Commentary / explanation of Hanuman Chalisa verses 27 & 28

Visit Hindu Perspective’s HANUMAN SECTION (special feature) for explanations to the other verses of the Hanuman Chalisa

Diseases and pain will not afflict the one who repeats the name of the mighty Hanuman constantly.

There are many aspects of this statement that make for an interesting discussion. Some would roll their eyes and say that surely it can’t be that the one who keeps saying “Hanuman, Hanuman, Hanuman” will never get ill or suffer a disease. Surely it can’t be that serious diseases could get cured just like that! 

I will state that it is obviously absurd and insensitive to think that long term incurable illnesses such as Cystic fibrosis could all be cured just like that. Here are the points which are pertinent to this verse:

• The mental strength and poise to deal with illness will be a big determinant on how we let any illness or disease affect us. A person who is determined to do all they can with their life will not be affected psychologically by the presence or absence of a disease in the same way that someone who had resigned to and allowed themselves to feel defeated by life due to the presence of a disease. Hanuman’s example and grace grants that strength that we will do what we can with our time despite adversity, which means that even if there is a severe disease, the person will not feel defeated by it. 
• The mental strength and faith in life can have many effects such as reducing pain, as there are faculties not fully understood that allow the mind to affect physiological changes.
• Hanuman is the deity of the Prana or lifeforce. Strengthening and harnessing the Prana is a major factor in sustaining health.
• If the Ayurvedic perspective, a big contributor to disease is incorrect actions and lifestyle over a prolonged period. There is also a karmic aspect. Keeping focused on Hanuman and gaining his grace, better lifestyle habits are created that can help prevent illness.

When one focuses on and remembers Hanuman, the mind is made free from distress.

On the level of mental health and distress caused by adverse life’s circumstances, Hanuman counsels us and provides that inner strength and poise that reduces the feelings of helplessness, fear and distress that all of us will feel at some point. I have turned to Hanuman at life’s most frightful junctures, when I felt irreversibly defeated by circumstances. Keeping my mind on Hanuman I gradually gained the strength to cope and gain back confidence and perspective. 

Hanuman in particular is  the deity who shows that true joy stems from within, from our internal environment. Hanuman is the most remarkable embodiment of the the Yamas and Niyamas of Yoga, such as cultivating contentedness and surrender to the Divine. These are the factors behind lasting peace and joy, and help neutralise mental distress by moving our perception of out happiness away from our external circumstances towards something more enduring.

Visit Hindu Perspective’s HANUMAN SECTION (special feature) for explanations to the other verses of the Hanuman Chalisa.