Alec Rubman 5.10.

13 Ancient World Legacy Project Part I

Mental strength for any human is a desirable trait. A good person strives to be loyal, rational, and they also have an urge to transform to become a better person. Hinduism also believes in the idea of mental strength and the urge to transform. The Dharma, or righteous duties of Hindus are the sole test for moving up the ranks of the caste system throughout their lives. If they perform their Dharma correctly, they have the best chance of moving up the ranks and hopefully achieving Nirvana, escape from the cycle of birth and rebirth. A huge part of the Dharma is mental strength. Its not always easy to carry out the demands of the Dharma, especially in the case of the Dalits, or Untouchables. The men and women of the lowest caste system are treated terribly, and have some awful jobs. They clean up sewage, pick up garbage, and sweep streets, but they continue because their religion teaches that these duties will lead to great things in their next life. In the statue Hanuman Conversing in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Hanuman shows how obedience plays a role, even in the life of gods by showing obedience to his lord while

conversing with him by way of his hands. The eternal truth of mental strength is still present today in the 21st century. The statue Hanuman Conversing shows this, as well as the ideas of Dharma in Hinduism and the epic story Ramayana.

The piece of art Hanuman Conversing, depicting the monkey god Hanuman in an animated conversation with his Lord Ram, epitomizes mental strength in Hinduism. Hanuman represents the transformation of a monkey brain to maturity, as well as loyalty and courage. According to the description of the statue, His bravery, courage, and loyalty throughout the Ramayana are renowned(M).1 The story of his loyalty to Rama in the war against Ravana has become a powerful legend in Hinduism. It takes some incredible mental strength to carry out some of the deeds Hanuman committed, and his reward was a powerful stance in Hinduism, as he is now worshipped and beloved by many members of the religion.

The statue Hanuman Monkey General at the Cleveland Museum of Art also shows the mental strength of Hanuman but from a different perspective, as he observes what he sees in the world with wonder.

" The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Hanuman Conversing." The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Home. http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-thecollections/60005922 (accessed May 15, 2013).
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From the 11th century AD, this statue depicts Hanuman slightly leant forward with a hand over his open mouth, showing an idea of admiration. The description goes on to say When confronted by a truly difficult task, devotees address him by saying: Lord who achieved the impossible before you how can one speak of the impossible? O messenger of Rama, O ocean of mercy make my task achievable, O Lord. -Anonymous popular prayer(C).2 The prayer to Hanuman helps Hindus find mental strength within themselves, and assist them in their ability to work hard and follow their Dharma just like Hanuman.

The eternal truth of mental strength is still present because even today, Hindus all around the world pray to Hanuman. One of the oldest religions still practiced today, Hinduism is a polytheistic tradition that originated in India, and involves multiple deities for themes in life. Hanuman is the god of bravery, loyalty, courage, and transformation from the monkey brain to maturity, a desirable trait for many Hindus. According to facts on file, He is equally worshipped by Vaishnavites (worshippers of Vishnu) and Shaivites (worshippers of Shiva)(F)3. The followers of Vishnu and Shiva are two very different

"Monkey General Hanuman | Cleveland Museum of Art." Cleveland Museum of Art. http://www.clevelandart.org/art/1980.26 (accessed May 20, 2013). 3 ones, Constance A., and James D. Ryan. "Hanuman." Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Encyclopedia of World Religions. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2007. Ancient and Medieval History Online. Facts On File,
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sects of people, and the fact that Hanuman is followed is important because it shows that he is loved in the world of Hinduism. In Hinduism, as mentioned before, there is a caste system. The uppermost, Brahma, are high priests and tend to live very lavishly with servants and large houses. It then goes down to the Kshatriyas (nobles, rajahs, warriors) and Vaisyas (craftsmen, artisans, and farmers) before coming to the Dalits, or the Untouchable laboring class. As mentioned before, the Dalits are treated very poorly but they continue to serve their duties because they know that if they perform their Dharma, the righteous duties that are the test for moving up in the caste system. No one is exempt from Dharma, even gods. Hanuman must perform his Dharma by serving his Lord Ram, and according to pantheon.org, He is loved all over India as the monkeygod who so faithfully served Rama, Vishnu's seventh avatar (incarnation), in his war against Ravana, the demon king (P)4. The article goes on to say Temples to him have been erected all over that part of the country each small villages and towns having their own "Hanuman" shrine to keep the populace within the realm of his able

Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp? ItemID=WE49&iPin=ENH253& SingleRecord=True (accessed May 20, 2013). 4 Sanyal, Sumanta. "Hanuman." Encyclopedia Mythica: mythology, folklore, and religion.. http://www.pantheon.org/articles/h/hanuman.html (accessed May 21, 2013).

and benign prowess (P)5. The fact that Hanuman is still prayed to today all over the world is a great example of how mental strength is still a relevant eternal truth.

The eternal truth of mental strength is very important in the Ramayana, the epic tale of Ramas fight against Ravana, the demon king. The duties of Hanuman are told in the Ramayana and there are some incredible feats. In the story, it is written, That marvellous monkey Hanuma agreeing for the words of that inaccessible and very much frightened Sugreeva, and on respectfully replying him saying that, 'I will do accordingly...' proceeded there where that highly mighty Rama is there along with Lakshmana6(R). This quote shows how much hanuman respects his Lord, and even in a time of great adversity, he will continue to serve him. In addition, it is written "If that brave Hanuma is surviving, the whole army even if killed, is unhurt. On the other hand, if Hanuma has given up is life, we are all dead, even though living7(R). Here, not only is Hanuman a loyal servant, he is fully embracing his title as the Monkey General, a

5 6

Ibid

"Valmiki Ramayana - Kishkindha Kanda - Sarga 2 ." Valmiki Ramayana. http://www.valmikiramayan.net/utf8/kish/sarga2/kishkindha_2_frame.htm (accessed May 22, 2013).
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Ibid

fearless leader who will fight for his troops in battle, a sign of loyalty, courage and mental strength.

Clearly, mental strength is a huge theme in the Ancient world, and it is still very much alive today. Through the stories of Hanuman, the beliefs of Hindus, and the art that has survived centuries, the belief in the ideals of Hanuman are passed on, especially in India where he is one of the most revered deities. Even in America, the idea of Hanuman is catching on as cities all over America are attempting to build temples to praise the great monkey lord, who is truly an epitome of mental strength and loyalty in the Ancient World.