Hanuman's Hymn to Rama

After listening to Rama's teaching, Hanuman remained silent. He did not want to answer quickly merely to prove that he had understood.

He reflected on the witnessing self, the partnership of knowledge and practice, devotion, and the reality present through every form. Then he bowed and began to speak.

Hanuman praised Rama as Atman, the deep self; as Purusha, the conscious principle; and as the source from which creation appears. His hymn did not mean that the prince beside him had stopped being the friend searching for Sita. It recognized that the familiar person opened toward a reality beyond one body.

“You are present in strength,” Hanuman said, “yet you teach restraint. You are praised as the ground of the worlds, yet you listen to the grief of one person. Let my understanding of your greatness make me more faithful in service, not more proud of being near you.”

Rama received the praise without demanding that Hanuman continue. A hymn offered freely did not need to become flattery.

Hanuman then asked for guidance. “When action becomes difficult, how will I remember this teaching?”

“Return to what is true in the next necessary step,” Rama replied. “You may not hold the entire philosophy in your mind while danger rushes toward you. Remember the purpose, act without cruelty, and examine yourself afterward.”

Hanuman understood that devotion did not require him to feel serene at every moment. He might experience fear, anger, exhaustion, or doubt. The practice was to avoid letting those passing states become his only guide.

He touched his vina-less hands to his heart; his own instrument was service. Soon those hands would carry Rama's ring, lift stones, protect companions, and fold before Sita in Ashoka grove.

The teaching ended not with Hanuman withdrawing from the world, but with both friends preparing to continue their work. Sugriva waited. The search for Sita demanded alliances, courage, and careful promises.

Hanuman rose. His hymn remained in the forest air, but its truest continuation would be action.

He had asked, “Who are you?” Rama's answer had also changed the question “Who am I?” Hanuman was strength, intelligence, devotion, and the witnessing awareness capable of guiding them. No single role needed to cancel the others.

With folded hands and a steadier purpose, he walked beside Rama toward the tasks ahead.