Śri Maha-Ganapataye namah.
Let us now understand about Hanuman’s tutelage under the Sun-god.
Some time elapsed. One morning, Mother Anjana approached Ānjaneya and asked him to seek higher special education from the Sun-god. In reality, due to the limitless boons obtained in his childhood, Hanuman was a master in every form of knowledge, yet, in order to establish the importance of a Spiritual Master (Sadguru) in one’s life, Hanuman underwent training under the Sun-god.
Every Devata has a Guru. Swami Tyagaraja has emphatically declared that in the absence of a Guru (teacher) no knowledge can ever be obtained. A Guru is a must for any knowledge to be obtained- however trivial it could be! To learn driving, to learn masonry work or even to learn how to repair defective objects- the person needs to approach a teacher who is well-versed in that subject, else, he fails to obtain the knowledge. Such a teacher is addressed as a Vidya-guru.
There is a sea difference between Vidya-guru (teachers who impart worldly knowledge), Jnana-guru (teachers who impart Spiritual Knowledge) and Vrtti-gurus (occupational-teachers).
Mother Anjana said, ‘Even as an infant you flew high up into the skies and travelled towards the Sun-galaxy. Hence, my dear son, you have the capacity to travel and reach up to the Sun’.
Mother Anjana was reminding Hanuman of His capabilities and prowess. Only when He is praised or reminded, His inherent capacities return to his memory-not otherwise.
Upon hearing these words, Hanuman instantly recollected His capacities. He immediately flew up to the Sun and prayed, ‘Please impart to me the knowledge’.
In the past, Sun-god had showered the boon that Hanuman will be a master in every form of knowledge. Hence, now he was left with no choice but to accede to Hanuman’s request. It had become his duty to ensure his boon turned true.
In this context we should recollect that incident wherein little Hanuman jumped into the skies trying to swallow the Sun. Deep secret and significance is contained within this incident.
Although Sun-god had decided to impart the knowledge, he desired to test this new disciple of his. He then said, ‘My dear son, I who eternally travel, never remain stationed at any place. My professional duties require me to be constantly on the move. Hence, by choosing me as your Spiritual Master, you stand to lose’.
Hearing these words, Hanuman forthwith went and stood in front of Sun-god’s chariot obstructing his passage. Deeply agitated with Hanuman’s reaction, Sun-god said, ‘It is improper to block my path. In case my chariot stops moving, the entire world will be endangered’.
The movement of the Sun’s chariot refers to the illumination emitted by him. Sun’s illumination should continue to flow eternally towards the world. Obstructing it endangers the world.
Sun-god continued, ‘If you truly desire to learn under me, I can teach you, however there is a problem. My eternally moving chariot makes ear-piercing sounds. How can you hear the lessons being taught by me? Hence, it is up to you to find a solution to your problem. Remember that I cannot permit my disciple to sit beside me in the chariot’.
How can the student be allowed to be seated in the same seat and at the same level as the master? It is not possible. Knowledge fails to dawn in such student who sits at par with his master.
Ānjaneya grasped this. He said, ‘O Gurudeva! The deafening sounds from your chariot travel outwards but fail to be heard within your chariot. Therefore, standing before you, I shall extend my neck and place my head within your chariot. Positioning my head very close to your face, I shall listen to Your teachings’.
Within our body is the jaṭarāgni- the fire that burns down the food we eat. Our body is sound-proof. If by chance the sound generated by this fire were to travel outwards, would it ever be possible for us to tolerate it? The Lord has therefore concealed this sound.
Jaya Guru Datta