Ganesha is the Lord of Elements, The Force That Places and Removes Obstacles
To me, Ganesha represents the a governing force that can be partnered with as we navigate our human existence in the world of the mundane and ordinary here on planet Earth. I see and feel him as a partner in the spirit world that assists me to feel a deeper connection with life and the Divine all around me. To me, Ganesha is what calls me deeper into my spiritual nature. is a When I begin a journey or take on a project, big or small, I invoke Ganesha to be with me and to help in any way possible.
I have come to think of this deity as a loving guide and guardian helping me maneuver in the world. Ganesha is the lord of the elements– the three gunas: rajas, tamas, and sattva–and as such is a master of flow, as well as a bridge between the material and the spiritual realms. He weaves the elemental strands of heaviness, fire and expansion, and balanced energy into the reality we know. In Indian mythology Ganesha is the guardian to the inner chambers of the divine goddess, Shakti.
By aligning my thoughts towards a partnership with Ganesha I make a statement to the Universe that I choose to be in harmony with all manifestations of Shakti. She is my mother and Ganesha ushers me in, cutting me free from my attachments that bind me to the material.
The Symbolism of Ganesha
What makes Ganesha special to me is that he is the compassionate force that brings me deeper into Spirit. He cuts through the obstacles of self-serving ego and turns the experience of living as a human being into an existence of creativity and play.
Ganesha is frequently pictured with different tools that serve similar purposes. His sword or his ax cuts loose the attachment to ego and the material world. His conch calls us to him and his lasso or his hooked staff binds the devotee to his awakening spiritual identity. His agile trunk points to a bowl of fruits and candies, the rewards that come from diligence and practice. These are the compelling sweets of life one can achieve by venturing close.
Ganesha’s large ears allow him to hear the cries for help when our path seems blocked and Spirit is nowhere to be found. With the compassionate eyes of the powerful elephant he sees and knows us. With great wisdom he guides the beseecher towards an awareness of how they are intimately part of the big cosmic picture. The broken tusk represents “not two,” or nonduality.
As a yogi and spiritually-oriented person, Ganesha helps me see the bigger picture. I recognize that my “small-self” identity is just a tool for learning that I am here on Earth to participate as Spirit in embodied form. His gifts are given to those who wake up to seek the hand of the Divine and do the work of spiritual practice. To me, Ganesha is partnership with my own Highest Self that knows that Supreme Consciousness is interwoven through all things and experiences.
Ganesha’s Tools
Below is a diagram pointing out many of Ganesha’s attributes and tools.
