In the words of Neem Karoli Baba, “To see God, you must have special eyes. Otherwise you cannot bear the shock.” Brajwasis have special eyes, and so do some monkeys. As Hanuman Chalisa tells us, Hanumanji, Shri Ram’s highest servant in a monkey form, is “ati chatur” (of the highest intelligence). This is not good news for people who would like to think of themselves as more intelligent than others. But, for those who enjoy becoming more and more humble every day, becoming a servant of Hanuman gives the satisfaction of knowing oneself to be the servant of God, whilst also avoiding the danger of becoming arrogant or prideful.
It is perhaps no accident that one of the most popular bhajans heard in programs around Vrindavan, and across India, is Hanuman Chalisa. It is said that Tulsidasji penned the bhajan while in ‘samadhi’ (a trance-like state). Written in the Awadhi language, Hanuman Chalisa has an amazing simplicity and directness, which allows even children to easily grasp its meaning.
Neem Karoli Baba P.C. Trevor Hall
Neem Karoli Baba made a name for himself in the West when he took an intoxicating substance (acid) and said he was not affected by it. While some may refuse to believe that this is possible, those who understand the complete absorption of the mind when deeply involved in singing kirtan can understand how circumstances in the material world can suddenly lose their ability to disturb the mind.
John Baldwin, who came to Vrindavan to visit Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram, said, “we dont know much about philosophy. Our connection to the Supreme is through kirtan.” John’s wife, Jessica, said, “Once I counted and there are over 30 Hanuman deities visible from the Parikrama Marg. When we do Parikrama, Hanuman is always with us.”
While Tulsidas was writing Ramcharitmanas, Hanumanji appeared to him on a daily basis. Hanumanji was Tulsidas’ marg darshak guru. Hanumanji told Tulsdasji how to get darshan of Sri Ram; we can only pray that he will tell us too.
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosaai
Kripa karahu Gurudev ki naai
Victory, victory, victory to you, oh Lord Hanuman,
Please show me your mercy, just like a teacher (guru) does.
Jo sat bar path kar koi
Chutahi bandhi maha sukh hoi
Whosoever recites this prayer a hundred times,
Is freed of all shackles and is blessed with great happiness.
-Hanuman Chalisa
The post Neem Karoli Baba and the secrets of Sri Hanuman’s worship in Vrindavan appeared first on Vrindavan Today.