Hanuman Speaks to Sita

 

Hanuman Speaks to Sita

Hanuman began to tell the story of Sita from the very beginning, from the moment of her birth, when she was adopted by Janaka, and then the story of Rama. Amazed, Sita listened to the wonderful tale.

“Dear Sita, take courage,” he finally told her. “Your sufferings are about to end. Don’t lose confidence. Rama will arrive soon.”

She looked at him again, hopeful but also wary. Could it be a Raksasa sent by Ravana to steal her trust? She thought that the Raksasas were capable of plotting any plan. Hanuman understood her state of mind.

“I am Hanuman, a dear devotee and friend of Rama. We came looking for you and now, thankfully, we have found you. Believe me. I know that in a place like this it is difficult to trust someone, but you have to believe me; I am Rama’s friend.”

Though still wary, Sita earnestly prayed to the gods that what she was hearing was true. Something she felt in her heart gave her hopes.

Hanuman saw her hesitant, unsure, and thought he must give her proof of her sincerity. He threw her the ring that Rama had entrusted to him, which fell to the ground with a sweet tinkle. Sita picked it up and winced. Tears of joy flooded her eyes.

“It’s Rama’s ring, that’s right,” Sita said in a sigh. “Oh, dear friend, how is Rama? Why has he taken so long? Does he still talk about me? Does he think of me sometimes? Tell me about him.”

Hanuman replied with a persuasive, caressing voice. He wanted to give her confidence, give her courage, hope, even the security in the final victory.

“Rama has never forgotten you,” Hanuman assured her. “How can you believe something like that? He always thinks of you and life is intolerable to him. He was late because he didn’t know where you were. That’s why he hasn’t come to pick you up yet. But now that I know where you are, I’ll bring him here soon to set you free. Do not doubt it.”

Hanuman told her about the suffering Rama was experiencing away from her, and Sita was even more saddened by hearing of his unhappiness.

“Hanuman, please run away immediately. Don’t risk staying here. Bring Rama to me as soon as possible. Make sure I can see him again soon.”

How great and deep was Sita’s suffering!

“Dear Sita,” he told her with his heart swollen with emotion. “I can take you away myself if you want. Just get on my shoulders and I’ll take you to Rama in the blink of an eye.”

Seeing how small Hanuman was, Sita doubted he was capable of it and smiled. Hanuman then assumed a gigantic shape, so tall it was that it seemed to touch the stars.

Impressed, Sita covered her eyes with her arms.

“Do you still doubt that I can take you away from this hideous place?” he asked. “Get on my shoulders and you will see Rama again in a few moments.”

But Sita wasn’t even tempted.

“No, I prefer Rama to come and get me,” she replied with a voice full of gratitude and rediscovered hope. “I know him. I know how true he is to his principles. He wouldn’t like me being saved by someone else. He wants to come in person. Go now. Bring Rama here as soon as possible.”

“I would like something to show to Rama,” Hanuman asked after a moment. “He could doubt the veracity of my words. How can I assure him I have found you? What can I tell him? Or what can I bring him?”

 

Post view 56 times