Talk:The Hindu Values of Sportsmanship:Be Confident
By Vishal Agarwal and The Hindu Society of Minnesota
We are often capable of more in reality than what we think our abilities to be. Self-confidence and boldness are very important to ensure winning even if we have all the physical skills and strength. In the Rāmāyaṇa, Hanumān had the strength to swim or make the long jump across the ocean from India to Laṅkā to search for Sītā but had to be reminded of his prowess by others to make him take the long leap.
'Story: Hanumān Leaps Across the Ocean'
The Vānaras learned that Princess Sītā, for whom they had been searching, was imprisoned in Laṅkā, an island across the ocean from the coast of India. The Vānaras sat on the seashore, disheartened and not knowing what to do. Aṅgada suddenly felt scared. He said, “I will not return to Kiṣkindhā. My uncle Sugrīva had killed my father. Now he might kill me in anger.”
General Tārā said, “Perhaps we can go back and find that cave again. It had lots of food and water. We can spend the rest of our lives inside the cave in peace.”
But Hanumān said, “Everyone hopes that our group will be able to find the location of Sītā. We saw Rāvaṇa kidnap her and take her in the south direction. Now, we are at the southern shore. Even though the one-month period given to us has ended, we should take a few more days to locate her. I am sure we will be successful. When we return late to Sugrīva, he will be happy to hear some good news from us and will forgive us for the delay. I really do not think that we can hide in a cave or anywhere else. Rāma will surely find all of us and his arrows will pierce us. So let us drop the idea of dying or running away, and continue with our search for Devī Sītā.”
Aṅgada now said, “Let all the great Vānaras tell us how far they can leap over the ocean.” A Vānara said, “I can jump one mile.” Another said, “I can jump 10 miles.” Jāmbavān said, “When I was young, I could jump even more than that. But now I am old and cannot be sure if I can reach Laṅkā from here.” Aṅgada said, “I can jump from here to Laṅkā. But I will get very tired and won’t be able to jump back.”
Hanumān had kept quiet and was lost in some thoughts. He believed that he was not strong enough to compete with any of these leaders in the group and therefore did not even offer to jump to Laṅkā.
Jāmbavān had known Hanumān since his childhood. He said, “Why don’t you speak up about how far you can jump? Have confidence in your strength and ability. I know you can do it. In fact, you alone amongst all of us can do this task. Do you remember how you had leapt into the sky as a child to eat up the Sun? You are the strong and mighty son of Devī Añjanā and Vāyu Deva himself! Remember your strength and powers, and get up. Lead us. Help us. And do this task that Rāma has given to you.”
When Hanumān was encouraged in this way, he remembered how powerful he really was. All of a sudden, he was filled with great confidence and enthusiasm. He started expanding in size till he was a towering giant. After assuming a huge form, Hanumān went to the top of the Mahendra Hill. Then, he prayed to the Devas, and crouched to leap. He was sure that he could jump across the ocean and reach Laṅkā.
And, then shouting, “Jai Śrī Rām,” he leapt into the sky with his full strength, as the Vānaras watched him from below in amazement and cheered him.