Revisiting the Monkey God

It's time to revisit Hanuman, the "monkey god." In a previous blog I address the topic of yoga and religion. I emphasized that while yoga dates back to India thousands of years ago and has it's roots in Hinduism, one need not subscribe to this particular religion or any religion in order to practice. The history of yoga is so vast, I would suggest you either search the internet or perhaps buy a yoga book and read up on it. A lot of yoga books that have the poses in them usually touch on the history of yoga and there are specific philosphy books on yoga that really delve into this subject.

So who is Hanuman? Was there really a "monkey god?" There is a very rich, beautiful and lyrical aspect to yoga for why these poses were named like this and why teachers pronounce their Sanskrit names in classes.

Patanjali, the father of yoga, details the history of yoga in his Yoga Sutras, which dates back thousands of years ago. Many yoga asanas are named after animals, birds and objects whose shape the body takes while performing. Patanajali observed nature and the way animals and fish lived a healthy lifestyle. He observed that when animals were healthy, they stretched in certain ways and when they fell ill they positioned themselves in certain ways to make themselves feel better. Just like humans do. Hence the names like "Downward Facing Dog" (Ahdo Mukha Svanasana).

Yoga also has a rich literary side. Many yoga poses are also named after mythical or historical figures with entire stories behind them, ie Shiva or Ganesh. These texts, such as the Vedas, the Upanishads, even the Bhagavad Gita are also interesting to read and can offer their own insightful lessons.

One such mythical figure is Hanuman, a monkey-like semi-divine character from the Hindu epic, Ramayana. His name literally means, "having large jaws." As the son of the wind god, Vayu (or Pavana), Hanuman is said to be bestowed with the ability to fly. In one of his legendary feats, he leaped to lanka.

The picture above is Hanumasana, which mimics Hanuman's leap from the southern tip of India to the island of Sri Lanka. This is the reason the splits pose was named in this way. All of the yoga poses are named in specific ways to not only bring health and wellness to our physical bodies, but also teach us specific things as well. When you practice the splits pose or even attempt to do it, you are literally practicing a leap of faith and courage from one spot to another, just like the mythical Hanuman.

When you practice yoga, no doubt you will come in contact with a language, history, and tradition that is far different from your own. But keep in mind that this tradition is merely another tool to help you live a healthier lifestyle and unite you mind, body and spirit.

Namaste,

Susan