From the teachings of Pt. Umadutt Maharaj, Spiritual Leader, SWAHA Bhakti Jyot Mandali
The celebration of Hanuman Jayanti invites devotees to reflect not only on the heroic deeds of Shree Hanumanji but also on the deeper spiritual principle that He represents. In the yogic tradition, Hanumanji is understood as the embodiment of the mastered mind, a mind that is restrained, concentrated and wholly dedicated to the Divine.
The journey toward such mastery is not immediate. The scriptures teach that the human mind passes through several stages before it becomes steady and fully under control. Through the example of Hanumanji, devotees are reminded that it is possible to rise above the restless tendencies of the mind and direct its power toward its highest purpose.
The Five States of the Mind
The Patanjali Yoga Sutras describe five principal conditions of the mind through which an individual may pass:
- Kshiptam: the restless or raving mind, constantly distracted and pulled in many directions.
- Mudham: the dull or forgetful mind, clouded by confusion and inertia.
- Vikshiptam: the oscillating mind, capable of attention for a time but easily disturbed.
- Ekaagra: the one-pointed mind, steady and directed toward a single purpose.
- Niruddha: the mastered mind.
Spiritual discipline is the process of moving beyond the first three unsettled states and gradually cultivating the steadiness of ekaagra and the mastery of niruddha.
In this sense, the worship of Hanuman Baba is not merely ritual devotion. It is an aspiration to bring the mind into harmony and discipline, following the example of the great devotee, Hanumanji, who embodied perfect mental strength and focus.
The Mind that Cannot Be Distracted
The restrained mind is often compared to a tortoise, which draws its limbs inward and remains undisturbed by external disturbances. In the same way, the disciplined mind withdraws from unnecessary distractions and remains centred upon its purpose.
Hanumanji’s life illustrates this principle perfectly. His thoughts, energy and actions were completely devoted to the service of Shree Raam. When he crossed the ocean in search of Sita Devi and entered the city of Lanka, numerous obstacles stood before him. Yet nothing diverted him from his mission. His mind remained steadfast, guided entirely by devotion and duty.
Because of this internal discipline, Hanumanji rose above the lower states of the mind and attained complete mastery over it.
The Journey Through Lanka: A Symbol for Human Life
The story of Hanumanji’s journey to Lanka carries a powerful symbolic meaning for every individual. In a spiritual sense, each of us is travelling through our own Lanka, moving through the pathways of life in search of something meaningful and enduring.
Along this journey we encounter many challenges: doubts, fears, temptations and adversities. When the mind is weak or unstable, these forces can easily overwhelm us. But when the mind becomes strong, purposeful and directed toward the right goal, it acquires the power to overcome every obstacle.
Hanumanji therefore represents the mind principle within each of us: the mental strength that enables us to persevere, to remain positive, and to continue seeking truth despite the difficulties we may face.
Strengthening the Mind Through Devotion
Through devotion to Hanuman Baba, the aspirant gradually transcends the lower conditions of the mind: kshiptam, mudham and vikshiptam, and moves toward the higher states of ekaagra, the one-pointed mind, and niruddha, the mastered mind.
Such a mind becomes the instrument through which the individual can move successfully through the world while advancing spiritually toward the highest state of Divine awareness.
Hanumanji lived in constant remembrance of the Lord. His mind was absorbed in the contemplation of Shree Raam, and this unwavering devotion gave him strength, wisdom and success in every undertaking carried out for the Divine cause. Through His example, Hanumanji shows that the mastered mind, devoted to truth and service, is the path to both success in life and union with the Divine.
