Page 18 - Powerful Feminine Qualities

to separation and lack of communication. Hanuman decided to console Sita without being detected by the
she-demons.
2. Hanuman chose to speak in Sanskrit, the language with which Sita is most comfortable.
3. Hanuman realized that Ravana could assume any form. Hanuman thought that if Sita mistook him for Ravana in
disguise, She may sound an alarm, and the she-demons may attempt capture him, which may hinder him from
conveying the message of Rama to Sita. Then his efforts would be futile. If he did not speak to her with news of
Rama’s coming, Sita might die of despair. A messenger, who fails to deliver a message for the intended person,
can be the cause of a tragedy. He decided, “I must deliver news of Rama’s plans with confidence and with a serene
countenance that will convince Sita that Her imminent freedom is actually factual.”
4. Hanuman glorified Rama, who possessed unlimited powers, so that Sita would not be fearful that Her husband
would meet Ravana and his fearful warriors face to face in combat.
Knowing well that the happiness of all persons will awaken by describing the glories of the Lord, one should talk
about the Lord constantly. This is the best speech.
5. Hanuman approached Sita and revealed that he was the envoy of Rama. Then he remained quiet awaiting to see
Mother Sita’s reaction. Wisdom obliges not to speak more than what is necessary. One should wait for the other
person to understand the import of one’s speech.
6. Mother Sita asked Hanuman to describe the qualities and characteristics of Rama so that her sorrow would be
permanently mitigated. Hanuman thought that Sita knew everything there is to know about Rama, and yet She
gave him the opportunity to talk about the Lord; he felt fortunate. From this we can understand the following four
points:
a. Mother Sita is the ultimate authority who knows the glories of the Lord, and Hanuman is an authority by
virtue of being the Lord’s sincere devotee. We should be eager to learn about the Lord from a real authority.
b. The more we learn about the Lord, the less we will be affected by sorrow.
c. One should express gratitude when one has the opportunity to talk or hear about the Lord.
d. Hanuman, the perfect devotee, describes the Lord without speculation. We should speak about the Lord only
from authorized Vedic scriptures.
Rama promised His father that He would not enter any city for fourteen years. Therefore, after winning the war, He
did not go to the main city of Lanka. He did not break His promise in order to meet His beloved Sita. He sent Hanuman
to inform Sita that He had saved Her. After the battle of Lanka was finished, Vibhisana went to gift costly clothes and
jewels to Mother Sita and bring Her with all pomp and ceremony to Rama.
Hanuman entered the Asoka grove where he saw Mother Sita sitting beneath a tree. Slowly She recognized him as
Hanuman, an envoy of Her Lord Rama, and rejoiced. Hanuman said, “vaidehi kushali ramah sasugrivah salakshmanah
vibhishana sahayashca harinam sahito balaih.” (VR 6.113.7) Very succinctly, Hanuman addressed Mother Sita by the
name She received from Her maternal land of birth, Videha, to comfort her. Then he says kusali or everything is fine.
Then he invoked the name of Rama, because that was the person about whom Mother Sita was most concerned. Her
maternal compassion extended to the monkeys as well, so Hanuman mentioned Sugriva's name, the king of the
monkey warriors. Finally, he said that Lakshman, the brother of Rama, was also well. Mother Sita knew that if Rama
were well, Lakshman would be also.
Mother Sita became good friends with Vibhisana’s kind daughter Kala and good wife Sarama. Therefore, Hanuman
mentioned the well-being of Vibhisana. Nevertheless, Hanuman, in a single sentence, consoled and soothed Sita
troubled mind. This is how a person should talk – understand the psyche of the other person, say things that are
beneficial to that person, and employ the most potent combination of words to do so.

Srir - opulence or beauty
Lord Krishna is also known as Madhava. This name indicates that He is the husband of the Goddess of Fortune,
Lakshmi. Ma – refers to Mother Lakshmi and dhava means the consort, the husband or companion. This meaning of

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