Sometimes life doesn’t always go as our heart wishes. We dream of a path and the
direction shifts. What once was within our grasp, with sparkling arrows lighting the way,
suddenly becomes unattainable. How we handle these directional deviations is a
reflection of who we are as a human. But why they are occurring? … could that be
something deeper propelled from within the layers of our great universe?
The Lord of Good Fortune, the Remover of Obstacles, the Hindu God associated with
granting success, prosperity, and protection against adversity. GANESH. He is also
considered the destroyer of vanity, selfishness, and pride, as well as a supporter of the
arts and sciences. His elephant head, large round belly, and several arms, makes him
recognizable immediately.
We can speak to him when we need guidance for our growths, for moves, and when we
seek abundance. But he also has his reasons to place obstacles in our way. Why would
this be? Perhaps to challenge us to look at life from a different perspective. To
understand ourselves better and learn how to react positively when something doesn’t
go according to how we thought it should, even if the hinderance offers difficulties or
sadness. Obstacles keep us humble, teach us adaptability, strength in the face of
adversity. Meditation can be a strong tool to work through any obstacle and “Gam” is
Ganesh’s beej mantra, or “Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha” if you prefer the longer
phrase.
Speaking to Ganesh, chanting his mantra, feeling the energy, aligns your vibrations with
that of the universe. Whatever you subscribe to, there is something to be said for “Law
of Attraction”. What you put out in the universe, you receive back. If you are in
meditation, invoking Lord Ganesh, you are processing your hardships, manifesting your
own destiny through thoughts and prayer. Every time you see the statue of Ganesh, you
are reminded of your journey, perhaps thinking of one particular hurdle you are trying to
move through. Every time Ganesh is in your thoughts, it is the same. Let him be the
reminder throughout your day to process through whatever encumbrance you are
experiencing.
Associated with the first chakra, the Muladhara or Root chakra, is it no wonder that
Ganesh is most commonly portrayed with four arms? One for each petal of the lotus,
and a hand often holding the beautiful lotus flower, the symbol of enlightenment. Red,
the color of the root chakra can often be seen coloring Ganesh; this rich earth element,
our survival instinct, generates strength and an earnestness for life. The energy for the
root chakra, the Shakti energy, provides an awakening, expansive force that fills our
entire being. Ganesh, represents all of this, in his great magnanimous being, and
pushes us to succeed in one way or another, even if it’s a way we don’t first recognize
as our truth.
And just how did Lord Ganesh come into existence? There are many stories
surrounding his beginnings. The most popular is this: Parvati wished to bathe in privacy.
She asked Ganesh to stand guard. Shiva, enraged he wasn’t able to see his wife,
chopped off Ganesh’s head. After realizing his mistake, he replaced Ganesh’s head with
the first living thing he saw — an elephant.
Is it ironic Shiva saw an elephant first for the Lord of new beginnings and the remover of
obstacles? Elephants are symbolic creatures of strength and fierce loyalty. For when
obstacles get in our way, these qualities are certainly useful for overcoming adversities.
Speaking of symbolism, Ganesh’s aesthetics contain an abundance of symbolism.
Large elephant ears to listen, an immense belly indicates fulfillment. His four hands (or
possibly more) hold spiritual objects depending on his mood — commonly the lotus
flower, sweets or treats, and a weapon — not for war, but instead, to break attachments
or your hinderances. The fourth hand can be seen held in the Abhaya Mudra, with palm
facing out, meaning “fearlessness” in Sanskrit, showing protection, eliminating fear, and
offering peace. Whether Ganesh is sitting or standing, whether his trunk is facing left or
right, all depends on where you should place him and the energy he brings. He is
usually seen with a small mouse, his vehicle, which is also a reminder that even
something as small as a mouse can gnaw through barriers and succeed.
So what obstacles are in your way? Perhaps concentrate on one in particular and tune
into the channel of Ganesh. If you don’t have a statue to focus on, conjure up his image
in your thoughts. A few minutes for a peaceful meditation at any point during your day
can be very beneficial, like clicking reset. Allow deep breaths to flow through your body,
find your center, and perhaps tune into your root chakra, the Muladhara, and evoke
Ganesh and the spirit of his strength to overcome any adversities. With the elements of
the earth and the renewal of spring, we can feel our bones and body constitutions begin
to connect deeper into the natural world with the blossoming of everything around us.
Let your soul grow with the growth of the flowers, the grass, and all of nature. Find
varied perspectives, let your obstacles clear, recognize your strength and wisdom, find
blessings in beginnings, and remain open to the energy channels you have created.
Chant the deep chant of “Gam” and feel your connection to Ganesh, as you begin to
rise to new heights.
Namaste
