Reading Notes: Mahabharata PDE Part C

Hanuman Statue (Indian Epics: Images and PDE Epics)

Source

Bhima and Hanuman, The Mahabharata, A Summary, John Mandeville Macfie.

When Bhima met Hanuman:

1. They are half brothers, Vayu (God of Wind) is their father
2. Bhima found Hanuman while gathering flowers for Draupadi
3. Bhima knew this was not a regular monkey, he could not lift him by the tail using both hands
4. Hanuman introduced himself
5. Told Bhima about the events of the Ramayana
6. Bhima repeatedly asked Hanuman to display his powers
7. Hanuman showed his mass changing abilities
8. Hanuman talked about the caste system with Bhima:
1. How the castes came to be:
1. Krita Yuga (1st age)  or Age of Truth
1. no religious acts, gods, demons, malice, sin, or pride
2. Brahma was attainable by all
3. Vedas did not yet exist
2. Treta Yuga (2nd age) or "collection of three arousing things"
1. sacrifices were introduced
2. men tried to be virtuous
3. men practiced extreme self control
3. Dwapara Yuga (3rd age) or "two ahead"
1. the Vedas were divided into four parts
2. man's devotion to virtue decreased by 50%
3. men's opinion divided over religious observances and rites
4. less devoted to the truth
5. men became more passionate
6. this brought about disease and calamities
7. selfishness brought about sacrifices to secure heaven
4. Kali Yuga (4th age) "strife or discord" not to be confused with the goddess
1. only 25% of virtue remained
2. evil prevailed
3. this brought famine, disease, sloth, and anger
4. religious acts started to have adverse effects
2. Duties of the castes:
1. brahmin
1. priests, scholars, teachers
2. get to heaven by penance, self-denial
2. Vaishya
1. farmers, merchants
2. get to heaven with gifts and hospitality
3. kshatriya
1. rulers, warriors
2. get to heaven by protecting others
4. shundra
1. servants, laborers
2. Hanuman said nothing about them getting into heaven