“We have evolved from the monkeys” is what we hear many a time. As I read about Hanuman, this evolution is glaring!! :-).

What I also got a peek of is the way Ravana thinks. It could be just one situation that gives a window to his thinking, but that says a lot.

Hanuman decides that if they have to fight a war with Ravana, he needs to understand the strength of Ravana and his army. For that, he decides to do something, that may make Ravana to send his soldiers and perhaps to come personally too. He ransacks.. He causes havoc.. he destroys the beautiful place around where Sita is; but the area where Sita is, remains untouched. Ravana sends his soldiers and they are  killed by Hanuman. Ravana sends his son Akshan, whose courage, bravery and undaunting fight makes Hanuman look at him with admiration. Though he doesOne more.. what precisely is the criterion for the colours? not want to kill Akshan, he realises that he needs to, for the cause that he is journeying towards (of Rama rescuing Sita).

– Was what Hanuman did right?

– Should he have created havoc, destroyed trees, birds and the animals, which have made it their home?

– What happens when a battle is being fought and what happens in day to day life, is different. It cannot be compared. In a battle, it is important to know and / or  meet the opponent, to understand the way they think, to know their strength and of course their vulnerabilities. Destruction of life is then, a reality. To war or not to war, that’s the question.. And one that has different answers..

– In day-to-day life also, we fight, negotiate and have have a constructive confrontation with people. We use different strategies to understand the mind of the person we  fight / negotiate / confront with (whatever be the role that we are in).. It is critical to know how they think, what makes them tick etc. We are then ready!!

 – It is reality that in the process of fighting or negotiating or confronting another person, we may cause pain to them. And then we get to hear from them “I don’t feel alive anymore”, “My feelings for you are dead” “You killed all my feelings”. Destruction of ‘life’ happens here too, though mentally!!

 – A person focused on learning, will find it in every situation and in every person – be it an ally or an enemy. An attitude to foster!!

Ravana hears of Akshan’s death in the hands of Hanuman. He is angry, but also thoughtful of what he needs to do next. He calls Indrajit, another son of his, to fight with Hanuman. He showers accolades on Indrajit about his strength, power, and presence of mind, in a battle. He says that sending him (Indrajit) to fight with Hanuman may not seem wise at that moment but it is something that needs to be done. He requests Indrajit to weigh his own strength and the strength of the enemy (Hanuman) and act, to stop the physical destruction caused by Hanuman.

– Many times when we are in anger, any one of these could happen –

  •  Raging anger.. Uncontrolled thoughts.. Tumbling words.. Impulsive actions.. Delayed regret..
  •  Raging anger.. Uncontrolled thoughts.. Words suppressed.. Frustrated tanking..
  •  Raging anger.. Uncontrolled thoughts.. Utterance of carefully chosen words.. Controlled state..
  •  Raging anger.. Controlled thoughts.. Balanced mind.. Clarity in thinking and words..

– Being in the last option (which is where Ravana was) is NOT easy, but much required, in a crisis. In a make or break situation, when the stakes are high, we may NOT have control on external factors; but we sure HAVE CONTROL on our thoughts, words and actions. Consistent practice of this control, is what molds us into a mature individual.

– To believe in the ability and capacity of the person we are giving the responsibility to, is one thing.. to have trust in that person is another.. That trust that they will weigh the options, and deliver what they need to.. Belief and trust may overwhelm the receiver and yet make them grow up, leaps and bounds.. A leader creates another one!!!

Ravana says that the best punishment that can be given to Hanuman, is to take away what all monkeys pride in – their tail. Ravana’s soldiers set fire to his tail. Hanuman pretends to give in to their punishment. They take him around the city with his tail burning away. Hanuman decides to take revenge against the rakshasas. He breaks free, keeps changing his size and goes around setting fire to Lanka. He finally settles on a mountain peak and looks at Lanka. What he sees and hears shocks him.. People wailing. A destructed city.. all because of his anger. He feels a regret, a worry and a guilt.. Did he do the right thing? He wonders at the implication of his actions, due to his anger.

Raging thoughts.. Uncontrolled thoughts.. Tumbling words.. Impulsive actions.. Delayed Regret.. The implications of this many times times, is irreversible – a break – be it in opportunities or relationships.. Raging, uncontrolled and impulsive – a lethal combination indeed!! No wonder, the implication is a break..

An epic that was written many many many many years back is relevant even today, teaching us ‘how’ we need to be. Amazing!!!