Deity Stories: Ganesha: The Lord of Beginnings

Ganesha is the supreme expression of super consciousness. He is the lord of beginnings. His very form itself is very powerful. If we understand his form, we will understand the truth presented in his form. His is the most worshipped form. Ganesha is the only God who is worshipped by all 6 Vedic traditions.

A much loved God, he is always remembered as simple, innocent and easily approachable. Of his four hands, he holds ankusha (elephant prods typically used to direct or steer elephants) in one hand, pasa (noose) in the other, his own broken tusk in the third hand, and a sweet in the last.

If we understand the ayudhas (symbolic tools) he carries, we will understand the truth. The ankusha(small steel rod that is used to control an elephant) is the technique of unclutching. Just like an elephant can be controlled with a small steel rod, a simple unclutching technique can help one control the mind which is like an elephant. Pasa - means all his emotions are under his control, he is emotionally balanced. If you know how to Unclutch and keep your emotions under your control, life will be very sweet, like the one he is holding in one of his hands! The tusk that he carries in one of his hands represents spontaneity and dedication. When you have spontaneity and dedication, whatever you start will be successful. That is why we worship Ganesha first, before we start anything new.

Always carry ankusha and live like Ganesha. Technique of unclutching, being emotionally balanced, spontaneous and dedicated will make your life sweet and you will always be dancing, even while you are walking! His big belly represents joy and prosperity. He shows his innocence and simple life through his huge body. He is the lord of the Muladhara chakra or the root center. He represents the pure energy of Visualization. When visualization is disturbed it becomes imagination. Ganesha represents undisturbed visualization.

Before we begin anything new if you pray to Ganesha, there will be no obstacles. He's the planning commission. He is the energy who constantly and spontaneously expresses visualization. His vahana (vehicle), the mouse, means constantly being alive. Mooshika (mouse) expresses intense activeness. Meditate on Ganesha the supreme energy of super consciousness. Sarva mangala (all auspicious), sarva kalyana (all beautiful), sarva uttama (all superior qualities) are expressed in the form of Ganesha.

This article was taken from YOGAM4YOU.ORG, Swamiji's USA Tour 2009.