Om Gam Ganapataye Namah.
Shri Ganesha is the lord we invoke at the beginning of all endeavours, whether in our daily puja, during work, or even when buying a new home or vehicle. The name Ganesha is a combination of two root words: gana, which means a group or community, and isha or pati, which means the ruler. The ruler of a group is Ganesha, or Ganapati. Some texts mention that all that can be counted and comprehended is gana.
In Yoga, which is based on the Sankhya philosophy, the term Sankhya itself means “count” and elaborates on the 24 tattvas of creation or manifestation. The number 21 is associated with Ganapati; one interpretation is that it symbolizes Ganesha as the ruler of the 21 elements of existence: the 5 gross elements (pancha maha bhutas), 5 subtle elements (pancha tanmatras), 5 organs of action (pancha karmendriyas), 5 sense organs (pancha jnanendriyas), and the mind (manas).
In the system of Yoga and Tantra, Ganapati is the presiding deity of the Mooladhara chakra, the root center of energy located in the area of the perineum. To awaken Ganesha in our Yoga practice is to nurture the earth element, which brings stability to our organs of action, sense organs, and the functioning of our mind.
- Stability : Stability is attained through consistent and repeated actions. In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, a firm foundation is established through unbroken practice done over a long period with a positive attitude. We become what we practice.
- Overcoming Obstacles: As Vighnaharta, Shri Ganesha is invoked to remove obstacles in our sadhana (spiritual practice) and all endeavours.
- Accomplishment and Wisdom: The power of discrimination (Buddhi) and accomplishment (Siddhi) are the two consorts of Ganesha. The elephant head is symbolic of overcoming a “small head” or small-mindedness and having the discriminative power of the intellect. Such power grants us the ability to live without inner conflict in the world.
- Sensory Control: Our senses are constantly receiving stimuli. When the senses are overstimulated, the mind becomes cluttered and agitated with rajo guna (the quality of passion or activity). To awaken the spirit of Ganesha is to regulate the indulgence of our sense organs.
- Conscious Action: Our organs of action, such as movement and speech, are governed by our desires. When desires arise, we can consciously choose, with awareness, not to let our organs act on them. For instance, if one is craving something sweet, the hand does not have to reach for it!
May Ganesha, whose trunk and tusk represent the mantra OM, inspire our intellect. As the son of Shiva and Shakti, may he grant us auspiciousness, wisdom, shubha (good fortune), and labha (gains).
Ganesh Chaturthi, the most important day to worship him, is celebrated in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, on the fourth day of Shukla Paksha (the bright half of the moon).
Om Gam Ganapataye Namah!
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