I N D I A N P H I L O S O P H Y

YOGItimes magazine for the modern yogi
Awaken the Superyogi Within
Tapping into Hanuman's Power
by Reiki Master Alexandra Juliani &
Professor Sasi Velupillai, Psychic Palmist of India
We can all recall moments in our lives when we accomplished something extraordinary. Perhaps we had a peak experience playing a sport, or we acted in a play that flowed with ease, or we dreamed of taking a special trip and suddenly were flying off to that exact destination. Things seemed to magically occur and we felt in tune with the universe. Too often we are under the erroneous assumption that these high points are forever lost because they happened when we were in our prime – perhaps we were younger, more optimistic, healthier, or in some way better off than we are presently. The truth is that we can indeed continue to manifest desires by tapping into positive energies that are forever inherent in all of us just waiting to be accessed. In India, the phenomenon of creating miraculous events is represented by the Hindu deity Hanuman, a larger-than-life figure who regularly performs magic. Let us discover the power of manifestation through Hanuman’s mystical, but entirely approachable form.
Hanuman is the great half-monkey, half-man deity renowned for his courage, power and faithful, selfless service. He is regarded as a “Superman” figure, indicated by his other name "Sankat Mochan," or “Destroyer of all hurdles of human beings.” He is the consummate hero who makes seemingly impossible things happen. Hanuman images can be seen in temples throughout the world, where he is pictured triumphantly carrying a mountain in one hand or sitting in a devotional posture before his master, Rama. He is considered to be the epitome of power and strength and the greatest devotee of Rama. Hanuman is unmarried and remains celibate, personifying personal austerity. Despite his supernatural powers, Hanuman lacks any ego, reminding us to perform important acts but not become carried away by our successes.
The son of an angelic being, Anjana, and the wind god, Vayu, Hanuman is also considered to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. In mythological stories, Hanuman received the blessings of all the gods and goddesses, making him invincible and imbuing him with unique capabilities. In some ways Hanuman embodies all attributes of divine energy everywhere – such is his power.
What is immediately evident about Hanuman is his humble, loving demeanor that belies his special abilities. The Indian spiritual texts say that Hanuman is as vast as a mountain with a golden complexion. He has an enormous, powerful tail that can spread out to an incredible length if needed. Although he roars like thunder at times, he is also often gentle and quiet. Hanuman effortlessly flies among the clouds, making himself as large as an entire continent or as tiny as a mosquito, depending upon the task he is called to do.
The great Indian epic, The Ramayana, tells several important stories about Hanuman. The most famous one says that the brother of Rama, Hanuman’s master, was gravely injured in battle and Hanuman was asked to fly to the Himalayas to procure the only herb that would heal him. In an instant Hanuman arrived at the mountain range but forgot which particular herb he needed to obtain. Therefore, he scooped up and carried back an entire mountain, thereby saving Rama’s brother. Hanuman demonstrates here that nothing is impossible, even literally moving mountains when necessary. In another instance Rama gave a pearl necklace to Hanuman who began gazing intently at every pearl. When questioned, Hanuman explained that he was seeing Rama in the pearls since Rama was present everywhere. The message is that the Divine is always around us and we should all be like Hanuman, seeing God in even the tiniest of objects.
How do we make sense of Hanuman who performs outlandish, heroic feats? What connection does this monkey being have to our own lives? Hanuman teaches us several things. First, he may be seen as the utmost example of devotion and sacrifice, always putting his physical fatigue and comfort last in his quest to serve good causes. Whenever we find ourselves extremely dedicated to a task or immersed in selfless service, we are invoking Hanuman. One admirable consequence of Hanuman’s loyalty to Rama is that he displays a complete lack of ill will or hostility towards anyone, reminding us to view everyone as our brother or sister. In spite of possessing super-human strength Hanuman also never misuses his powers, demonstrating his dedication to right action, dharma. In his complete surrender to God and truth, Hanuman becomes self-realized, personifying the model spiritual seeker.
Ultimately Hanuman teaches us that the power to manifest great things is accessible within us always. Through his incredible acts of bravery, he challenges us to become magical, envision grand dreams, and work tirelessly to achieve our goals. Tapping into Hanuman energy in prayer, chanting or meditation awakens the superyogi within us so that we may excel and in turn inspire others. Thank you Hanuman, for your valiant spirit! May we follow your lead and remember we are spiritual beings temporarily abiding in human form, capable of performing brilliant feats whenever we call upon the Hanuman element within. Om Sri Hanumate Namaha - Salutations to Lord Hanuman !

Psychic Palmist of India Professor Sasi Velupillai & Reiki Master Alexandra Juliani offer sacred Sanskrit mantra classes with vedic initiation ceremonies, including Hanuman mantras. For more information, please contact 310.397.2405 or e-mail: mantraclasses@earthlink.net

Top Image: Hanuman statue, handcrafted in India by spiritual artisans from a single piece of sandstone, stands 5 feet tall and weighs approximately 650 pounds. This Hanuman deity was installed through vedic puja ceremonies performed by Professor Sasi Velupillai, Reiki Master Alexandra Juliani and Gayatri mantra practitioners. Hanuman presides over the manifestation temple of the Vedic Healing Institute in West Los Angeles.