Hanuman as the Living Wisdom Behind Knowledge

Question

What could be the meaning of Hanuman Ji being described as Sugriva’s secretary or minister? And please also explain a little about Angad.

Answer

First, let us think about Hanuman. Hanuman was living with Sugriva. When Ram first arrived in the Matang forest, Sugriva became frightened and sent Hanuman to find out who these people were. Hanuman went to see them and then brought Ram and Lakshman back with him.

Here, Hanuman symbolizes prajna — wisdom. Wisdom means prajna. Prajna refers to something deeper than ordinary knowledge. There are two kinds of knowledge: theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge. Theoretical knowledge is what we often call intellect. But when knowledge is brought into behavior and conduct, when it is lived and practiced, that practical knowledge is called prajna.

That is why there is a great difference between an intellectual person and a wise person. An intellectual person may only possess theoretical knowledge. Such a person can explain everything, but that knowledge is not reflected in their behavior. A wise person, however, speaks only from knowledge that has become part of their life and conduct.

So practical knowledge is prajna. Throughout the Ramayana, Hanuman is shown as the symbol of this wisdom. We can also call it vivek — discernment. Vivek means that a person is not merely speaking about theories, but about what they have understood and practiced in real life.

So Hanuman, standing beside Sugriva as his minister, represents prajna. This shows that along with knowledge, wisdom must also exist. Because knowledge can only be properly used when a person has wisdom and can apply it practically.

Suppose I have knowledge, but wisdom is absent within me. Then I only talk theoretically and never bring that knowledge into my conduct. A person who only possesses theoretical knowledge may have a lot of understanding, but still cannot truly use it in life.

We all know this from experience. For example, I may keep telling people, “Accept things, accept things,” but if I myself have not brought acceptance into my own life, then my knowledge remains only theoretical.

Sugriva here is shown in a dormant state. He has not yet moved into practical action. That is why Hanuman is placed beside him as a minister — to indicate that only a wise person can bring every kind of knowledge into practical life and conduct.

As the Ramayana continues, we already know that Sugriva himself does very little, while Hanuman carries out the actions. Hanuman is shown doing everything because he symbolizes practical wisdom in action.

Sugriva represents knowledge itself, while the many vanaras around him represent the many powers and forms of knowledge. Later in the story, many vanaras are mentioned — Gaj, Gavay, Gavaksha, Tara, and others. These represent different knowledge energies and abilities.

Sugriva is knowledge, and his vanara army is the collection of knowledge powers. But who will use them? Who will direct them and bring them into practical application? Hanuman. Because Hanuman symbolizes prajna — living wisdom.

The Ramayana personifies every step so beautifully. Sugriva simply means knowledge. His army represents the many powers of knowledge within us.

If we begin listing our knowledge powers, we could easily name many of them at once — the knowledge of letting go, contentment, acceptance, surrender, forgiveness, and many more. All of these are forms and powers of knowledge, represented by Sugriva and his army.

The one who actually applies them in life is Hanuman. That becomes very clear here.