The Ganesha Principle
In the following discourse Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba spoke to the students and shared with them the significance of the various aspects of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
The world has many exemplary leaders, but none that is comparable to Vinayaka. He is also called Vighneshwara because he is regarded as the presiding deity over obstacles. Just as Yama is the presiding deity for births and deaths, the grace of Ganapati removes all obstacles. Ganapati means the Lord of ganas [attendants of Lord Shiva]. He is the Lord of sound and has the form of Om (pranava-primodial sound). 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 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, he is known as Siddhi Vinayaka (the Vinayaka who grants what is sought).
Once [sage] Vyasa embarked upon the task of writing the Mahabharata [the great Hindu epic]. As it involved writing millions of verses, Vyasa sought the help of Brihaspati, the preceptor of the devas [demi-gods], as a suitable scribe. Brihaspati however, told Vyasa that none but Vinayaka could carry out the work. Vyasa then appealed to Vinayaka for His aid. Nonetheless, Vyasa stipulated that the scribe should first understand everything that was to be written.
Ganesha in turn, laid down a condition that required Vyasa not to pause while dictating the verses as the stylus with which He [Ganesha] would be inscribing the verses on the palm leaves could have no rest. Vinayaka could write down the entire Mahabharata because he was the embodiment of all knowledge. Thus, Vyasa could accomplish his prodigious task with Ganesha’s aid.
Why place Ganesha in forefront
The mouse is Ganesha’s vehicle; it is a clever and lively creature. As a symbol, it means that we should be clever and diligent in our actions.
Placing Vighneshwara in the forefront before embarking on any undertaking has a special significance. 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 through Ganesha’s grace.
On Vinayaka Chaturathi [the annual festival dedicated to Vinayaka] day, students place books in front of the Ganesha idol and offer worship. They pray to the deity to illumine their minds. Hence Ganesha is known as buddhi pradayaka, one who grants intelligence. No one should regard Ganesha as uncouth because of His elephant head and His huge belly. Vinayaka is a deity who encompasses the universe within Him. He is a deity of infinite potency.
Vighneshwara is described as one wearing a white cloth. His body is ash-grey. He is depicted as having four arms and a cheerful countenance. The white cloth signifies purity of mind and heart. By worshipping Him, you must endeavor to achieve similar purity. Vinayaka always appears serene and calm. By His grace, the devotee must seek to achieve similar equanimity, whatever may be the ups and downs in life.
Source: Sathya Speaks,Vol. 22
