I have been feeling directionless and a feeling of lack of something to hold onto, which is steady and always available. The mistake I have been doing forever is to look for this stability outside of me. What if we looked within and found unconditional and eternal stability, love, and peace. Everything happening outside your body is just going to be a ripple in the ocean.
So, what then is the tool we can use to look within?. Mind it is!. How do we get the mind to stop looking outward at things and others and instead look at the soul?. I donot know the answer but i believe , that if we slowly encourage and nudge the mind in the right direction to look within, it eventually will, though it might take a very long time. Since a child, society and parents and other external influences have always taught that happiness always is external and even as adults, we have always believed that money or some particular person is going to be responsible for our happiness. This leaves us with a empty feeling and the mind has hence been trained to constantly look outward, constantly in search of something.
This is not to demean the mind. The mind by itself has been proved to be so powerful, but we all waste the capacity of it and instead focus outward on the 0.01% thinking it is 100%. My ammama (grandmother) was a huge devotee of Hanuman. Reciting the hanuman chalisa over so many years, is what gave her mind the capacity to win over the body and come back to life in 2010, I wonder. (Hanuman being compared to mind, in one of my previous posts, and Rama being the soul). She always had such strong will power and such a strong mind, always steady as a rock and unbreakable. The show must go on. Nothing had changed even after she got back from the hospital which was considered a miracle. She went on doing her regular chores and probably did not even realize what she came out from, because her mind believed she was fine and reasonably healthy enough to carry on with her day to day chores, even though the doctors believed the body was not capable according to 'reports'.
This post is dedicated to my grandmother, my ammama, who was the steady stream of love in my life, always there, always giving, and strong as a lion. I wish to have some qualities of her in me, the strength and will power of the mind. She was a big devotee of Hanuman. I hope by maybe reciting the hanuman chalisa with the metaphor of the mind, the capacity of the mind unravels itself, and also brings me closer to my grandmother. She used to recite it on behalf of me everyday.
Shri Guru Charana Saroja-Raja , Nija-mana-mukura-sudhaara,
Baranau Raghu-bara Bimala yasha, Jo daayaka phala chaara
(With the dust of the lotus feet of Gurudeva, I clean the mirror of my mind.
I narrate the sacred glory of Sri Raghubar, who bestows the four fruits of life (Dharma, artha, kama, moksha).)
Buddhi heena tanu jaanike , Sumirau pavana kumara,
Bala buddhi-vidyaa dehu mohi , Harahu Kalesha vikaara
(Considering myself as ignorant, I meditate on you, O pavana kumara.
Bestow on me, strength, wisdom and knowledge, and remove my afflictions and blemishes).
Jai Hanumana, jnaana guna saagara,
Jai kapiis, tihu loka ujaagara
(Victory to you O Hanuman, who is the ocean of wisdom and virtue.
Victory to the lord of monkeys, Who is the enlightener of the three worlds.)
Raama Duut Atulit Bala Dhaama,
Anjani Putra Pavan sut naama.
(You are the messenger of Sri Rama, possessing immeasurable strength.
Known as Anjani Putra (son of Anjani) and Pavana sut (son of Pavan, wind god).
Mahaa-biir bikrama bajarangii,
Kumati nivaar Sumati ke sangii.
(You are a great hero, extremely valiant, body as strong as thunderbolt,
You are dispeller of evil thoughts and companion of good sense and wisdom).
Kanchana Barana Biraaj subeshaa,
Kaanana kundala kunchita keshaa.
(You posess a golden hue and are neatly dressed,
You wear ear rings and have beautiful curly hair).
Haatha bajra Au Dhvaja Biraajai
Kaandhe muuj Janeeu saajai.
(You hold the thunder bolt and flag in your hands,
You wear the sacred thread across your shoulder).
Shankara-suvana kesari nandana
Teja prataap maha jaga vandana.
(You are the incarnation of lord Shiva and son of Kesari,
You are adored by the whole world on account of great strength and courage).
Vidyaavaan guni ati chaatur
Raama kaaja karibe ko aatur.
(You are learned , virtuous and extremely intelleigent.
You are always eager to do work of Sri rama).
Prabhu Charitra sunibe ko rasiyaa
Raamalakhan sita mann basiya.
(You delight in listening to the glories of Sri Rama,
You have Sri Ram, Sri Lakshman and Sita dwelling in your heart).
Sukshma roopadhari siyahi dikhaava
Vikata roopa dhari lanka jaraava.
(You appeared before Sita assuming a diminutive form,
You assumed an awesome form and burnt down lanka).
Bhiim roopa dhari asura samhare
Raamachandra ke kaaj savare.
(You assumed a gigantic form and destroyed the daemons,
thereby accomplishing the task of Sri Rama.)
Laay Sajivan Lakhan Jiyaaye
Sri Raghubiir harassi ur laaye.
(You brought the sanjeevani herb and revived Lakshmana,
Sri raghubiir embraced oyou with over flowing joy).
Raghupati kiinhii bahut badhaai
tum mama priya Bharatahisam bhaaii.
(Sri Rama praises you greatly,
and said to you: You are dear to me as my brother Bharata).
Sahasa badan tumharo yash gaavi
As kahi shripati kanth lagaavai
(The thousand headed seshnag sings your glory ,
Said Sriram taking you into his embrace).
Sanakidika brahmadi munishaa
Naarada Shaarada sahit ahiisha
(Sanaka and other sages, Lord Brahma and other gods,
Narada , Devi Saraswati and Seshnag..).
Yama kubera Digpaal jahate
Kavi kovid kahi sakai kahaate
(Yama (God of death), Kubera (God of wealth), Digpaala (The guardian dieties)
Poets and scholars have not been able to describe your glory in full).
Tum upkaara sugrivahi kinaaha
Raam dilaaye raajapd diinaah
(You rendered a great help to Sugreeva
You introduced him to Lord Rama and gave back his kingdom).
Tumharo mamtra vibheeshana maana
Lankeshwara bhaye sab jag jaana
(Vibheeshana followed your advice,
and the whole world knows he became the King of Lanka).
Yuga sahasra yojana para bhaanu
Liilyo taahi madhura phala jaanu
(The sun which was at a distance of 16 thousand miles,
You swallowed it thinking it was a sweet fruit).
Prabhu mudrika meli mukha maahi
Jaladhi laadhi gaye acharajanaahi
(Carrying Lord Sri Rama's ring in your mouth,
You crossed the ocean, no wonder in that).
Durgam kaaja jagat ke jete
sugamaanugraha tumhare tete
(All the difficult tasks in this world,
are rendered easy by your grace).
Raam Duaare tum rakhvaare
Hot na aagyna tum paisaare
(You are the gate keeper of Sri Rama's kingdom,
No one can enter without your permission).
Sab sukh lahai tumhaai saranaa
Tum rakshak kahu ko ddarana
(Those who take refuge in you, enjoy all happiness,
If you are the protector what is there to fear?).
Aapan tej samhaaro aapai
Teeno lo haakate kaapai
(You alone can control your great energy,
When you roar, all three world tremble).
Bhoota pisaacha nikat nahi aave
Mahaa viir jab naam sunaave
(Ghosts and spirits wont come near,
when one utters the name of Hanuman (Mahavir).
Naashai rog hare sab piira
Japat nirantara hanumat biira
(You destroy diseases and remove all pains
When one utters your name continuously).
Sankat se hanumaan chudaave
Mann kram bacchana dhyaan jo laavai
(Hanuman frees one from difficulties
When one meditates on him with mind, deeds and words).
Sab par rama tapasvi raajaa
Tinake kaal sakal tum saaja
(Sri rama is the king of tapaswis,
and you fulfill the works of Sri rama).
Aur Manorath jo koi laavai
Soi ami jeevan phal paai
(Devotees who have any other desires,
will ultimately get the highest fruit of life).
Chaaro yug prataap tumhara
Har prassiddh jagat ujiyaara
(Your glory prevails in all four ages,
And your fame radiates through the world).
Saadhu sant ke tum rakhwaale
Asura nikandan raam dulare
(You are the saviour of saints and sages,
You destroyed the demons of Lord rama).
Ashtasiddhi nava nidhi ke daata
As bar diin janaki maata
(You can give the eitght siddhis (super natural powers) and the nine siddhis
Sita, gave this boon to you).
Raama rasayan tumhare paasa
sada raho raghu pati ke daasa
(You hold the essence of devotion to Sri Rama,
You always remain the servant of Sri Raghupati).
Tumharo bhajan Raam ko paavai
Janm janm ke dukh bisaraavai
(Through your devotion, Lord Rama is attained,
thereby freeing of sorrows life after life. ).
Antha kaala raghupati pur jaai
jaha janma hari-bhakta kahaii
(at the end one goes to the abode of Sri rama,
where one is better known as the devotee of Hari).
Aur devata chittana dharahii
Hanumar sei sarva sukh karaii
(Even without worshipping other gods,
one gets all happiness worshipping hanuman).
Sankatt hare mite sab piira
Jo sumaraii Hanumat bala biira
(Difficulties are removed and sorrows disappear,
For those who contemplate on sri Hanuman).
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman gosaai
Kripaa karu gurudeva ki naai
(Victory be to Lord Hanuman,
Please bestow your grace as the supreme guru).
Joh Shat baar paath kara joii
Chuutaahi bandhi maha sukh hoi
(Who recites this Hanuman chalisa one hundred times with devotion,
Will get freedom from worldly bondages and get great happiness).
Jo yah padha hanuman chalisa
hoy siddhi saakhi gaurisa
(Those who read hanuman chalisa with devotion,
will become perfect, having Lord Shiva as witness).
Tulasi das sada hari chera
kiijai naath hriday mah dera
(Tulsi Das who is always the servant of Hari,
prays for the lord to reside in his heart).
Rama Lakshmana Janaki Jai Bolo Hanuman ki !
So, what then is the tool we can use to look within?. Mind it is!. How do we get the mind to stop looking outward at things and others and instead look at the soul?. I donot know the answer but i believe , that if we slowly encourage and nudge the mind in the right direction to look within, it eventually will, though it might take a very long time. Since a child, society and parents and other external influences have always taught that happiness always is external and even as adults, we have always believed that money or some particular person is going to be responsible for our happiness. This leaves us with a empty feeling and the mind has hence been trained to constantly look outward, constantly in search of something.
This is not to demean the mind. The mind by itself has been proved to be so powerful, but we all waste the capacity of it and instead focus outward on the 0.01% thinking it is 100%. My ammama (grandmother) was a huge devotee of Hanuman. Reciting the hanuman chalisa over so many years, is what gave her mind the capacity to win over the body and come back to life in 2010, I wonder. (Hanuman being compared to mind, in one of my previous posts, and Rama being the soul). She always had such strong will power and such a strong mind, always steady as a rock and unbreakable. The show must go on. Nothing had changed even after she got back from the hospital which was considered a miracle. She went on doing her regular chores and probably did not even realize what she came out from, because her mind believed she was fine and reasonably healthy enough to carry on with her day to day chores, even though the doctors believed the body was not capable according to 'reports'.
This post is dedicated to my grandmother, my ammama, who was the steady stream of love in my life, always there, always giving, and strong as a lion. I wish to have some qualities of her in me, the strength and will power of the mind. She was a big devotee of Hanuman. I hope by maybe reciting the hanuman chalisa with the metaphor of the mind, the capacity of the mind unravels itself, and also brings me closer to my grandmother. She used to recite it on behalf of me everyday.
Shri Guru Charana Saroja-Raja , Nija-mana-mukura-sudhaara,
Baranau Raghu-bara Bimala yasha, Jo daayaka phala chaara
(With the dust of the lotus feet of Gurudeva, I clean the mirror of my mind.
I narrate the sacred glory of Sri Raghubar, who bestows the four fruits of life (Dharma, artha, kama, moksha).)
Buddhi heena tanu jaanike , Sumirau pavana kumara,
Bala buddhi-vidyaa dehu mohi , Harahu Kalesha vikaara
(Considering myself as ignorant, I meditate on you, O pavana kumara.
Bestow on me, strength, wisdom and knowledge, and remove my afflictions and blemishes).
Jai Hanumana, jnaana guna saagara,
Jai kapiis, tihu loka ujaagara
(Victory to you O Hanuman, who is the ocean of wisdom and virtue.
Victory to the lord of monkeys, Who is the enlightener of the three worlds.)
Raama Duut Atulit Bala Dhaama,
Anjani Putra Pavan sut naama.
(You are the messenger of Sri Rama, possessing immeasurable strength.
Known as Anjani Putra (son of Anjani) and Pavana sut (son of Pavan, wind god).
Mahaa-biir bikrama bajarangii,
Kumati nivaar Sumati ke sangii.
(You are a great hero, extremely valiant, body as strong as thunderbolt,
You are dispeller of evil thoughts and companion of good sense and wisdom).
Kanchana Barana Biraaj subeshaa,
Kaanana kundala kunchita keshaa.
(You posess a golden hue and are neatly dressed,
You wear ear rings and have beautiful curly hair).
Haatha bajra Au Dhvaja Biraajai
Kaandhe muuj Janeeu saajai.
(You hold the thunder bolt and flag in your hands,
You wear the sacred thread across your shoulder).
Shankara-suvana kesari nandana
Teja prataap maha jaga vandana.
(You are the incarnation of lord Shiva and son of Kesari,
You are adored by the whole world on account of great strength and courage).
Vidyaavaan guni ati chaatur
Raama kaaja karibe ko aatur.
(You are learned , virtuous and extremely intelleigent.
You are always eager to do work of Sri rama).
Prabhu Charitra sunibe ko rasiyaa
Raamalakhan sita mann basiya.
(You delight in listening to the glories of Sri Rama,
You have Sri Ram, Sri Lakshman and Sita dwelling in your heart).
Sukshma roopadhari siyahi dikhaava
Vikata roopa dhari lanka jaraava.
(You appeared before Sita assuming a diminutive form,
You assumed an awesome form and burnt down lanka).
Bhiim roopa dhari asura samhare
Raamachandra ke kaaj savare.
(You assumed a gigantic form and destroyed the daemons,
thereby accomplishing the task of Sri Rama.)
Laay Sajivan Lakhan Jiyaaye
Sri Raghubiir harassi ur laaye.
(You brought the sanjeevani herb and revived Lakshmana,
Sri raghubiir embraced oyou with over flowing joy).
Raghupati kiinhii bahut badhaai
tum mama priya Bharatahisam bhaaii.
(Sri Rama praises you greatly,
and said to you: You are dear to me as my brother Bharata).
Sahasa badan tumharo yash gaavi
As kahi shripati kanth lagaavai
(The thousand headed seshnag sings your glory ,
Said Sriram taking you into his embrace).
Sanakidika brahmadi munishaa
Naarada Shaarada sahit ahiisha
(Sanaka and other sages, Lord Brahma and other gods,
Narada , Devi Saraswati and Seshnag..).
Yama kubera Digpaal jahate
Kavi kovid kahi sakai kahaate
(Yama (God of death), Kubera (God of wealth), Digpaala (The guardian dieties)
Poets and scholars have not been able to describe your glory in full).
Tum upkaara sugrivahi kinaaha
Raam dilaaye raajapd diinaah
(You rendered a great help to Sugreeva
You introduced him to Lord Rama and gave back his kingdom).
Tumharo mamtra vibheeshana maana
Lankeshwara bhaye sab jag jaana
(Vibheeshana followed your advice,
and the whole world knows he became the King of Lanka).
Yuga sahasra yojana para bhaanu
Liilyo taahi madhura phala jaanu
(The sun which was at a distance of 16 thousand miles,
You swallowed it thinking it was a sweet fruit).
Prabhu mudrika meli mukha maahi
Jaladhi laadhi gaye acharajanaahi
(Carrying Lord Sri Rama's ring in your mouth,
You crossed the ocean, no wonder in that).
Durgam kaaja jagat ke jete
sugamaanugraha tumhare tete
(All the difficult tasks in this world,
are rendered easy by your grace).
Raam Duaare tum rakhvaare
Hot na aagyna tum paisaare
(You are the gate keeper of Sri Rama's kingdom,
No one can enter without your permission).
Sab sukh lahai tumhaai saranaa
Tum rakshak kahu ko ddarana
(Those who take refuge in you, enjoy all happiness,
If you are the protector what is there to fear?).
Aapan tej samhaaro aapai
Teeno lo haakate kaapai
(You alone can control your great energy,
When you roar, all three world tremble).
Bhoota pisaacha nikat nahi aave
Mahaa viir jab naam sunaave
(Ghosts and spirits wont come near,
when one utters the name of Hanuman (Mahavir).
Naashai rog hare sab piira
Japat nirantara hanumat biira
(You destroy diseases and remove all pains
When one utters your name continuously).
Sankat se hanumaan chudaave
Mann kram bacchana dhyaan jo laavai
(Hanuman frees one from difficulties
When one meditates on him with mind, deeds and words).
Sab par rama tapasvi raajaa
Tinake kaal sakal tum saaja
(Sri rama is the king of tapaswis,
and you fulfill the works of Sri rama).
Aur Manorath jo koi laavai
Soi ami jeevan phal paai
(Devotees who have any other desires,
will ultimately get the highest fruit of life).
Chaaro yug prataap tumhara
Har prassiddh jagat ujiyaara
(Your glory prevails in all four ages,
And your fame radiates through the world).
Saadhu sant ke tum rakhwaale
Asura nikandan raam dulare
(You are the saviour of saints and sages,
You destroyed the demons of Lord rama).
Ashtasiddhi nava nidhi ke daata
As bar diin janaki maata
(You can give the eitght siddhis (super natural powers) and the nine siddhis
Sita, gave this boon to you).
Raama rasayan tumhare paasa
sada raho raghu pati ke daasa
(You hold the essence of devotion to Sri Rama,
You always remain the servant of Sri Raghupati).
Tumharo bhajan Raam ko paavai
Janm janm ke dukh bisaraavai
(Through your devotion, Lord Rama is attained,
thereby freeing of sorrows life after life. ).
Antha kaala raghupati pur jaai
jaha janma hari-bhakta kahaii
(at the end one goes to the abode of Sri rama,
where one is better known as the devotee of Hari).
Aur devata chittana dharahii
Hanumar sei sarva sukh karaii
(Even without worshipping other gods,
one gets all happiness worshipping hanuman).
Sankatt hare mite sab piira
Jo sumaraii Hanumat bala biira
(Difficulties are removed and sorrows disappear,
For those who contemplate on sri Hanuman).
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman gosaai
Kripaa karu gurudeva ki naai
(Victory be to Lord Hanuman,
Please bestow your grace as the supreme guru).
Joh Shat baar paath kara joii
Chuutaahi bandhi maha sukh hoi
(Who recites this Hanuman chalisa one hundred times with devotion,
Will get freedom from worldly bondages and get great happiness).
Jo yah padha hanuman chalisa
hoy siddhi saakhi gaurisa
(Those who read hanuman chalisa with devotion,
will become perfect, having Lord Shiva as witness).
Tulasi das sada hari chera
kiijai naath hriday mah dera
(Tulsi Das who is always the servant of Hari,
prays for the lord to reside in his heart).
Rama Lakshmana Janaki Jai Bolo Hanuman ki !
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