Lessons from Shri Hanuman Ji and the Kitchen.
Life
is full of challenges that test our strength, adaptability, and resolve. A
popular story that highlights this truth is the ‘Boiling Water Parable:’
A
young girl, overwhelmed by stress, went to her father for guidance. He led her
into the kitchen and placed three pots of water on the stove. Into the first
pot, he put rice; into the second, an egg; and into the third, coffee beans.
Without a word, he let the water boil.
After
a while, he removed the rice, egg, and coffee beans, placing each in separate
containers. He turned to his daughter and asked, "What do you see?"
“Rice,
an egg, and coffee,” she replied.
“Look
closer,” he urged.
She
touched the rice and found it soft. She cracked the egg and discovered it had
hardened inside. Then she sipped the coffee and smiled at its rich aroma.
Her
father explained: “Each of these faced the same adversity—boiling water—but
they reacted differently. The rice, initially hard, became soft and weak. The
egg, fragile on the outside, hardened inside. But the coffee beans did
something unique: they transformed the water itself, creating something
entirely new.
“When
adversity knocks, how will you respond? Will you be like the rice, which
becomes weak? The egg, which hardens? Or the coffee beans, which change their
environment for the better?”
This
story is a powerful metaphor for resilience and adaptability. A similar message
can be found in the Ramayan, particularly in the story of Hanuman’s journey
across the ocean in the Sundar Kanda.
Shri
Hanuman Ji's Journey Across the Ocean: A
Ramayan Perspective.
When
Shri Hanuman Ji set out to cross the ocean to reach Lanka and deliver Bhagavan
Rama's message to Sita, he encountered three significant challenges: Mainaka,
Surasa, and Simhika. Each tested his resilience and approach to adversity,
reflecting the lessons of the boiling water parable.
Mainaka
— Procrastination is the Thief of Time!
Mainaka,
a mountain, rose from the ocean and offered Shri Hanuman Ji
rest. "You have a long journey ahead," Mainaka said. "Please
rest on me before continuing."
Shri
Hanuman Ji, however, knew that resting too long could delay his mission. He
politely declined, saying, "I appreciate your kindness, but my duty to
Bhagavan Rama is more important than my comfort."
Lesson:
This interaction with Mainaka demonstrated Shri Hanuman Ji’s steadfastness,
focus, and commitment to his goals.
Surasa
— Don’t Dodge the Storm, Dance in the Rain Instead!
Next,
Surasa, a serpent goddess, blocked Shri Hanuman Ji’s path, declaring, "It
is decreed that no one can pass this ocean without entering my mouth."
Shri Hanuman
Ji
cleverly responded by growing his size to match her mouth. As she opened wider,
he suddenly shrank to a tiny form, flew into her mouth, and out again,
fulfilling her condition without confrontation.
Lesson:
Surasa’s opposition showcased Shri Hanuman Ji’s adaptability and cleverness as
he turned a challenge into an opportunity to demonstrate his wisdom.
Simhika
— TTT!!! Turmoil To Triumph!
Finally,
Simhika, a demoness, attacked Shri Hanuman Ji by grabbing
his shadow from beneath the ocean. This time, there was no way around the
threat. Hanuman confronted her directly, entering her mouth and destroying her
from within before continuing his journey.
Lesson:
Simhika’s hostile and unavoidable confrontation revealed Shri Hanuman Ji’s
courage and determination as he turned adversity into an opportunity to
demonstrate strength and decisiveness.
The
Core Message: Transforming Challenges
Both
the Boiling Water Parable and Hanuman’s journey teach us that challenges will
always arise, but our response defines the outcome. Like the rice, egg, and
coffee beans, or like Shri Hanuman ji with Mainaka,
Surasa, and Simhika, we can choose:
- Weakness OR Focus
and Commitment.
- Frustration OR
Adaptability and Cleverness.
- Fear OR Strength
and Decisiveness.
The
wisdom of the Ramayan reminds us that WE ARE THE ONES who choose how to
react to the challenges that confront us. Whether it’s in the kitchen or across
an ocean, the choice is ours: how will we respond to the boiling water of life?
If this
blog resonated with you, comment below and share your own story of
transformation. Let’s inspire each other to rise above life’s trials. Don’t
forget to share this post with friends and family who might need a little
encouragement today!
Together,
we can forge strength from every struggle.
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