The Inner Meaning Of The Ten-Day Worship Of Ganesha.

Ganesha Is The Presiding Deity Over Intelligence And Obstacles

        "Vighneshwara is the deity presiding over the intelligence. He endows devotees  with purity of intellect and power of discrimination between right and wrong and between permanent and the transient. Mundane pleasures are momentary and fleeting. Your aim must be to seek that spiritual bliss which is enduring and unchanging and which transcends the pleasures of earth and heaven." Sai Baba, SS, 10/89, p. 262

       "He is called Vighneshwara, because he is regarded as the presiding deity'over obstacles. As Yama is the presiding deity for births and deaths, the grace ofGanapati removes all obstacles." Sai Baba, SS, 10/89, p. 263

Worship Of Ganesha

       "Ganapati has been described as 'Aprameya', transcendent and all-encompassing. Hence, he can be worshipped in any manner." Sai Baba, SS, 9/97, p. 239

       "The Vinayaka Principle symbolizes health, bliss, peace, wisdom, prosperity and many other things. Unfortunately, this truth is not recognised by most people. People are content to offer some kind of mechanical worship to any odd figure made of clay and add to the pollution around them. What should be offered to God are things which will please him" Sai Baba, SS, 9/97, p. 238

"Shuklaambara-Dharam" Prayer

      "The devout offer worship to Vinayaka with a well known prayer, beginning with the words 'Shuklaambara-dharam' (The one who wears a white garment). Vigneshwara is described as one who is white like the moon, who has four arms (two for giving worldly protection and two for spiritual benediction), who has ever-pleasing countenance and to whom obeisance is offered for removing all obstacles. While the pious used this prayer in a devout spirit, the impious misused the words to distort the meaning and make it a prayer to a quadruped, which is employed for carrying clothes. It is by such misinterpretation that some people have sullied the great culture of Bharat and undermined the faith in God." Sai Baba, SS, 10/96, p. 274

Positive Effects Of Vinayaka Worship

       The Vinayaka Principle protects man from various hurdles in life and ensures peace and security. Hence, on every auspicious occasion Vinayaka is worshipped." Saiiffaba, SS, 10/96, p. 274

     "Students worship Ganesha for success in academic studies and for developing into good scholars." Sai Baba, SS, 9/97, p. 236

       "Students like to worship Ganapati. They pray to Ganesha to confer on them Buddhi (intelligence) and Siddhi (the capacity to realise their aspirations)." Sai Baba, SS, 12/92. p. 224

The Inner Meaning Of The Ten-Day Worship Of Ganesha

       "Realise that you have a conscience that is your guide and consciousness which represents your divinity. Ganapati, who presides over the (ten) senses (five senses of perception and five senses of action), should be your guide in acquiring mastery over the senses. There is an inner meaning in worshipping Ganapati for ten days. The idea is that each day should be dedicated to acquiring control over one of the sense organs (Indriyas). Devotees should realise that control of the senses is quite simple. What is necessary is not to encourage negative feelings when they arise, but to adopt positive attitudes. For instance, Buddha confronted the anger of demon with his love and transformed him" Sai Baba, SS, 9/97, p. 241

 What is the meaning of the name Ganapati? Where are the Ganas? What is their form? When you investigate this, you find that five organs of perception and five organs of action (Jnaanendriyas and Karmendriyas) are the Ganas. The mind is the master of these ten organs. Buddhi (or intellect) is the discriminating faculty above the mind. The ten senses, the mind and intellect together constitute the Ganas.

       In the word' Gana',' Ga' stands for Buddhi (intellect). 'Na' means 'Vijnaana' (higher knowledge or wisdom). Ganapati is the Lord of the intellect and the higher knowledge. The question may be asked: Are the intellect and the 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 him in the outside world. Ganapati dwells in every human being in the form of intellect and wisdom.

When Ganapati is described as 'Parvati Tanaya' (son of Parvati), who is this Parvati? Parvati signifies 'Prithvi'. Mother Earth. Everyone is a child of Mother Earth. The meaning of 'Parvati Tanaya' (son of Parvati) is that Ganapati, who is the Lord of Ganas, is the son of Parvati, who symbolizes Shakti (Divine Energy)." Sai Baba, SS, 9/97, p. 235

"Who is Ganapati? and Ganesha's Different Names And Their Meanings- By Swami

"Who is Ganapati? He is the Adhipati (master) of all Ganas - five senses, five elements and five sheaths. Human body consists of five Koshas (sheaths) - Annamaya Kosha (food sheath) Pranamaya Kosha (life sheath), Manomaya Kosha (mind sheath), Vijnanamaya Kosha (wisdom sheath) and Anandamaya Kosha (bliss sheath). Man progresses only up to Manomaya Kosha. He is unable to go up to the sheaths of wisdom and bliss. Since Ganapati is the master of all the five Koshas, one has to take refuge in him in order reach the state of bliss." Sai Baba, SS, 10, 99, p. 266

                                                  

                                                                 

Ganesha's Different Names And Their Meanings

Aprameya

       "Ganapati has been described as 'Aprameya', transcendent and all-encompassing." Sai Baba, SS, 9/97, p. 239

Arka-Dron-Priya

       "One of the names of Vinayaka is' Arkadronpriya' (One who loves thumini and jilledi flowers, flowers which are not valued by people). Other offerings to Vinayaka include a special kind of grass. Ganapati accepts as offerings many things which men consider useless and trivial." Sai Baba, SS, 9/97, p. 237

Ekadanta

      "When Vinayaka was writing the Mahabharata to the dictation of sage Vyasa, the latter laid down the condition that Vinayaka should go on writing non-stop whatever Vyasa said. But Vinayaka also stipulated a condition that Vyasa should never stop his dictation but should go on without a break. While he was writing, Vinayaka's pen broke and he did not hesitate to break one of his tusks to use it as a pen. That is why he is called Ekadanta or with a single tusk. This is the shining example of the spirit of sacrifice that Vinayaka exhibited for the welfare of humanity." Sai Baba, SS, 10/94, p. 266

Ganapati

       "Ga means Buddhi or intelligence. 'Na' means Vijnana or wisdom. 'Pati' means master. So, Ganapati is the master of all knowledge, intelligence and wisdom. There is also another significant meaning for the word, that he is the leader of all the 'Ganas' who are celestial beings." Sai Baba, SS, 10/94, 263 & 264. Refer also to SS, 10/96, p. 274

       "To worship the intellect and wisdom is one form of worship of Ganapati. Ganapati represents the combination of much energy. Because of this, the name Ganapati is appropriate for him. Nor is that all. He is the Lord of all celestial hosts (Ganas). Hence, he is hailed as Ganapati." Sai Baba, SS, 10/98, p. 254

Ganaadhipati

       "Parvati Tanayaa(son) Ganaadhipa! (Oh son of Parvati! Lord of the Ganas). In these terms the Vedas extolled Ganapati. He (Ganesha) is called Ganaadhipati (Gana+adhipati = Supreme Lord), because he is the Supreme Lord of the Ganas. The Ganas are the embodiment of the organs of perceptions (Janaanedriyas) and of action (Karmendriyas). The mind is the master of these ten senses. The presiding deity of the mind is called Indra, as he is the Lord of lndriyas (the senses). The master over the mind is the intellect." Sai Baba, SS, 10/95, pp. 253 & 254

       "In the name 'Ganapati', 'G' stands for Guna or virtue and 'Na' for Vijnaana (wisdom). When 'Ga' and 'Na' are joined, we have the combination of Vijnaana (scientific knowledge) and Prajnaana (spiritual wisdom). It is out of the combination of Vijnaana and Prajnaana, Sujnaana (Supreme Knowledge) emerges. Sujnaana is the distinguishing mark of a true man.*Ajnaana is the sign of ignorance. Ganapati is the Lord of Vijnaana and Prajnaana (worldly knowledge and spiritual wisdom). Therefore, when a devotee prays to Ganesha, he asks for the conferment of Vijnaana, Prajnaana and Sujnaana." Sai Baba, SS, 12/92, p. 224

       "Ganapati means the Lord of Ganas. He is the Lord of sound and has the form of Pranava." Sai Baba, SS, 10/89, p. 263

Lambodara

       "Lambodara means Guardian of Wealth (Lakshimi-Swaroopa). Here Lakshami represents all (types of) wealth and prosperity, and not only Dhana (money) for which there is a separate deity called Dhana-Lakshami, one of the eight Lakshamis. Here wealth means Sukha (pleasure) and Ananda (bliss). What is the use of having all other things when one has no pleasure or bliss?" Sai Baba, SS, 10/94, p. 264

Vighneshwara

       "Vinayaka is also called Vighneshwara as he removes all obstacles coming in the way of devotees who pray to him sincerely. He is worshipped by students with books so that all that is contained in the books may get into their heads." Sai Baba, SS, 10/94, p. 265

       "Vinayaka is one who drives away all sorrows and miseries. He is the enemy of all obstacles. He will not allow any obstacle to come in the way. He is the destroyer of obstacles. He confers happiness and peace (on his devotees)." Sai Baba, SS, 10/95, p. 255

Vinayaka

       "Vigato naayakah Vinaayaka", that means "Vinayaka has no master over him. This means that Vinayaka is a totally autonomous and independent deity. In the world, any individual or authority has someone superior above him. But Vinayaka has no overlord." Sai Baba, SS, 10/95, p. 254

       "Vinayaka means that he is one who has no master above him. He is the Supreme Master. He is beyond the mindless state. One who has stilled the mind cannot have any master." Sai Baba, SS, 10/94, p. 264

Form Of Ganesha

                                                           

       "The form of Ganapati cannot, by any standard, be termed as handsome. He has a small head, big stomach and uncouth form. But still we are captivated by his form and like to see him more and more and worship him. Beauty does not lie in Ganesha's 'Aakaara' (external form) but in 'Vikaara'. Ganesha sacrificed his own tusk and used it as a pen to write down the Mahabharata to the dictation of Vyasa, for the benefit of humanity .Man worships God only for selfish purposes. No one is prepared to sacrifice anything for getting divine bliss." Sai Baba, SS, 11/93, p. 296

Birth of Krishna

        

                                               

Krishna was born during the Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight of the month). The effulgence of the Lord is seen with greater effect when it is dark. In a world of disorder, Krishna was born to establish order. He was born on Ashtami day. Ashtami is associated with troubles and difficulties. When do troubles arise? When righteousness is forgotten. Krishna’s advent therefore signifies removal of darkness, end of troubles and effulgence of Supreme Wisdom.

– Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

The Divine Advent

The birth of Krishna is in itself a transcendental phenomenon that generates awe among the Hindus and overwhelms one and all with its supra mundane happenings.

Mother Earth, unable to bear the burden of sins committed by evil kings and rulers, appealed to Brahma, the Creator for help. Brahma prayed to the Supreme Lord Vishnu, who assured him that he would soon be born on earth to annihilate tyrannical forces.

One such evil force was Kamsa, the ruler of Mathura (in northern India) and his people were utterly terrified of him. On the day Kamsa's sister Devaki was married off to Vasudeva, an akashvani or voice from the sky was heard prophesying that Devaki's 8th son would be the destroyer of Kamsa. The frightened Kamsa immediately unsheathed his sword to kill his sister but Vasudeva intervened and implored Kamsa to spare his bride, and promised to hand over every new born child to him. Kamsa relented but imprisoned both Devaki and her husband Vasudeva.

When Devaki gave birth to her first child, Kamsa came to the prison cell and slaughtered the newborn. In this way, he killed the first six sons of Devaki. Even before her 8th child was born, Devaki and Vasudeva started lamenting its fate and theirs. Then suddenly Lord Vishnu appeared before them and said he himself was coming to rescue them and the people of Mathura. He asked Vasudeva to carry him to the house of his friend, the cowherd chief Nanda in Gokula right after his birth, where Nanda's wife Yashoda had given birth to a daughter. He was to exchange his boy and bring Yashoda's baby daughter back to the prison. Vishnu assured them that "nothing shall bar your path".

At midnight on ashtami, the divine baby was born in Kamsa's prison. Remembering the divine instructions, Vasudeva clasped the child to his bosom and started for Gokula, but found that his legs were in chains. He jerked his legs and was unfettered! The massive iron-barred doors unlocked and opened up.

While crossing river Yamuna, Vasudeva held his baby high over his head. The rain fell in torrents and the river was in spate. But the water made way for Vasudeva and miraculously a five-mouthed snake followed him from behind and provided shelter over the baby.

When Vasudeva reached Gokula, he found the door of Nanda's house open. He exchanged the babies and hurried back to the prison of Kamsa with the baby girl. Early in the morning, all the people at Gokula rejoiced the birth of Nanda's beautiful male child. Vasudeva came back to Mathura and as he entered, the doors of the prison closed themselves.

When Kamsa came to know about the birth, he rushed inside the prison and tried to kill the baby. But this time it skipped from his hand and reaching the sky. She was transformed into the goddess Yogamaya, who told Kamsa: "O foolish! What will you get by killing me? Your nemesis is already born somewhere else."

Significance of Krishna Janmashtami - Excerpts from Divine Discourse Of Swami

“Krishna was born on 20th July, 3227 B.C., during the early morning at 3 a.m.” - Baba

Sri Krishna Jansmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the Avatar of the Dwapara Age. Many are the saints of this land who have dedicated their life to the adoration and veneration of Lord Krishna. Tulsidas, Meerabai, Chaitanya Deva and Purandaradasa poured out their devotion to Lord Krishna in the form of songs which remain popular in Bharat even to this day. The story of His life and His leelas (Divine sport) has enchanted the people of Bharat for millennia, for it tells us about God’s pure love for His devotees. Krishnashtami is a festival whose celebration is marked by fun and gaiety that recalls the joy experienced by the Gopalas and Gopis (cowherds) in the company of Krishna during His childhood days at Brindavan. 

Today we celebrate Krishna's birthday. Where was he born? In a prison. What were his possessions? Nothing. Born in a prison, he was taken to the house of Nanda, and then he went to Mathura. He owned nothing. But he became the greatest figure in the world. What does this show? Worldly possessions are not the secret of greatness. Krishna's greatness consisted in His permanent state of bliss (ananda).

The Ramaayana is intended to promote the reign of truth and righteousness on earth. The Krishna Avathaar was intended to give a perennial message to the world. He sought nothing for himself. He kept nothing for himself. He gave away everything to the people. He slayed his maternal uncle, Kamsa. He installed Kamsa's father, Ugrasena, on the throne. He did not covet the kingdom. He befriended the Pandavas, defeated the Kauravas, and crowned Dharmaja as the emperor. He did not make himself king. He was a king without a crown. He was the king of kings. He had no kingdom of his own. But he ruled over the hearts of the millions. It is this profound truth that is proclaimed by the Krishna principle (Krishna thathva).

If you enquire deeply, you will find that every Avathar has incarnated to convey a special message and carry out a particular mission.

The incarnation of Krishna proclaimed the doctrine of divine love, as manifested by the cowherd maids (Gopikas). Today, man is like an earthen pot filled with nectar. His body may be made of clay, but his spirit is eternal. The Divine has to be experienced through the body. Hence, human birth should not be treated as something trivial. Human life is worth living --it should be cherished as something precious.

But today, such a precious gift is being treated as dirt. It is essential to realise the value of human existence. What is the goal of human life? It is to go back to the source from which we came. Our duty is to return to our primordial, original home.

All of you who are here have come from different parts of India and the world. After your stay here, you have to go back to your native places. Likewise, human beings have come to the planet earth as pilgrims. They have to return to their original home. You have come from the Aathma. You have to go back to the Aathma. You have come from the Brahman (Supreme Self). You have to merge in the Brahman. You have incarnated as a spark of Brahman. You have to become the Brahman. That is the ideal. That is the goal. In between, there may be many impediments. You should ignore them. Have unshakable faith. That is true devotion. 

Whatever you do, remember the Omnipresence of the Divine. Do every act to please God, out of love and not out of compulsion. Divinise every act. The Lord declares in the Gita, "Having been born in this transient and unhappy world, worship Me."

Krishna called upon Arjuna to stand up and face the battle, reminding him of what was in store for the evil minded Kauravas. He adjured Arjuna to have full faith in Him and do his duty. Then Arjuna declared, "I shall do as You bid me (Karishyevachanam thava)." Then Krishna declared, "You have now become My true devotee." And He exhorted Arjuna to rise and fight the battle, which would end in the complete destruction of the Kauravas and the wicked quartet, Duryodhana, Dussaasana, Karna, and Sakuni.

The great teaching of the Gita is this: Put your trust in God, carry on your duties, be helpful to everyone, and sanctify your lives. Dedicate all actions to God. That is the way to experience oneness with God. God is in you. You are in God. This oneness is the basic truth. Chant the name of the Lord and render social service in a spirit of selflessness and devotion to God.

Krishna is omnipresent. The word has three meanings:

(1) "Krishithi-ithi Krishna --The man who ploughs is Krishna." The heart is the symbol of a field. The heart should be cleared of weeds (evil qualities). It should be filled with love. The seeds of the Lord's name should be sown in it. Krishna encourages the devotee to do all this.

(2) "Karshathi-ithi Krishna --Because he attracts, he is Krishna." Krishna has the supreme power of attraction. By his words, his sport, his music, and all his actions he attracts all people. This power of attraction is present in everyone. Hence, everyone is potentially Krishna.(3) "Krushyathi-ithi Krishnah --Because he imparts bliss, he is called Krishna." Everyone seeks happiness. The Divine, who is the embodiment of happiness, is in you. God wants you to be happy, but you do not realize it. Try to recognize the source of bliss within you. It is not the true nature of man to be unhappy. When anyone is otherwise, people around him are concerned about him. You should always be happy, because you are the embodiment of the Aathma. Never give way to worry.

As a spark of the Divine, you have to behave like the Divine. Do not give room for grief. What use is there in turning over the beads of the rosary while your mind is thinking of mundane matters? First of all, purify your mind. Dedicate all actions to God. Free yourself from all attachments. Treat all things as gifts from God for which you are the guardian and not the owner.