Walking into any given yoga studio, one is often surrounded by numerous depictions of Hindu deities, often in the forms of statues or pictures. It is not uncommon for teachers to offer up an invocation to these deities before class begins or during an asana practice. However, the meaning behind the deities and their mantra is often unclear which can result in a feeling of discomfort for many western students.
Hindu gods and goddesses are symbolic representations ofcertain aspects of Brahman, the Supreme Reality that is one and indivisible, infinite and eternal. They are invoked for the energetic qualities that they represent and bestow upon their devotees. Lord Ganesha is a beloved god to Hindus, Buddhists, and yogis alike. He is hailed as the remover of obstacles, believed to grant success, prosperity, and protection against adversity.
Every part of Ganesha represents a specific quality; his head is symbolic of auspiciousness, strength, and intellectual prowess, his endearing potbelly represents both the bounty of nature and his ability to swallow the sorrows of the universe protecting the world. Ganesha's large ears denote an attentiveness to all requests made by his devotees, the trunk is emblematic of viveka (discrimination); an elephants trunk can uproot giant trees and can simultaneously pick up a blade of grass. It is said to represent the mind of the yogi, strong enough to face the ups and downs of the physical world yet delicate enough to explore the realms of the inner world.
A simple way to deepen your practice of bhakti (devotion) is repeating Ganesha's mantra before class begins; a moment of quietness to leave the outer realm drawing your mind to the qualities of Ganesha, seeking the removal of any obstacles, moving towards your liberation.
Om Sri Maha Ganapataye Namah
(Prostrations to the great Lord Ganesha)
OM is the original, most powerful mantra sound. It is a part of almost all mantras, and serves to invoke pure supreme vibrations. Sri is the title of reverent respect. Maha means great. Ganapati is another name for Ganesha, representing strength and fortitude, removing obstacles and bestowing success, and Namah means adoration, or homage.
1 comment:
You write very well.
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