Lesson from Sundara Kanda - Ramayana

Lesson 1: Acting with determination (sankalpa), we can transform our lives in an instant.

We always say, “Rome was not built in a day”. This is our excuse for procrastinating. We deliberately limit our expectations and think that great tasks can only be achieved over a long time- frame. To achieve great success, what is needed is not time but determination which can be translated as ‘solemn resolve’. To put things in perspective, the entire episode of Sundara Kanda takes place over a period of just 24 hours. Just imagine, in this short period Hanuman, reminded of his dormant power by Jambavan, crosses the ocean, searches for and finds Sita, reassures her, tests the power of Ravana’s army, strikes fear by burning Lanka, returns back to his comrades and delivers Sita’s message to Rama, Lakshmana and Sugriva! Not just that, he finds time to celebrate his success by drinking honey with his comrades in the delightful episode of Madhuvana! What a versatile character! All these events that changed the course of the entire Ramayana took place within 24 hours (a mere instant in the time frame of the Epic) due to the determination of Hanuman.