuman: Flagbearer of true devotion
# Lord Hanuman is the best example to illustrate devotion as a servant (dasyabhakti) towards Lord Rama. He was ever-ready to sacrifice even His life for the sake of His Lord. Hanuman is a combination of a servitor and a soldier.
# Lord Hanuman free of all fear, strictly celibate, extremely intelligent, a skilled poet, thoroughly learned in all Vedic literature, and the one who gave excellent strategic advice during the battle with Ravana.
# Seeing Hanuman’s example, we can observe his readiness for service in all situations. Thus, whoever we are, we always have something to offer the Lord and if we serve to our fullest capacity, with all our heart and soul, it will be accepted by the Lord, as first class devotion.
# As Hanuman, made fun of squirrel’s tiny effort, Lord Rama rebuked him. The message is that we should strive to do our best for the Lord, and progress in our service, we should never obstruct or belittle another’s devotional service, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to us.
# Despite rendering so many services to Lord Rama, when the Lord offered him liberation as a reward, Hanuman did not accept it—he did not want anything in return other than more service.
# It is stated in the scriptures that wherever Rama-katha, stories about Rama, are recited, Hanuman comes to listen. He makes every endeavor to increase the bliss of Lord Ramachandra’s devotees, both in ancient times and today. The immortal Hanuman has vowed to remain in this world as long as the holy names of Rama are chanted.
# On the sacred appearance day of Lord Rama, as we hear stories of his pastimes, and chant the Hare Krishna mantra—the essence of which translates as “My dear Lord, kindly engage me in your service”—we can be sure that the great monkey warrior Hanuman is right there with us, listening and increasing our desire to serve his Lord.
MORAL: To use our talents and capacities fully in the service of the Lord.
