The Krittibasi Ramayana, a revered retelling of the Ramayana in Bengali by Krittibas Ojha, contains many intriguing anecdotes that offer deep moral lessons. One such story beautifully illustrates how pride can become an insurmountable burden, even for the mighty Hanuman, known for his unparalleled strength and devotion.
The Story of Hanuman and the Weight of Pride
During the period of exile in the forest, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita led a simple life, subsisting on the fruits and food they gathered from their surroundings. One day, Lakshmana mentioned to Rama that he had been fasting, despite the available food. Intrigued, Rama inquired about what Lakshmana had done with his share of fruits and food. Lakshmana revealed that he had stored them safely in their hut.
Wishing to retrieve the stored food, Rama turned to Hanuman, his most trusted devotee. Hanuman, who was always eager to serve Rama, felt a surge of pride when chosen for the task. He thought to himself, "Why did Rama select me for such a simple task? Anyone could have fetched the fruits. Surely, he must see something special in me."
With this thought, a subtle sense of pride crept into Hanuman's heart. Buoyed by his own self-importance, Hanuman approached the place where the food was stored. To his surprise, as he attempted to lift the baskets of fruits, they seemed unusually heavy. Despite his immense strength, he found himself unable to lift them.
Confused and exhausted, Hanuman returned to Rama and admitted his failure. He was deeply puzzled and frustrated, unable to understand why such a simple task was beyond his ability. Rama, perceiving the lesson that needed to be imparted, then asked Lakshmana to retrieve the food.
Lakshmana, without any sense of pride or expectation of praise, went to the hut and effortlessly carried the fruits back to Rama.
The Moral Lesson
This story carries a profound moral: pride weighs us down. Hanuman's failure was not due to a lack of strength but because his heart had been momentarily clouded by pride. When we let pride enter our hearts, it acts as a heavy burden, making even the simplest tasks seem impossible. Conversely, when we approach our duties with humility and without ego, we are able to perform them with ease.
Reflections on Hanuman's Devotion and Humility
Hanuman's character throughout the Ramayana is one of unwavering devotion and humility. This story serves as a gentle reminder, even to Hanuman, of the importance of maintaining humility regardless of one's abilities or achievements. It illustrates that true strength lies not just in physical power but in the purity of one's heart and intentions.
By sharing this story, the Krittibasi Ramayana encourages us to reflect on our own attitudes and actions. It reminds us that pride can be our downfall and that humility is the path to true greatness. In life, we often face situations where we might feel prideful about our skills or accomplishments. This story urges us to remain grounded, remembering that the weight of pride is too heavy for any living being to bear, and that only through humility can we achieve our true potential.
The tale of Hanuman and the weight of pride is a timeless lesson from the Krittibasi Ramayana. It not only reinforces the values of humility and devotion but also illustrates how even the greatest among us can stumble when pride takes hold. Through Hanuman's experience, we learn that the true measure of strength and success lies in maintaining a humble heart, free from the burdens of ego and self-importance.