Ganesha, the remover of obstacles

If there is one figure related to yoga that is super celebrated in India, that is Ganesha. The name might be unfamiliar to you, but if I tell you that he is a chubby god with an elephant head, I am sure that you have seen it at some point. Regardless the religions or the believe systems, Ganesha is present everywhere in India because he is guardian and Lord of the material level of existence. It is said that he removes obstacles and difficulties from our path, brings good luck and protects homes and businesses alike. On top of that, he is the god of intellect and wisdom.

Even though there are many interesting stories about Ganesha, the iconography of this elephant headed god is so rich in symbols that the Spark today is centered on that:

• his elephant head denotes good memory and intelligence
• the great ears talk about the importance of being attentive and receptive
• the curling trunk shows that he is incredibly efficient and dynamic when doing any task
• his right tusk is broken in half and a legend tells that he used its tip for writing the Vedas
• the pudgy body and belly denote satisfaction, contentment and fullness in the material aspect
• one of his feet is touching the ground while the other one is lifted in the air, teaching us to enjoy the outer, earthy world while keeping the same focus in maintaining a connection with our cosmic Self
• one of his hands holds a lotus flower, symbol of purity; with another one he offers sweets, the sweetness of life´s rewards and blessings; the third one is in abhaya mudra, indicating protection; and the fourth one often times holds the hatchet that cuts bonds and obstacles
• under his image there is a little mouse that symbolizes the rodent mind, always gnawing away through incessant desires. Ganesha keeps it under control.

Tantra-Yoga rituals and prayers always start with an invocation to Ganesha. Since he was created from his mother´s own earth, the energy of Ganesha rules over the first chakra. Meditation practices and mantras related to his vibration ground us and increase the feeling of security, centering and joy of living.

The yoga superheroes practice this week is meditation with a mantra to Ganesha. Take five minutes in the morning to sit and softly repeat GAM GAM GANAPATAYE NAMAHA.

See you on the mat!
Om Shanti

Zaira

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The Zunray Spark is a biweekly email with an inspirational message. It also serves as theme for the classes at Zunray&
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