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Shri Hanuman

Shri Hanuman's Quest for Knowledge

Based on a Story from the Shiva Purana

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After reading this wonderful story, I asked myself how I could practice turning my face toward my Guru so I can be ready to receive what she has to impart to me. Two answers came to me. The first is to regularly imagine myself having Gurumayi’s darshan. Through this I think I can better maintain awareness of her divine presence and influence no matter where I am. The second is to meditate on the Guru while repeating Guru Om for some time each day.
 
As I have engaged in these practices, I have noticed that life seems sweeter. I feel I am gaining a more conscious, respectful, and compassionate outlook. And my meditation feels richer and deeper.
 

Oregon, United States

As I read and reread this story, I see that, like Hanuman, I am divine. When I remember my divine nature, I am able to meet the challenges in my life even when they seem insurmountable. I realize that I have all the tools I need.

When Lord Surya asks Hanuman to serve Prince Sugriva, it inspires me to serve humanity by sharing what I have learned with others, by living my life as fully as I can, by making the journey toward the light, and by supporting others in seeing their own light.
 

Colorado, United States

I am grateful to Rashmi for the beautiful retelling of this story.

My heart was touched by Lord Surya’s words, “Know this, Hanuman: You have always held this wisdom within you. What I gave you served as a key to open the door to your own wisdom.”

These words remind me that each morning when I rise before sunrise to recite Shri Guru Gita and meditate, my dear Guru is providing me with all that I need to access and become one with the bliss of the supreme Self. This knowledge calms my fears and assuages my anxieties in these times of uncertainty and change.
 

Pennsylvania, United States

What stood out for me in the story was when Lord Surya tells Hanuman, “It is time to return to your home and reflect on all you have learned.” It brought to mind all that I learned in 2020 in the many satsangs and study sessions that were offered on the Siddha Yoga path website. And like Hanuman, this is what I am going to do—take the time to reflect on and assimilate Gurumayi’s teachings.
 

Washington, United States

I was delighted to read “Shri Hanuman’s Quest for Knowledge” and the teachings it held. What stood out for me was young Hanuman’s enthusiasm and his undaunted dedication to learning from his teacher, Lord Surya. When the great deity of the sun asked Hanuman how he could teach him—since the sun is in constant motion—it brought to mind how learning from the Guru is similar, in that I must also be willing and enthusiastic about walking the path, which is always in motion, like a swiftly moving stream.  
 
Upon reading that Lord Surya required his student to face his teacher at all times, I understood that this is analogous to keeping the Guru always in my sights, in my awareness, and to perceiving the teachings, and all of life, from this stance of “facing the Guru.”
  
I am immensely grateful to feel this living connection to Lord Surya within my heart.
 

New York, United States

When I envision Hanuman moving backwards to face the sun, I learn how much trust he had. As a student he never got tired of facing his teacher. It inspires me to constantly face the light, and I feel how much energy I get from doing so.
 
I am very grateful for the teachings of my Guru. They always come in the right form, like perfect lamps along my path.
 

Jona, Switzerland

The moment that leapt out at me here was Shri Hanuman taking a moment to look back at the Earth in wonder. As he turned back toward his goal, he found himself immediately in the presence of Lord Surya. This reminded me of how often my attention drifts toward earthly things, sometimes in wonder, sometimes in dismay. I saw that with self-effort I too can return my attention to my goal and instantly be in the presence of my Guru, my light.
 

New York, United States

When I read this story, I could envision Shri Hanuman flying towards the sun. The image was so vibrant and strong, I immediately drew it. I loved visually depicting my experience of this beautiful story.
 

New Delhi, India

This clear, simple, and sweet rendering of “Shri Hanuman’s Quest for Knowledge” led me straight to my heart and infused deep understanding in me. Thanks to Lord Surya, the lord of the sun, the Earth received the gift of life—and I received a human birth. Knowing that the whole phenomenal universe is within me, searching for the knowledge of the Truth, and guided in my search by the benevolent instructions of my Guru, I have learned to turn my attention inside.
 
I remember with gratitude my first meditation experience, years ago, when the sun exploded inside my being and spread its light all around—in the form of love. Thanks to this story, I now can imagine Shri Hanuman admiring our blue planet with the same love he continued to express through service.
 

Rodez, France

I am very grateful for this beautiful retelling of this story, abundant with pure wisdom. Early this morning my mind was occupied with worry about the future of my grandchildren and their need for spiritual guidance in this challenging world. I prayed for guidance on how to help them to feel confident and free of anxiety, since their own education does not seem to be providing much teaching for the soul.
 
Then, when I opened the Siddha Yoga path website and read this story, I knew I had found some help! From reading this story, I received this simple message: children don’t know that knowledge of the Self is their divine birthright and their protection unless we teach this to them.
 
I feel a new resolution forming that I may remain open to this knowledge and pass it on appropriately. I am very grateful to Gurumayi for this guidance.
 

London, United Kingdom

In reading this rendition of the story of Hanuman’s quest for knowledge, I experienced a merging between the world of the gods and the world of humans. While human beings may not be able to grow to the size of a tree or fly into the rays of the sun, I felt how we are nevertheless endowed with magnificent powers: to learn, to become steadfast, to express our enthusiasm, to become tall in knowledge and swift in love.
 
With this dawning sense, I read the story with the conviction that I, too, can imbibe wisdom, can become Lord Surya’s student, can follow Hanuman’s example, can serve God—not for God’s sake, but for my own. And therefore, I can fulfill my destiny. My heart feels fresh with new insight.
 

Rhode Island, United States

Reading this story, I am inspired by the image of Shri Hanuman gazing into the eyes of his teacher, the lord of the sun, as the two of them circle the Earth. This image so beautifully demonstrates the mystical transfer of knowledge that occurs between the teacher and the student.
 
It is also a picture of studentship. Shri Hanuman receives the teachings as he gazes into the Sun, the light. And this light is his teacher. What a confluence of thoughts and feelings! The light is one with the teacher, who is one with the highest knowledge, which is one with the very source of life in this universe.
 
This gives me an expanded sense of the value of studying the Guru’s teachings and Gurumayi's Messages in particular. In her Messages, light and knowledge shine, and I can study and learn this knowledge by gazing and listening attentively, just like Hanuman as he circles the Earth at the feet of his teacher.
 

A staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram

This beautiful story of Hanuman illustrates the relationship between the Guru and disciple. Hanuman’s willingness to serve and his complete surrender to Surya Devata inspire me to follow in his footsteps.
 
Even though Hanuman was imbued with supreme knowledge and utmost strength, he still needed a Guru to unfold his inner treasure. My beloved Gurumayi is my guiding light, for which I am ever so grateful.
 

Nairobi, Kenya

When Hanuman asked Lord Surya what he could offer back for the wisdom and knowledge he had received, the Lord asked him to mentor his beloved son, Prince Sugriva.
 
This reminds me that, as a Siddha Yoga student, when I pass on what I have received on the Siddha Yoga path to younger generations, I am making a profound offering of love to my Guru, and the cycle of giving and receiving continues.
 

Maryland, United States

One important learning from this story for me was understanding how the enthusiasm of a seeker supports the Guru’s bestowal of knowledge and grace. Another important learning for me is how important it is for a student to offer back to the Guru, even though the Guru does not need anything from us.
 

Thane, India

The fact that Lord Brahma created the Vanaras “to support the forces of light in the epic battle narrated in the scriptural classic, the Ramayana,” gives me a great sense of comfort and purpose. 
 
In reading this tale, I am reminded of the many times when I have felt Gurumayi's encouragement to be the light, to take the necessary time to send true blessings, to do the spiritual practices so that I can shine. 
 

California, United States

What an amazing story! Each sentence touched my heart deeply. I felt myself in the story, saying, “Yes, I will take it all and put it into practice with steadfastness and dedication!”
 
These precious teachings are a torch, illumining the path to deeper understanding for me. I am so grateful to receive them.
 

Mersin, Turkey

The image of Hanuman flying backward while always keeping Lord Surya’s radiant face before him is a timely reminder for me.

Beyond the usually predictable things necessary to maintain a daily schedule of tasks, rarely do I know what is coming in life. When presented with a challenge, when fear and doubt arise, I inwardly turn to Gurumayi, and to her love and inner guidance. Only then do I proceed with what needs to be done.

Remaining firmly connected to the Guru’s teachings and love is essential for me to live in the grace of the Guru’s radiant light, no matter what is occurring.

West Vancouver, Canada

The words from this story that most stand out for me are “You will need to face the one who teaches you at all times.” I understand from this that I must face my Guru and not let haste or anxiety stand in my way. Only then will I be able to absorb her teachings fully.
 

California, United States

What stood out for me from this story is Hanuman’s power of listening. It is this power that I most wish to develop in order to be able to absorb the Guru´s wisdom.
 

Madrid, Spain
 

When I read this story, these words of Shri Hanuman to Lord Surya leapt up at me: “…light up my soul with your divine wisdom.” This describes the way I feel about the Guru. From my very first experience of satsang with Baba Muktananda, resonance with his divine wisdom and the recognition of my true nature has lit up my soul. And now, every day I remember at least one teaching from Baba or Gurumayi, and I am filled with gratitude and joy.
 

Massachusetts, United States

What stands out for me is how everything that happened in Shri Hanuman’s journey went step-by-step. His great destiny unfolded one step at a time. 
 

Washington, United States

What stood out for me most in this story is how Shri Hanuman moved backwards and kept his focus on Surya Devata’s “resplendent light” as he absorbed his teacher’s “every precious word.” And how this light “saturated him and nourished every fiber of his being.” 

At this point in the story, I could feel the light inside myself.
 

Hinwil, Switzerland

This beautiful rendition of Shri Hanuman’s Quest for Knowledge is rich with meaning for me.

I was particularly moved when Lord Surya tells Shri Hanuman, “You have always held this wisdom within you. What I gave you served as a key to open the door to your own wisdom. You will always have access to that wisdom now.”

This statement elucidates for me how when we receive shaktipat, that moment of awakening and every subsequent meditation, word, and teaching from the Guru continue to shine the light within me.  
 

Massachusetts, United States

It is amazing to have a direction now—to fulfill my own quest for knowledge, through the inspiration of Shri Hanuman’s story.
 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

As I came to the moment in the story where Shri Hanuman’s mother, Anjana, placed her hands on Hanuman’s shoulders and reminded him of his divine nature, I suddenly experienced myself as Shri Hanuman, receiving his mother’s blessing. My shoulders felt broad and strong like Hanuman’s, and warmth spread across them as I imagined the sensation of Anjana’s hands and read her words to her beloved son: “Dear Hanuman, have you forgotten who you truly are? . . . You are a divine being. You are blessed by the gods.”
 
The sensation of Anjana’s hands on my shoulders became an awareness of Gurumayi’s reassurance to me, of her blessing my study of her teachings and reminding me that, like Shri Hanuman, I am a divine being blessed by the gods.
 

Massachusetts, United States

Reading this story, I took particular note of Shri Hanuman’s mother telling him, “If you have faith in yourself, Hanuman, you can achieve anything.”
 
My parents, too, told me that I could achieve anything if I had faith in myself. They encouraged me to study and gave me a good education. But although I gathered academic knowledge, I did not have faith in myself, and felt neither happy nor successful.
 
When I began following the Siddha Yoga path, I discovered a power in myself I had felt was there but had had no access to. I began to have faith in this power as I drew inspiration and guidance from the Siddha Yoga teachings. Gradually, I became happier and gained more success in my professional life.
 
Seeing the changes in me, my mother said, “Now I know that having faith in yourself could not come from formal education alone, but from the teachings you received from your teacher, Gurumayi. Now you can achieve anything.”
 

California, United States

What a rich feast this story is for me! I am deeply moved by its expression of humanity, by Shri Hanuman’s relationship with his parents, and by how, in his mother’s eyes, his childhood flashed by. How I resonate with that!
 
The sense of humanity that runs through the entire story helps me to connect easily with its profound teachings. I feel inspired to read it again and again, to nod and say to myself, “Yes, my teacher is the light within, and I, like Hanuman, only have to turn my face towards that light to perceive my indwelling wisdom.”
 
This story has truly ignited my enthusiasm to study the scriptures!
 

Beccles, United Kingdom