Dissolving Obstacles with an Elephant Head

Photo: Public internet use

Whoever takes up a Yoga practice will eventually and inevitably come across some symbols that are venerated in India as gods and goddesses.

We basically know by now (I hope!) that there is only one God that unites and loves everybody even though various religions claim to have the best and worthiest God. God is not material and therefore, cannot be possessed.

But symbols can help us understand the path to Yoga or Union if they are based in spiritual values. Ganesha is a very popular symbol in India, but the fat man with the elephant head has gracefully made its way to the West as well.

The main use of Ganesha as a learning tool is to understand how we create obstacles for ourselves and consequently with his help, learn how to dissolve them. The image above is easily found on the internet in various blogs for its clear and concise explanation.

Large ears: When we are too self-absorbed or self-centered we tend to talk more and listen less which falls under ego - and too much ego creates its obstacles without a doubt. So listening more often is a tool for becoming more humble and to develop interest in others and less in our own self involvement.

Axe: The axe helps to release attachments that keep us trapped in fear. Attachments can be to people, food, substances, places, things... basically anything that falls under a noun! One of the biggest roots of suffering is attachment so this axe can be very useful.

Small mouth: Together with big ears, the mouth talks less and the ears listen more. Silence has all the answers so at times it is best to keep the mouth shut in order to hear our inner wisdom better.

Blessings: The hand will bless you and protect you when you decide to step onto a spiritual path. You can take that leap of faith, Ganesha will watch over you!

Large stomach: We tend to judge a large stomach negatively because we think that being skinny is healthier (and at times it is) but Ganesha's big tummy is useful to help digest all the experiences we come across in life. Rather than reject life experience out of fear, take them in, reflect and meditate and they will be peacefully digested.

Prasada:  Any food you offer to Ganesha will be blessed. In India they actually leave food they have prayed upon for their gods and goddesses and then eat it as they believe it has been blessed by their god or goddess. Symbolically it means that one who devotes him or herself to a spiritual path will reap the rewards from the world. Ask and it shall be received.

Big Head: Contrary to what we may think of this phrase ("he/she has such a big head and is full of themselves!") it means to feed the mind with elevated thoughts or as the saying goes, "take the high road" and do the right thing. Right thinking leads to right action.

Small eyes: Another contrast to some preconditioned thinking that large eyes are more beautiful, here Ganesha explains that small eyes are looking within to concentrate on the soul path and the connection with the Divine; whereas large eyes are open wide to look out at the world where we have the dream of illusion. When we are in fear we tend to open our eyes wide as well. Reducing the eyes and looking within dissolves fear.

Rope: The use of rope can either tie us up or ... pull us up! Ganesha uses this symbol to pull you up towards Divinity where you will then be closer to God/your Self. This is your highest goal (not winning an Oscar ;-) Use the rope to climb up to God not to bind yourself to earthly attachments.

One tusk: Elephants generally have two tusks but Ganesha only has one to remind us to keep the good and positive that comes our way and release the negative or what we consider bad. At times we tend to do the opposite getting stuck on the negative and forgetting that we have a rope (above) to pull us out of difficult situations.

Trunk: The rising trunk of an elephant has always been considered good luck and is no different with Ganesha. An elephant's trunk is used for drinking and eating but also for hugging! So it's very efficient and has many uses. Opening up the mind to the unlimited breathes creativity into the mind and soul but this requires a certain ability to see beyond the obvious.

Madaka: This means "intoxication" in Bengali which describes the ecstasy and bliss that is felt when one devotes him or herself to the spiritual path and reaches Samadhi (union with the Divine). Sadhana is the gathering of a group that partakes in a spiritual practice.

Mouse: This little animal represents desire which is why Ganesha uses it as his means of transportation. Riding the mouse signifies having control over our desires. When our desires control us we lose control of our lives so it's best to stay on top of our desires so they don't cause havoc in our lives and consequently takes us for a ride!

Photo was taken from the internet.