Leap of Faith

Once upon a time, in a timeless time, long ago-after Anjaneyan falls to the Earth, breaks his jaw, is brought back to life, receives boons from the Gods, and is cursed to forget his greatness long enough to not get into any trouble, whew- Anjaneyan is renamed Hanuman and goes to live in the Kishkindha forest with Sugriva, the Monkey King. Over the years, Hanuman becomes a very valuable asset to the monkey’s army.

One day, an evil demon named Ravana declared war on Hanuman’s dearest friend, Ram, and kidnapped Ram’s wife, Sita, taking her to his kingdom in Lanka. Ram is the prince of Ayodhya and destined to become the future king, however is currently serving a 14 year exile in Kishkindha (another story for another time). When Ram’s brother, Lakshmana, was injured on the battlefield, Hanuman flew to the mountains to retrieve a healing herb. Unsure of which herb to pick, Hanuman returned with the entire mountain. You see, Hanuman was acting from his heart, not the limitations of his mind (his forgetfulness).

Ram then entrusted Hanuman to find Sita and deliver to her his ring- to serve as a promise to be rescued. Hanuman, still unaware of his superpowers, kneeled down to pray; asking the divine to help him achieve what he deemed impossible. With devotion and love, Hanuman leaped across the ocean from India to Lanka (Sri Lanka). Despite a sea monster trying to eat him, Hanuman arrived safely. After searching the island, locating Sita, and delivering the ring, Hanuman returns to India to enlist the forest goers army to help build a bridge, allowing Ram to cross the ocean and free Sita.

Hanuman shows us the heart of devotion, of faith, of fearlessness-What are you devoted to? Do you need to take a “leap of faith”? What is holding you back? What would you do for those you love? Do you believe in your greatness?

You are as powerful as the wind;

You are intelligent, illustrious and an inventor.

There is nothing in this world that’s too difficult for you;

Whenever stuck, you are the one who can help.

~Jambavantha, the King of Bears, self affirmation to Hanuman in the Ramayana