HANUMAN WHO NEVER FAILED

Key Lessons from "Hanuman Who Never Failed" that can help and inspire us in our daily life.

1. The Unfailing Deity

• Hanuman stands out among the gods for his incredible success in everything he does. While all other gods have faced challenges and setbacks when they took on human forms, Hanuman is the only one who never experienced defeat. Despite being a 'Vanar' (a divine monkey), he rose above his origins to become a deity. His qualities resonate deeply with us today, showing that strength, devotion, and determination can lead to greatness, no matter where we come from.

2. Master of Emotional Intelligence

• One of Hanuman's most admirable traits is his emotional intelligence. He mastered his emotions, demonstrating that when we experience sadness or distress, our thoughts and actions can become distorted. The book emphasises the importance of incorporating both heart and mind in decision-making, challenging traditional management principles that often prioritise rationality alone.

3. The Importance of Action

• In temples, we often see Hanuman depicted with one leg raised, holding a mountain. This posture symbolises his dynamic nature he is always active and never stagnant. As someone pursuing a disciplined life, this serves as a reminder of the importance of being proactive and engaged.

4. Dedication to Purpose

• Tulsidas captures a poignant moment when Hanuman declines to rest, even when offered a break by Menak Parvat (Menak Mountain). Tulsidas beautifully conveys this in the lines: "हनूमान तेहि परसा कर पुनि कीन्ह प्रनाम। राम काजु कीन्हें बिनु मोहि कहाँ बिश्राम," where Hanuman humbly touches the mountain and expresses its gratitude but declines rest, stating that until Lord Ram's work is complete, he cannot afford to rest. The author further adds that Hanuman even forgot about his own "biological needs" while undertaking monumental tasks like finding Sita. Hanuman’s focus and devotion were so intense that he disregarded hunger, thirst, and the need for rest. His mind was entirely absorbed in fulfilling Ram’s mission. This profound dedication exemplifies his unwavering commitment to duty.

5. Mastery in Self-Control and Communication

• Despite enduring insults from Ravana, Hanuman remained calm and composed. Though fully capable of defeating Ravana on his own, he maintained restraint, never forgetting that he was in Lanka as Ram’s messenger. Lord Ram himself praised Hanuman’s ability to communicate effectively in front of Laxman when they first met, recognising that such clarity of speech requires deep knowledge, similar to the wisdom found in the Vedas.

6. Valuing Relationships

• After Ram’s Rajya Abhishek, Hanuman sought Sugriva’s permission to stay in Ayodhya with Ram, instead of asking Ram directly. Sugriva was not only his friend but also his king, the one who had entrusted Hanuman with the mission on behalf of Ram. This decision highlights the importance of valuing relationships and respecting the roles individuals play in our lives.

7. Humility

• “Sadhu ke hoi na karaj hani.” This means that while being in the company of those who speak of Lord Ram might not bring any direct benefits, it also won’t harm him. Embracing this understanding, Hanuman made an effort to connect and communicate with Vibhishan.

• Vaikunth represents a place free from "kuntha," meaning doubts, symbolizing a realm of complete peace and certainty. Hanuman, too, experienced moments of doubt when Vibhishan questioned whether Lord Ram would accept him. Hanuman replied, “If Ram can accept a Vanar like me, then as a human, why wouldn’t he accept you?” This response shows that Hanuman did not hide his feelings; instead, he embraced his identity with pride while encouraging Vibhishan to believe in Ram’s acceptance.

8. Renunciation of the Fruits of Action

• Hanuman exemplified the principle of renouncing the fruits of action by approaching every task with his heart, mind, and body, focusing on the effort rather than the outcome. This selfless attitude is evident when he credited the discovery of Sita to the collective effort of all the Vanaras, rather than claiming the success for himself.

9. Respect for Elders and Natural order

• Jambuvant praised Hanuman, saying, “You are intelligent, wise, and possess a scientific mind.” In response, Hanuman humbly requested, “Please give me your advice on what I should do.” This moment highlights Hanuman's commendable modesty. Recognising and respecting Jambuvant's age and experience, he understood the value of seeking guidance to benefit Lord Ram and the Vanars.

• When Indrajit, also known as Meghnath, attempted to capture Hanuman, he used Brahmastra as a last resort. Hanuman realised he had the power to stop it, but he chose not to, understanding that doing so would go against the laws of nature. In a show of humility and acceptance, he willingly accepted his captivity, demonstrating his respect for the natural order.

10. The Four Energies

• The author identifies four key types of energies: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Hanuman exemplified mastery over all these energies, highlighting the importance of balance in life.

  • Physical Energy: Hanuman’s incredible feats, like lifting mountains, show the significance of maintaining physical strength and health to overcome challenges.

  • Mental Energy: His quick thinking and intelligence during critical moments demonstrate the need for mental clarity and problem-solving skills.

  • Emotional Energy: Hanuman’s deep empathy and support for others reflect the importance of emotional intelligence and understanding in our relationships.

  • Spiritual Energy: His devotion to Lord Ram emphasises the value of spiritual connection and purpose in guiding our actions.

• Each energy type supports the others, creating harmony in our personal and collective journeys.

11. Surrendering to the Divine

• Surrender is a vital concept in Hanuman's philosophy. He taught that true greatness arises when we surrender to a higher power, allowing us to let go of our burdens and trust in the divine plan. This act of surrender is not a sign of weakness; rather, it empowers us to find peace amidst challenges. By placing our faith in the divine, we can focus on our duties without being overly attached to the outcomes, knowing that we are part of a greater purpose. Hanuman’s life exemplifies how surrendering to the divine can lead to strength, clarity, and fulfilment in our journey.

12. Living Mindfully with Courage and Faith

• The book emphasises the significance of mindfulness, reminding us that our actions shape our future. Hanuman's unwavering resolve and innovative spirit inspire us to persevere and adapt in the face of obstacles. He exemplified fearlessness, pursuing his goals with confidence and demonstrating that true courage arises from proper conduct, faith, inner strength, and a clear understanding of our objectives.

13. Never Give Up: Innovating New Ways When Faced with Obstacles

• One of Hanuman's most inspiring traits was his perseverance and ability to adapt in the face of challenges. No matter how difficult a situation seemed, he never gave up. When Hanuman encountered a task that appeared impossible, instead of feeling defeated, he found new ways to achieve his goal, retrieving the Sanjeevani herb and bringing Susher Vaidh (Doctor) are some prime examples. Hanuman teaches us that when we are faced with obstacles, we must not give up. Instead, we can tap into our own potential and creativity to find a new path forward. His ability to innovate and his unwavering determination are a reminder that challenges can be opportunities for growth, allowing us to discover strengths we didn’t know we had.

Conclusion:

• Hanuman Who Never Failed serves as a profound reminder of the qualities we can cultivate in our own lives. Through Hanuman's lessons, we learn about the power of emotional intelligence, the importance of humility, the necessity of action, and the significance of surrendering to a higher power. By embodying these traits, we can navigate our challenges with grace and strength.