Hanuman Jayanti 2020

Celebrating the Birth of Hanuman: Faith and Science in a Pandemic

On Tuesday, April 7th, Hindus across the world will celebrate the birth of one of the most beloved figures in the tradition, Hanuman, the devoted servant of Rama. In Hindu homes, his many deeds of service will be recalled. His praises will be sung through the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa, a forty-verse composition of the saintly poet, Tulsidas (ca. 15th CE), and arguably the most popular prayer-text in the Hindu tradition. In our current context of fear and anxiety, many more will turn to Hanuman this year for the blessings of protection and security.

As a contribution to this year’s celebration of the birth of Hanuman, I want to reflect briefly on the role of religion and its relation to medical science in a time of pandemic. Sadly, we are witnessing many religious organizations ignore sound medical advice and risk the lives of their congregation as they continue to convene for worship. Several states in the USA exempt religious organizations from the restrictions on gatherings.

 There are also examples of Hindu leaders who repeatedly commend religious rituals for protection against Covid-19, but spend little time educating worshippers about tested medical practices that inhibit the spread of the virus.

In this context, where lives are at risk when sound medical science is ignored, what can we learn from the life of Hanuman and his relationship with the divine Rama?

During the war between Rama and Ravana in the Ramayana, Rama’s younger brother, Lakshmana, was gravely wounded in the chest by a spear released by Ravana’s son. Hanuman lifted the limp body of Lakshmana and brought him before Rama. They were very distraught, but the first act was to find the most qualified physician, Sushena, who lived in Lanka.  No one objected or argued; no one condemned the efficacy of medical practice or argued for substituting religious ritual. No one saw this advice as indicative of a lack of faith in the divine.

Hanuman journeyed to Lanka and returned with Sushena. Sushena examined Lakshmana and recommended a herbal medication located on a distant mountain. (By one estimate, 30 % of all modern drugs are derived from plants.) There are no miraculous cures here - the right medication is necessary.  The rest of the story is well-known. Hanuman travels to the mountain, but is unable to identify the specific herb. Leaving no stone unturned to find the right herb, he lifted the entire mountain and returned to Sushena and Rama. Sushena prepared the medication, applied it and Lakshmana recovered from his wound. 

We have much to learn from Hanuman’s actions that are relevant in our times. Searching for the right medication was one of the many ways in which he served Rama. The search was not without challenge and difficulty and the text describes various obstacles that he confronted on both legs of his journey.  There are dangers if the wrong herb is chosen since a life is at risk. Hanuman moves a mountain to find the right cure. Hanuman’s quest for a cure for Lakshmana is a metaphor for the urgency and untiring efforts of medical researchers to find a vaccine to build immunity against Covid-19. Hanuman’s resilience, determination and resourcefulness are great sources of inspiration to those on the frontlines of the battle against disease and suffering.

Hanuman’s actions in bringing a competent physician and assisting him in finding the right cure make the important point that faith in God does not exclude benefitting from and utilizing the tested findings of medical science.  All this was done with the blessing and approval of the divine Rama. This is an important lesson for many religious leaders in these times who think that turning to science is turning away from God.   Hanuman’s service of Rama, in finding a cure for Lakshmana, reminds us that God’s purpose is served also by those who labor in the fields of life-saving medical research. They gladden the heart of God, even as Hanuman brought joy to Rama when he returned with the herb requested by the physician, Sushena.

Hanuman teaches us that faith in God and trust in science are not exclusive choices.

Happy Hanuman Jayanti to all.