Superman and all other superheros are models or archetypes in Indian Philosophies..
Namaste. It is unfortunate that both Hindus and non Hindus use the term monkey god for Hanuman, a devotee of Ram who embodies the highest virtues of devotion and service to one’s lord.
In the original Ramayan by Valmiki, which is in Sanskrit, Hanuman and his tribe are referred to as Vanaras, meaning forest dwellers. Vanara is derived from the words Vana meaning forest and Nara meaning a person.
Hanuman introduces Ram and Lakshman to Sugriv and a band of his followers who are in exile on the mountain Rishyamuk in Kiskundha. Sugriv’s brother Bali had usurped his kingdom and abducted his wife Tara. Sugriv relates his plight to Ram who offers to help destroy the mighty Bali.
Ram helps Sugriv to conquer Bali. Sugriv then together with the army of Vanaras helps Ram to find and rescue Sita, who has been abducted by Ravan and taken to Lanka.
It is important to know this episode of the Ramayan so that we can see that the story is about real people that Ram encountered.
When Ram and Lakshman meet Hanuman they are impressed with his fluency in Sanskrit, the language that is the medium of communication.
Given all this information can we then dismiss the Vanara tribe as monieys jumping from tree to tree chirping in Sanskrit.
It would be nothing short of blasphemy to use the term monkey for Vanara. Very much like Shabari, another humble female tribal, these are the folk that love Ram and offer all their affection and service to see Ram through his trials and tribulations during his exile.
It is imperative that we address Ram, Sugriv, Bali and their tribe as Vanaras and not monkeys.
While we may not know better and use the term monkey in good faith many non Hindus then use the term to mock Hindus as believers in a Monkey God.
It is also important to remember that it is a common and universal literary practice to use names of animals in our fables, our animal stories that we grew up listening to so fondly.
In a similar vein, we name our national sports teams and army battalions after animals and birds eg. Lions, Tigers or Hawks.
The Vanaras could then also be a name that describes a kind of Guerrilla warfare in which the Vanaras were adept.
The aim of this message is to counter the frivolous manner in which our rich legacy is often belittled.
Bisraam Rambilass
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