A journey of faith, divine timing, and inner strength guided by Hanuman Ji

It all began in March 2024, on what seemed like an ordinary workday. I was involved in a survey project that required home visits. It was there that I met someone — a woman full of warmth, strength, and something I couldn’t quite explain then. She had a deep and unwavering devotion to Hanuman Ji. I, on the other hand, wasn’t someone who deeply believed in any deity. I respected Shiv Ji and some others from a distance, but my real belief was in the power of the universe — nothing beyond, nothing specific.

This woman, however, saw potential in me. She encouraged me to apply for the ICCR scholarship—something I hadn’t seriously considered before. She stayed beside me through the application process, offering her support while I filled in each detail. Her quiet encouragement meant more than she probably realized.

As we continued the home visits, I started noticing something — in many of the homes, right at the entrance, there were photos or idols of Hanuman Ji. I saw it repeatedly, like a silent pattern — still, I didn’t think too deeply about it. I just moved ahead with the process.

Then, something strange happened...

One day, just a few minutes before submitting my application, my head accidentally hit a photo of Hanuman Ji in the home we were working from. I got a small injury. I paused. “Is this a bad sign?” I wondered. I wasn’t a devotee then, so I didn’t know how to read it. But that moment stayed with me.

A few weeks ago, I started watching the Shrimad Ramayan — out of simple interest. I’ve always enjoyed Bollywood shows, but watching Shrimad Ramayan felt different. It didn’t just entertain me; it stirred something deep within. I never expected what would follow.

As the show was playing one evening, I received a phone call. 

    "Congratulations, you’ve been selected for the University of Mysore," the official announced.

I had expected news from another university. But in that very moment, while immersed in Ramayan, Mysore appeared - just when I least anticipated it.

After receiving the offer, I took some time to reflect - and then made a decision to accept it. And the moment I did — a very peculiar thing happened. A large number of crows gathered outside my house, cawing loudly. It was intense and strange, as if nature itself was reacting.

In many South Asian spiritual traditions, especially in Hinduism, crows are believed to be messengers — sometimes associated with ancestors or spiritual transitions. Their sudden appearance, particularly in groups, is often seen as a sign or reminder that something significant is unfolding. At that moment, I didn’t know what to make of it. But somewhere in my heart, I felt that a deeper energy was at play.

But the strangeness didn’t stop there. As I stepped into the backyard, expecting a quiet moment, I was greeted by a light drizzle. It was odd—there had been no rain forecasted for the day. The air felt charged, as if some unseen force was guiding me on this path.

Eventually, I moved to Mysuru, the first place I ever lived in India. The city felt sacred but unfamiliar. The very first temple I visited was of Lord Shaniswaran — and that visit gave me a sense of calm I desperately needed. I had been struggling with loneliness and cultural shock, but after that visit, things slowly settled.

A month later, during Diwali, I traveled to Coimbatore to meet another close friend — not the woman from work, but someone who also guided me. She had told me earlier,

    "Listen to the Hanuman Chalisa - it will always protect you and bring you peace." At the time, I had ignored it.

On the Deewali day, she took me to a Pancha Mukhi Hanuman Ji temple. I stayed near the temple for a few days, but honestly, I didn’t feel the divine or sacred presence I had expected. Instead, the atmosphere felt unfamiliar, and I couldn’t connect with it the way others might. It was peaceful, yet there was an odd sense of detachment. Despite that, I stayed, unsure of what I was meant to find, but feeling that something important was quietly unfolding.

The very next evening, without warning, I suddenly fell ill with a fever. It felt as if the universe had shifted in an instant. My journey in India, which had just begun with so much hope and anticipation, took a sharp and unexpected turn. What was meant to be a time of discovery and growth now felt uncertain, and I found myself caught in a whirlwind of emotions, trying to make sense of the sudden change.

I had to return to Sri Lanka.

What followed was a period of confusion, emotional pain, and a deep sense of loss. I had felt a soul connection with Mysore, and being forced to leave was painful. But that pain birthed something else within me.

Slowly, without forcing anything, I began listening to the Hanuman Chalisa — the very thing I had once ignored. As the days passed, I found myself not just listening, but believing. Not just believing, but devoting. My fear began to fade. My trauma began to heal. And my faith in Hanuman Ji began to blossom like a sacred flower in the desert.

Now, I say it proudly: 

    I am a devotee of Hanuman Ji.

My strength, my courage, my clarity — all come from the path that began with disbelief, took me through unexpected events, and led me straight into the heart of devotion.

And I look back now, realizing:

Even when I didn’t believe in him…

Even when I was unaware of his presence…

Hanuman Ji was always there, silently guiding me, in disguise...

Note:
This is a deeply personal reflection of my spiritual journey. I welcome readers of all backgrounds to read with an open heart. While I share my connection with Hanuman Ji, I honor all paths and all beliefs.

From Concern to Action: Oatmeal Journey

A few years ago, I became more concerned about health and fitness as part of my life because I realized that it’s essential to love myself first in order to be calm and strong. One incident made me start thinking seriously about weight loss when I noticed I had gained some weight. One day, I met a colleague at work who gently reminded me about it. That moment made me realize that I didn’t feel good about how I looked.

Yes, I’m sorry to admit that I was affected by society’s views on appearance. I’m totally against body shaming, but I took it personally. I decided that staying fit would be good for my health — and of course, it would also help me feel more confident and stronger.

After becoming more mindful about my health, I started exploring simple changes I could make in my everyday meals. One day, I came across oats — a food I had heard about many times but never really tried seriously. Out of curiosity, I started researching:

What are oats? How are they processed? How can I eat them?

As I began exploring these questions, I found out that oats are not traditionally a staple food in Sri Lanka, India, or most Asian countries. Their origin traces back to Europe — especially Scotland and parts of Western Europe — where they have been cultivated since around 1000 B.C.

Oats became more widely recognized in modern nutrition circles during the 20th century, particularly in the 1980s, when their heart health benefits gained attention due to scientific studies.

            “In 1997, the U.S. FDA approved the first health claim for oats - linking oat consumption to a reduced risk of heart disease.”

Oats are a type of whole grain, much like rice, wheat, and millet, which are more familiar to us in South Asia. However, what makes oats stand out is their rich fiber content, especially a type called beta-glucan, which helps manage cholesterol levels and supports heart health. This unique nutritional profile is what makes oats a trendy and healthy alternative — particularly for breakfast or light meals.

Then I found out that oats are processed into three main types: steel-cut oats, rolled oats, and instant oats. Each type differs in texture, cooking time, and how much they are processed.

Steel-cut oats are the least processed form — they are simply whole oat groats that have been chopped into a few pieces. They take longer to cook and have a chewy texture, making them a hearty and filling option.

Rolled oats (also known as old-fashioned oats) are steamed and then flattened with large rollers. This process helps them cook faster while still retaining a good amount of texture and nutrition.

Instant oats are the most processed. They are pre-cooked, dried, and then rolled thinner than rolled oats. As the name suggests, they cook very quickly — just by adding hot water or milk — which makes them convenient for busy mornings, though they may have a softer, mushier texture.

Once I learned about these different types of oats, I decided to go with rolled oats — mainly because they are easily available in the market and offer a good balance of nutrition and convenience.

I went to a supermarket nearby and spent some time reading the labels on various oat products. I compared ingredients, cooking instructions, and even checked for any added sugars or flavors. After going through a few options, I finally chose Kellogg’s rolled oats. It looked clean, simple, and beginner-friendly — just what I needed for my first try.

My first pick: Kellogg’s Rolled Oats –
simple, clean, and beginner-friendly!

After bringing the pack home, I was both curious and a little unsure about how to prepare oats. I had seen so many recipes online — overnight oats, porridge, smoothies — but I wanted to start simple.

While exploring more about oats, I came across a concern related to an anti-nutrient called phytic acid. Phytic acid is naturally found in many grains, including oats. It has the ability to bind with minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium, which can reduce their absorption in the body.

But this doesn’t mean oats are unhealthy! The good news is that soaking, cooking, or fermenting oats can significantly reduce the phytic acid content and improve the availability of nutrients.

The overnight oats recipe I found on social media surprised me because it contradicted the idea of reducing phytic acid. The recipe seemed simple and convenient — mix oats with water (or milk), and add fruits, nuts, or seeds, then refrigerate overnight. But here’s the concern: Since the oats are not cooked or soaked in water for 4 to 6 hours at room temperature, this method doesn’t offer the opportunity to reduce phytic acid.

Moreover, the temperature in the refrigerator does not suit the activity of the phytase enzyme, which is responsible for breaking down phytic acid. Without proper heat, this enzyme remains inactive, meaning the phytic acid stays in the oats, potentially interfering with nutrient absorption.

To make overnight oats healthier, soak them in warm water or milk for 30 minutes to an hour before refrigerating. Add yogurt to help reduce phytic acid and mix in a little lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to activate the enzyme. If not, cook the oats first and then refrigerate them for a quick breakfast.

After learning more about oats and their benefits, I’ve found that they are a great addition to a healthy diet — whether as overnight oats, porridge, or smoothies. By soaking or cooking oats properly, we can maximize their nutrient value while reducing anti-nutrients like phytic acid.

Now, I feel more confident in making them a regular part of my meals. I encourage you to explore oats for yourself and try different ways of incorporating them into your diet. It's all about finding what works best for your health and lifestyle.

Remember, small changes can lead to big improvements. Here's to a healthier, more balanced future!