What is meditation?
What is Shastra? Inspired by a willingness to move beyond suffering to peace and Hanumanji's Chalisa.
Sastra or Shastra "that which has been instructed/decreed" is a word from the ancient language of Sanscript that is commonly used to describe what the Westerner would refer to as Holy scripture. In the context of this article we will focus on Shastra as meaning Holy Scripture. We will explore a particular scripture know as the Hanuman Chalisa which is written and spoken in Avadhi Hindi, a derivative of Sanscript. The Hanuman Chalisa was written by Hindu Saint Tulsidas. He wrote the Hanuman Chalisa when he was ill, and the regular recitation of this Chalisa granted him health. This is the aim of any study, good health in various forms. When we study Holy Scripture, the more sincerity and devotion that we can give to its study equates to the more health we enjoy. We should not be confused though, this health first comes in the form of peace, bliss, and knowledge of God. Once that has been well established, our karma or prior action and result might reform to give us health in material facets like the body and possessions. However any health in body mind or abundance of possession that is granted is only a reflection of the devotee's earnest understanding of such gifts in service to the Lord, highest goal of life, and is no longer desired by the devotee for anything other than service to the highest goal. If the devotees knowledge of the Truth once again becomes clouded these gifts will likely fall away over time, but they also might fall away because they are no longer needed to serve the highest goal. A True devote will not have concern for this because they will all ready be granted their deepest desire, the presence of the Lord in their hearts! Hanuman is a perfect example of this. Several times he was offered a gift or boon from the Lord but only desired the Lord's presence in his heart! Amazing! How is this miracle of good health and fortune possible...reciting the Hanuman Chalisa 100 times will grant one freedom from the cycle of birth and death and the enjoyment of the highest bliss! does this mean 100 times recited verbally or 100 recited within the heart full of devotion? Scriptures are often filled with mysteries for us to unravel through contemplation, meditation, sincere seeking, and devotion. They are instructions to learn how we can Love ourselves and others in a deeper way than the materialistic notions we more commonly experience, and come to the Knowledge that there is no other, just Love. Like all Holy Scriptures the Hanuman Chalisa teaches us a way that leads to the Way of Love, the highest goal in life abiding in the Truth of the Lord. That being said there are many other wonderful traditions that will teach the same message of Love, understanding, sincerity, and devotion to the Lord like Shintoism, Jainism, Doaism, Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Bahaism, Sikhism, etc. The Hanuman Chalisa is associated with the Hindu Religion and the practice of Yoga. It is important to remember that all these names, tradition, and forms are all pointing to one God or highest Knowledge, and are meant to serve a seeker that has a specific need to see the divine in one of these various names and forms. Wherever there is a need for a devotee that seeks the Lord with faith and sincerity of heart, there will arise a form of the Lord to show them the way. Hanuman is a figure of total devotion to the Lord, and this is something that I felt this mind known as Aaron Szczurek needed to learn. Lack of humility, devotion, sincerity, and clear unwavering vision of the Lord or highest goal is something that causes much misery in the life. After practicing devotion to Shri Hanuman for almost three years now, I can attest to life becoming more sweet and pleasant despite changes in forms and unknowns afoot. This one sees the Lord surprising with something delightful more often than before this study began. I humbly offer you, my friend, with Love this epic and dear poem passed down from the great sage Tulsidas, the Hanuman Chalisa. Hanuman Chalisa from Saint Tulsidas and translated into English from the Hindu temple of Albany
Doha
Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj
Nij mane mukure sudhar
Varnao Raghuvar Vimal Jasu
Jo dayaku phal char
After cleansing the mirror of my mind with the pollen dust of holy Guru's Lotus feet. I profess the pure, untainted glory of Shri Raghuvar which bestows the four fold fruits of life. (dharma, artha, kama, and moksha)
Budhi Hin Tanu Janike
Sumirau Pavan Kumar
Bal budhi Vidya dehu mohe
Harahu Kalesa Vikar
Fully aware of the deficiency of my intelligence, I concentrate my attention on Pavan Kumar and humbly ask for strength, intelligence and true knowledge to relieve me of all blemishes, causing pain.
verse one
Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagar
Jai Kapis tihun lok ujagar
Victory to thee, O'Hanuman! Ocean of Wisdom-All hail to you O'Kapisa! (fountain-head of power, wisdom and Shiva-Shakti) You illuminate all the three worlds (Entire cosmos) with your glory.
two
Ram doot atulit bal dhama
Anjani-putra Pavan sut nama
You are the divine messenger of Shri Ram. The repository of immeasurable strength, though known only as Son of Pavan (Wind), born of Anjani.
three
Mahavir Vikram Bajrangi
Kumati nivar sumati Ke sangi
With Limbs as sturdy as Vajra (the mace of god Indra) you are valiant and brave. On you attends good sense and wisdom. You dispel the darkness of evil thoughts.
four
Kanchan varan viray subesa
Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa
Your physique is beautiful golden colored and your dress is pretty. You war ear rings and have long curly hair.
five
Hath Vajra Aur Dhuvaje Viraje
Kandhe moonj janehu sajai
You carry in your hand a lightening bolt along with a victory (kesari) flag and wear the sacred thread on you shoulder.
six
Sankar suvan kesri Nandan
Tej pratap maha jag vandan
As a descendant of Lord Sankar, you are a comfort and pride to Shri Kesari. With the luster of you vast sway, you are propitiated all over the universe.
seven
Vidyavan guni ati chatur
Ram kaj karibe ko aatur
You are the repository of learning, virtuous and fully accomplished, always keen to carry out the behest's of Shri Ram.
eight
Prabu charitra sunibe ko rasiya
Ram Lakhan Sita man Basiya
You are an ardent listener, always so keen to listen to the narration of Shri Ram's life stories. Your heart is filled with what Shri Ram stood for. You are therefore always dwell in the hearts of Shri Ram, Laksman, and Sita.
nine
Sukshma roop dhari Siyahi dikhava
Vikat roop dhari lanka jarava
You appeared before Sita in a diminutive form and spoke to her in humility. You assumed an awesome form and struck terror by setting Lanka on fire.
ten
Bhima roop dhari asur sanghare
Ramachandra ke kaj sanvare
With over-whelming might you destroyed the Asuras (demons) and performed all tasks assigned to you by Shri Ram with great skill.
eleven
Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye
Shri Raghuvir Harashi ur laye
You brought Sanjivan (a herb that revives life) and restored Laksman to life, Shri Raghuvir (Shri Ram) cheerfully embraced you with his heart full of joy.
twelve
Raghupati Kinhi bahut badai
Tum mam priye Bharat-hi sam bhai
Shri Raghupati (Shri Ram) lustily extolled your excellence and said: "You are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat."
thirteen
Sahas badan tumharo yash gaave
Us kahi Shripati kanth lagaave
Thousands of living beings are chanting hymns or your glories; saying thus, Shri Ram warmly hugged him (Shri Hanuman).
fourteen
Sankaadik Brahmadi Muneesa Narad Sarad sahit Aheesa
When prophets like Sanka, even the Sage like Lord Brahma, the great hermit Narad himself, Goddess Saraswati and Ahisha (one of immeasurable dimensions).
fifteen
Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan te
Kavi kovid kahi sake kahan te
Even Yamraj (God of Death) Kuber (God of Wealth) and the Digpals (deputies guarding the four corners of the Universe) have been vying with one another in offering homage to your glories. How then, can a mere poet give adequate expression of your super excellence.
sixteen
Tum upkar Sugreevahin keenha
Ram milaye rajpad deena
Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan mana
Lankeshwar Bhaye Sub jag jana
You rendered a great service to Sugriv. You united him with Shri Ram and he installed him on the Royal Throne. By heeding your advice, Vibhishan became Lord of Lanka. This is known all over the Universe.
seventeen
Yug sahastra jojan par Bhanu
Leelyo tahi madhur phal janu
On your own you dashed upon the Sun, which is a fabulous distance of thousands of miles, thinking it to be a sweet luscious fruit.
eighteen
Prabhu mudrika meli mukh mahee
Jaladhi langhi gaye achraj nahee
Carrying the Lord's Signet ring in your mouth, there is hardly any wonder that you easily leaped across the ocean.
nineteen
Durgaam kaj jagat ke jete
Sugam anugraha tumhare tete
The burden of all difficult tasks of the world become light with your kind grace.
twenty
Ram dware tum rakhvare,
Hoat na agya binu paisare
You are the sentry at the door of Shri Ram's Divine Abode. No one can enter it without your permission.
twenty one
Sub sukh lahai tumhari sarna
Tum rakshak kahu ko dar na
All comforts of the world lie at your feet. The devotees enjoy all divine pleasures and feel fearless under your benign Protection.
twenty two
Aapan tej samharo aapai
Teenhon lok hank te kanpai
You alone are befitted to carry your own splendid valor. All the three worlds (entire universe) tremor at your thunderous call.
twenty three
Bhoot pisach Nikat nahin aavi
Mahavir jab naam sunavai
All the ghosts, demons, and evil forces keep away, with sheer mention of your great name, O'Mahaveer!!
twenty four
Nase rog harai sab peera
Japat nirantar Hanumant beera
All diseases, pain, and suffering disappear on reciting regularly Shri Hanuman's holy name.
twenty five
Sankat se Hanuman chudavai
Man Karam Vakchan dyan jo lavai
Those who remember Shri Hanuman in thought, words and deed with sincerity and faith, are rescued from all crisis in life.
twenty six
Sub par Ram tapasvee raja
Tin ke kaj sakal Tum saja
All who hail, worship and have faith in Shri Ram as the Supreme Lord and the king of penance. You make all their difficult tasks very easy.
twenty seven
Aur manorath jo koi lavai
Sohi amit jeevan phal pavai
Whosoever comes to you for fulfillment of any desire with faith and sincerity, will he alone secure the imperishable fruit of human life.
twenty eight
Charon Yug partap tumhara
Hai persidh jagat ujiyara
All through the four ages your magnificent glory is acclaimed far and wide. Your fame is radiantly acclaimed all over the cosmos.
twenty nine
Sadhu Sant ke tum Rakhware
Asur nikandan Ram dulhare
You are Savior and the guardian angel of Saints and Sages and destroy all Demons. You are the angelic darling of Shri Ram.
thirty
Ashta Sidhi nav nidhi ki dhata
Us var deen Janki mata
You can grant to any one, any yogic power of the eight Siddhis (power to become light and heavy at will) and nine Nidhis (riches, comfort, power, prestige, fame, sweet relationships, etc.) This boon has been conferred upon you by Mother Janki.
thirty one
Ram rasayan tumhare pasa
Sada raho Raghupati ke dasa
You possess the power of devotion to Shri Ram. In all rebirths you will always remain Shri Raghupati's most dedicated disciple.
thirty two
Tumharo bhajan Ram ko pavai
Janam janam ke dukh bisravai
Through hymns sung in devotion to you, one can find Shri Ram and become free from sufferings of several births.
thirty three
Anth kaal Raghuvir pur jayee
Jahan janam Hari-Bakht Kahayee
If at the time of death one enters the Divine Abode of Shri Ram, thereafter in all future births he is born as the Lord's devotee
thirty four
Aur Devta Chit na dharehi
Hanumanth se hi sarve sukh karehi
One need not entertain any other deity for Propitiation, as devotion of Shri Hanuman alone can give all happiness.
thirty five
Sankat kate mite sab peera
Jo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera
One is freed from all the sufferings and ill fated contingencies of rebirths in the world. One who adores and remembers Shri Hanuman.
thirty six
Jai, Jai, Jai Hanuman gosahin
Kripa Karahu Gurudev ki nyahin
Hail, Hail, Hail, Shri Hanuman, Lord of senses. Let your victory over evil be firm and final. Bless me in the capacity as my supreme guru (teacher).
thirty seven
Jo sat bar path kare kohi
Chutehi bandhi maha sukh hohi
One who recites Chalisa one hundred times, becomes free from the bondage of life and death and enjoys the highest bliss at last.
thirty eight
Jo yah padhe Hanuman Chalisa
Hoye siddhi sakhi Gaureesa
All those who recite Hanuman Chalisa (the forty Chaupais) regularly are sure to be benedicted. Such is the evidence of no less a witness as Bhagwan Sankar.
thirty nine
Tulsidas sada hari chara
Keejai Das Hrdaye mein dera
Tulsidas as a bound slave of the Divine Master, stays perpetually at his feet, he prays "Oh Lord! You enshrine within my heart & soul."
forty
Pavantnai sankat haran,
Mangal murti roop,
Ram Lakhan Sita sahit,
Hrdaye basaju sur bhoop.
Oh! conqueror of the Wind, destroyer of all miseries, you are a symbol of Auspiciousness. Along with Shri Ram, Lakshman, and Sita, reside in my heart. Oh! King of gods.
If you would like to begin a study of the Hanuman Chalisa I would recommend one verse a day to read and/or memorize. If a day seems to slow or fast, go at a pace that best suits you, but the more regularity and consistency, the more devotion and sincerity that you can bring to your study the better. Happy studies my friend. Next time I will be offering you another scripture that is very dear to me, the Devi Suktam.
This is a recording from Know Thyself of the Hanuman Chalisa with the same English translation as above. Very meditative and calming, thank you Know Thyself :-)
This is a recording with instrumentals and no English translation from Gulshan Kumar T-Series Bhakti Sagar. Very fun! Thank you Gulshan Kumar :-)
I found a great study guide for the Hanuman Chalisa offered by the Chinmayananda Mission from Swami Tejomayananda https://www.chinmayapublications.com/hanuman-chalisa