Saturday, August 22, 2020

Lord Ganesha - Part 2 - Symbol of individual Spirituality

Ganesha - Gan+Esha means the lord of people or a group.
In the context of spirituality, Mind - the Consciousness can be seen as the lord of the senses - the five Gyanendriyan (Sense organs) and the five Karmendriyaan (Organs of action). 
The various organs of the Ganesha's body and the objects around him convey deep meanings to the seekers of the truth.                                                    

The large head - Symbolises the intelligence and wisdom - the Gyana and Vichar Shakti - the higher thinking ability of the Gyani - sensibly and rationally. 

A small little mouth and large ears represent the concepts of Mauna (silence) and Shravanan (Listening). They reveal that the Gyani or a seeker of the Truth talks less and listens more to the teachings of the enlightened ones.

The small eyes are a sign of concentration and a one-pointed focus. 
He can avoid seeing the faults of others and focus on his own personal goal of achieving liberation.

Ek Dant - One tusk Represents non-duality. 

The large Belly: Life is a combination of Sukh and Dukha. 
The Gyani can peacefully handle and digest all the happiness and misery as well as good and evil in life. 

Ganesha's four hands, holding various objects in each hand. 
These objects are also vital for symbolizing how a stable and steady mind can control the senses and progress on the path of spirituality.
In one of his hands, he holds a rope, which represents the ability to control his senses and pull himself up from all negativity - towards the ultimate goal of realization and liberation. 
He holds an ax in the other hand - to cut all attachments with the impermanent and material world which everyone else tries to perceive and holds on. 
In his third hand, he holds a bowl full of sweets, meaning he only takes and retains the sweet  - only the good and positive, which is necessary for spiritual development.
His fourth hand is often shown in the blessing mudra, which is also the symbol of Abhaya or fearlessness. 
A Gyani is free from the fear of false concepts and notions and renders the same to others as well. He never tries to generate or inflict fear in others. 

The mouse is a symbol of greed - of stealing and collecting.
The Gyani keeps greed - a natural human tendency under his control. He earns his living by honest means - not by deceiving and cheating others. He lives a life of simplicity and purity.

By knowing the symbolism correctly - which is presented in these seemingly strange images - we can gradually move towards a higher goal - the goal of attaining enlightenment and liberation.
May we all see the Truth and continue our spiritual journey by discovering the real meanings of the Scriptures and the ancient traditions and rituals.
                                                    ' Rajan Sachdeva '

4 comments:

  1. Dhan Nirankar Uncle Ji..
    Keep blessing ����

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  3. Very elaborate way of explaining. Thanks Dr. Rajan Uncle ji

    ReplyDelete

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