My childhood was replete with hundreds of stories from Hindu Mythology that I read in the Amar Chitra Kata Comics, Bhagavatham, and the ones which the elders had narrated. Though I dont remember the exact versions of the stories that I'd heard over the years, a lot of these narrations are still very much remanent in the head.
When I was doing some soul searching today, I suddenly remembered the fascinating story of Hanuman. The story goes something like this.
Hanuman has always been considered as the strongest, most intelligent and one of the wisest demi-gods in Hindu Mythology. But sometime during his playful childhood days, Hanuman caused a lot of havoc among the sages who lived in the forests due to his mischief.
One fine day, the sages grew tired of Hanuman and pronounced a curse - ”O Hanuman! you will forget all those powers and boons that have been bestowed upon you. You
will regain your vigour and vitality only when some one eulogises your
greatness and glory.”
The anathema made Hanuman staid and tranquil.
Hence, Hanuman would never know how powerful and strong he was. Others
would have to explain to him his strength. Only then would he be realizing it.
Rama, Hanuman, Angad, Jambhavan(The Bear) and the Vanara Sena (Monkey Army) find out from Sampati (The Vulture) that Sita could be taken to Lanka. Looking at the roaring sea ahead of them, all of them turn pessimistic on how to cross over to Lanka to find out about Sita's wherabouts. Hanuman is among the most pessimistic of them all.
Just when all seem lost, Jambhavan comes up to Hanuman and praises him - ”No other living creature has your strength,
wisdom and radiance. -Why are you sitting quiet, not knowing yourself.?
You can certainly jump over the ocean.”
That's the moment, the Curse was lifted. Hanuman being reminded of his own powers, is overwhelmed with enthusiasm. As Jambhavan and the rest of the folks around him start reminding him about his powress, he starts growing in size. Finally, he takes a gigantic form and leaps across the ocean in search of Sita.
This story from the Ramayan is one of those anectodes that's usually told to kids as inspiration. While it may be inspirational to most, its metaphorical in many ways.
Each one of us have nearly unlimited potential, the events of the past, shape the minds in such a way that like Hanuman's curse, we forget what we actually are capable of. When all seem lost, during a moment of reckoning, all that's needed are some wise words of inspiration from a friend or a close aide to remind each one of us of the glorious past and how much we are capable of.
These words could be a rebuke or kind words of wisdom. The goal is ultimately to remind you of who you actually are and what you are capable of!!!!
