7 Lessons From Hindu God Lord Ganesh
If you’ve seen the head of an elephant on the body of a round belly human, then chances are you’ve been around the supreme being that is Ganesh.
Ganesh is a highly symbolic diety in the Hindu religion and in the world of spiritual followers. Considered the God of new beginnings and wisdom, Ganesh is often honored in ritual and ceremonies -hence why he’s a staple at spiritual shops like Namaste. He also is the destroyer of vanity, selfishness and pride and the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and the brother of Lord Kartikeya, Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati.
There's so much to learn from this God, but these lessons fit into our everyday lives. Takes notes.
Be a Good Listener.
Ganesha's big ears remind us that sometimes it’s better to be a better listener than orator. Listen minutely and intently for the things unsaid.
2. Wisdom can help us overcome any inherent limitations
Don't ever fret over our physical weaknesses as wisdom will always win the race.
3. Look At Things With A Microscopic Eye
The elephant is the only animal that can't see things in the correct perspective as it sees everything bigger than itself. The lesson in this is to examine everything around you as bigger and as more virtuous than you to anticipate complex situations and make sharp decisions.
4. Think Before Speaking About Others
Before speaking about someone, take a look at yourself. Ganesha believes that all obstacles that arise in ones life welcome unwanted conversations or talks. The elephant's tongue is pointed towards its neck instead of outwards, whereas tongue of all other animals, including human beings, keeps on lollying out.
5. Act In Good Faith
Whatever task you are faced with, do it to your best ability. Face it with courage, conviction and self-belief. At the end of the day, one should live with the satisfaction of knowing that you gave it your best.
6. Depend On Yourself
One of Ganesha's other names is Vinayak, which means master of oneself; independence in thought and action. This commands us to take ownership and responsibility for our actions and outcomes.
7. Concentrate
Ganesha’s eyes teach us to concentrate our mind, as only a person who has controlled his mind, can achieve any success in life.
Here's my mini compilation of great Ganesh art that I found on the web. Collage created via BeFunky.
Ganesha Collage
For additional Ganesh lessons go here.