Chapter Five — Hanuman Explains the Two Modes of Divine Lila

Hanuman explains that within the Divine Couple’s sweet, intimate līlā he is a companion of their own age, while within the majestic līlā he appears in the familiar form of Hanuman. Because he participates in both, he knows something of the mystery of the Divine Couple.

The rasika tradition distinguishes two modes in the play of the Supreme Brahman. The first is the eternal, qualified, embodied form. No one truly knows it without grace. One who receives the guru’s grace and beholds it is never again overcome by delusion, not even in a dream; grace dispels fear and bewilderment.

The second is the eternal, unqualified, formless reality, which is exceedingly subtle. Even great yogis and contemplatives fall into confusion when they try to understand the formless without first knowing the personal, all-auspicious Lord. Their confusion is removed through the company of devotees who love the divine form.

The Rāmacaritamānasa is invoked to teach that the unqualified aspect may seem easy to describe, yet the qualified Lord is known by almost no one. His deeds are at once accessible and unfathomable, and even sages become bewildered on hearing them. Only one whom Raghunatha graces understands this mystery; such a person is not deluded even in dreams.

The same scripture says that when the Lord showers his gracious glance, the gods become fearless and the bears and monkeys rejoice, crying victory to Mukunda, the abode of happiness. Without trust there is no devotion; without devotion Rama’s heart does not melt; and without Rama’s grace the soul cannot find repose, even in a dream. Only the one to whom he reveals himself truly knows him—and, in knowing him, becomes one with his purpose.

The commentary then asks: when did Raghunatha reveal his true majesty, and to whom? This ancient teaching is now introduced.