HANUMAN

We will also delve deeply into Hanuman’s Heroes Journey and how it connects the Form to the Formless. 

Many aspects of yoga come from Hanuman, including many asanas.  His father was Vayu, the wind deity so he taught the yogic world pranayama.  His guru was Surya, the Sun god so he taught the world Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation).  He is so intelligent that he is able to reconcile the three main systems of Vedanta philosophy: Dwaita (Duality), Vishishta Advaita (qualified non-duality) and Advaita (non-duality).

This is best illustrated in this story…

When this unassuming monkey becomes a superstar of the Ramayana, at the end, Ram asks Hanuman “Who are you?” 

Hanuman replies:

Deha bhavena dasosmi – “when I take identification with my body, I am your (God’s) servant.”

This is Dwaita, duality, where you are separate from God and thus express devotion, the path of Bhakti.

Jiva bhavena twadamshakaha – “when I take identification with the traveling soul, I am a part of you.”

This is Vishishta Advaita, qualified non-duality, where you are part of God. 

Atma bhavena twamevaham – “when I take identification with pure Consciousness, I am You”

This is Advaita, pure non-duality, where you and God are One.  

Saying this,
Hanuman ripped his chest open
to reveal his heart, 
his Ishtadevata,
Lord Ram.