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Sathya Sai & Ganesh

If you want to lead a life of happiness, free from troubles and difficulties,

you have to pray to Ganapathi, the remover of all obstacles. There is no need

to go to any temple. Vighneswara dwells in each one of you as your intelligence

(buddhi) and wisdom (vijnaana). When you make proper use of your inherent

intelligence and wisdom, you will be successful in life.

Divine Discourse:

Ganesh Chaturthi, 7 September 1997

 

Vinayaka (Ganesha) drives away all sorrows, difficulties, and miseries. He is

the enemy of all obstacles. He will not allow any obstacles to come in the way.

He is the destroyer of obstacles. He confers happiness and peace (on his

devotees). He is the master of all these powers (intellect (buddhi) and

fulfillment (siddhi, self-realization). What is this siddhi? When there is

purity of mind, you achieve peace (which is siddhi). Vinayaka is thus the Lord

of the intellect and self-realization. Hence, every human being should acquire

control over the mind ... .

Vinayaka is the Lord of all learning (vidya). Does learning mean bookish

scholarship? No. Everything pertaining to the cosmos is included in the term

learning (vidya). Walking, talking, laughing, sitting, eating, strolling,

thinking --every kind of activity is related to learning. Vinayaka is the

master of every kind of learning. Today, learning is identified with

acquisition of information. But apart from knowledge of the physical world, we

have many other kinds of knowledge, relating to chemistry, the fine arts and

other skills.

Vinayaka is the master of every kind of knowledge. Learning is related to the

intellect (buddhi). It is not mere scholarship. Familiarity with books is not

knowledge. One's entire life is a continuous process of learning. Any process

of inquiry is related to learning. But basically our inquiry should be

concerned with finding out what is transient and what is permanent. This is

true knowledge.

Hence, today, students worship Vinayaka with zeal. Vinayaka is not the one who

merely comes to the aid of those who read their books. He helps everyone at

every step in life's journey. "

 

Sanathana Sarathi, October 1995 A Compendium of the Teachings of Sathya Sai Baba, pp. 115

 

Who is Vinayaka? In the verse (sloka) beginning with the words Suklaambara-

dharam Vishnum, only the form of the deity is described. But there is another

inner meaning for the name Vinayaka. Suklaambaradharam means one who is clad in

white. Vishnum means he is all-pervading. Sasivarnam means his complexion is

grey, like that of ash. Chathurbhujam means he has four arms. Prasannavadanam

means he has always a pleasing mien. Sarvavighnopasaanthaye means for the

removal of all obstacles. Dhyaayeth means meditate (on him). Vinayaka is the

deity who removes all bad qualities, instills good qualities, and confers peace

on the devotee who meditates on him.

However, the Vinayaka-principle has only one meaning, which is relevant to

everyone regardless of whether he is a believer or a non-believer. Vinayaka

means that he is totally master of himself. He has no master above him. He does

not depend on anyone. He is also called Ganapathi. This term means he is the

lord of the ganas --a class of divine entities. This term also means that he is

the master of the intellect and discriminating power in man. He possesses great

intelligence and knowledge. Such knowledge issues from a pure and sacred mind.

This knowledge leads to wisdom (vijnaana). Because he is the master of

intelligence (buddhi) and wisdom or realisation ( siddhi ), he is described as

the Lord of Buddhi and Siddhi. Buddhi and Siddhi are referred to as the

consorts of Vinayka.

The mouse is the vehicle of Vinayaka. What is the inner significance of the

mouse? The mouse is considered as the embodiment of the sense of smell. The

mouse is a symbol of the attachment to worldly tendencies (vaasanas). It is

well known that if you want to catch a mouse, you place a strong-smelling

edible inside the mouse-trap. The mouse also symbolises the darkness of night.

The mouse can see well in the dark. As Vinayaka's vehicle, the mouse signifies

an object that leads man from darkness to light. Thus, the Vinayaka-principle

means that which removes all the bad qualities, bad practices, and bad thoughts

in men and inculcates good qualities, good conduct and good thoughts.

Another name for Vinayaka is Vighneswara. Easwara is one who is endowed with

every conceivable form of wealth --riches, knowledge, health, bliss, beauty,

etc. Vighneswara is the promoter of all these forms of wealth and removes all

obstacles to their enjoyment. He confers all these forms of wealth on those who

worship him. Vinayaka is described as "the first deity who should be worshipped

(prathama vandana)". ASinceeveryone in the world desires wealth and prosperity,

everyone offers the first place for worship to Vighneswara.

Divine Discourse: Ganesh Chaturthi, 12 September 1991

 

What is the meaning of the name Ganapathi? Where are the ganas? What is their

form? When you investigate this, you find that the five organs of perception

and the five organs of action (jnaanendriyas and karmendriyas) are the ganas.

The mind is the master over these ten organs. The intellect (buddhi) is the

discriminating faculty above the mind. The ten senses, the mind, and the

intellect together constitute the ganas.

In the word "gana ", "ga " stands for intellect (buddhi) and "na " means

"Vaijnaana (the higher knowledge or wisdom)". Ganapathi is the Lord of the

intellect and higher knowledge. The question may be asked, Are the intellect

and higher knowledge present in the external world, or are they to be found

within man? The answer is that he is present within each human being. There is

no need to seek for him in the outside world. Ganapathi dwells in every human

being in the form of intellect and wisdom.

When Ganapathi is described as "Parvathee thanaya ", who is this Parvathee?

Parvathee signifies Prithvi, Mother Earth. Everyone is a child of Mother Earth.

 

The meaning of "son of Parvathee (Parvatheethanaya)" is that Ganapathi, who is

the Lord of the Ganas, is the son of Parvathee, who symbolizes the divine

energy (sakthi).

The adoration of Parvathieeand Ganapathi is not of recent origin. Ganapathi is

lauded at several places in the Rig Veda. This clearly shows that Ganapathi is

as ancient as the Vedas.

In several places, Ganapathi is mentioned both in the Vedas and the Upanishaths.

Many prayers are addressed to Ganapathi in the Narayanopanishath. There are also

prayers to him in the Thaithiriya Upanishath. The Ganapathi Gayathri Mantra also

figures in the Upanishath.

Ganapathi is called Vinayaka because there is no master above him. He is all

powerful and independent. Without recognizing the esoteric significance of the

Vinayaka Principle, people look only at the external form and offer worship in

mundane terms.

What is the inner significance of worshipping the elephant-faced deity? The

elephant is a symbol of might and magnitude. The elephant's foot is larger than

that of any other animal. The elephant can make its way through the densest

jungle. In this way, it signifies the quality of a leader who shows the way for

others. The elephant is also known for its fidelity and gratitude. In any

circumstance, it will not forget its master. Even in its last moments, if it

hears the voice of its master, it will open its eyes and look for him. It will

sacrifice its life for its master. These are the lessons man should learn from

the elephant. Intelligence without gratitude is valueless. Every man should be

grateful to those who have helped him.

Divine Discourse: Ganesh Chaturthi, 7 Sept 1997Vinayaka or Ganesh or Ganapathi

or Vighneswara all indicate the Elephant-God, who is popular among young and

old, and who is worshipped as the very first deity, before regularly beginning

any ceremony or samskar, any yaga of yajna, any vow or fast or pilgrimage. He

is the Lord of the ganas or divine forces, inside and outside the human body;

He is the Lord, who masters and overwhelms vighna or obstacle, however imminent

or eminent. This is the natural effect of the fact that Ganapathi is the God of

Intelligence, vidya or buddhi. Another name for Vinayaka is 'Vighneswara'.

Easwara is one who is endowed with every conceivable form of wealth: riches,

knowledge, health, bliss, beauty, etc. Vighneswara is the promoter of all these

forms of wealth and removes all obstacles to their enjoyment. He confers all

these forms of wealth on those who worship him. Vinayaka is described as

"Prathama Vandana" (the first deity who should be worshiped). As everyone in

the world desires wealth and prosperity, everyone offers the first place for

worship to Vighneswara. Ganapathi is a God revered in Tantric lore, and also,

by various Vedic mantras. The elephant is proverbially the most intelligent

among the mammals and it is vegetarian, indicating its sathwic nature.

Ganapathi has the head of the elephant, for, it indicates the Intelligence

through which obstacles in the path of achievement, secular as well as

spiritual can be overcome. There is a popular verse, used on most occasions

when Ganapathi is invoked. It mentions various attributes of this God:

Suklambaradharam (wearing white vesture) is the first. This is the symbol of

purity, for, ambara means also the sky (space, ether), the akasa of the heart.

Ganapathi is pure, having universal love and compassion. Vishnu is the second

attribute, ascribed to Him.Vishnu means that He is present everywhere, at all

times. Sasivarnam is the third adjective used. Of the complexion of ash, or

Vibhuti, that is to say, glowing with spiritual splendor, with the majesty of

spiritual attainments, achievements and potentialities. These are also called

Vibhutis, for, in the Gîtâ, we find Krishna saying, 'wherever you see Power,

Glory, Majesty (Vibhuti), know that it is Mine'! Ganesha is bathed in His

Divine Glory; that is the significance of the attribute Sasivarnam.Chathurbhuja

(four-handed) is the next fourth denotation. This means that apart from the two

visible hands, He has two invisible hands, that are available for the two

divine uses of:1. Blessing the devotee and2. Guarding him from danger.The last

fifth of the descriptive word is Prasannavadanam (of bright countenance). The

countenance depicts the inner calm, happiness and balance, inner grace and

mercy, the consciousness of strength and sovereignty. What is the esoteric

meaning of Ganesha's elephant head? The elephant is noted for its acute

intelligence. Ganesha's elephant head symbolizes sharpness of intellect and the

highest power of discrimination. Because of the purity of his intellect,

Vinayaka is also called the giver of buddhi (intellect). He responds to the

prayers of devotees and hence is known as Siddhi Vinayaka (the Vinayaka who

grants what is sought). In a forest, when an elephant moves through the jungle,

it clears the way for others to follow. Likewise, by invoking Ganesha, the path

is cleared for our undertakings. The elephant's foot is so large that when it

moves it can stamp out the footprints of any other animal. Here, again, the

symbolic meaning is that all obstacles in the way will be removed when Ganesha

is accorded the place of honor. The journey of life is made smoother and

happier by the grace of Ganesha.Vighneswara is also regarded as one endowed

with the wisdom of the elephant. The elephant is noted for its supreme

intelligence. it is also known for its absolute loyalty to its master. The

direct proof of this is Sai Githa (Bhagavan's elephant). Ordinarily hundreds of

cars will be passing on the road. Sai Githa will take no notice of them. But

when Swami's car happens to pass that way, she will instinctively notice it,

She will rush to the road raising her familiar cry. What love for Swami! It

will be no exaggeration if faith is equated with the elephant.When an elephant

moves among the bushes, its path turns into a regular passage for all animals.

It is thus a pacesetter for all animals.The mouse is Ganesha's vehicle. The

mouse is a clever and lively creature. As a symbol it means that we should be

clever and diligent in our actions. The mouse also symbolizes the darkness of

the night. The mouse can see well in the dark. As Vinayaka's vehicle the mouse

signifies an object that leads man from darkness to light. The Vinayaka

principle thus means that which removes all the bad qualities, bad practices

and bad thoughts in men and inculcates good qualities, good conduct and good

thoughts.Without intelligent discrimination, no skill or strength can be

profitably used. One must know how fire, for example, or the electric current

has to be used and how far one can deal with it as an instrument for our needs.

The senses of man are also like fire; they have to be kept under constant

vigilance and control.No worship can succeed unless the heart is pure and the

senses are mastered. Ganesha is the God who helps overcome obstacles; but, He

will create obstacles when good endeavor is obstructed by bad influences; He

will clear the path for the sincere sadhaka. He is Prasannavadanam (of bright

countenance), of beneficial looks, when you pray to Him for good ends; but, He

will not be that when you seek His help for nefarious stratagems! He is

Pranava-Swarupa, the Om personified; so He is auspiciousness itself. Vinayaka

is a leader for all deities. Faith in Vinayaka should be developed as the

exemplar for all deities and He should be worshiped as the embodiment of

Divinity.Ganesh GayatriOm Eka Dantaya VidmaheVakra Thundaya DhemahiThannoh

Dhantih PrachodhayathOm Shanti ... Shanti ... ShantiRealizing that

Elephant-faced One, with one tusk is God; Meditate on the One Who has a curved

trunk;May He enlighten our intellect.

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