Ganesh is also plays the role of the Guardian. He guarded his mother's doorway from unwanted guests, and was thus killed and resurrected because of it. The duty of the guardian figure is to protect the purity of the inner shrine--he must keep out those that wish to defile it. To the devotee wanting to gain entrance into the inner sanctum psychically, mythologyically, and physically, Ganesha is the first obstacle to overcome. He is the one to worship first for he will allow you to access the other deities and whatever blessings may flow from them.If one approaches the entrance and gives thanks to the guardian, showing sincerity, than Ganesh will allow entry. But if one is insincere or neglects the guardian in haste to reach the other "more important" deities and the inner sacred world, then Ganesh will place obstacles in the follower's path and thus rendering worship fruitless.Ganesha is the Gatekeeper. He removes obstacles from the gods by placing them before humans, specifically humans who are impure. He does not corrupt the shrine itself but those who enter with a black heart. The secret of entering the shrine and using its sacred power lies in remembering and honoring Ganesha at the beginning of every ritual, and at the point of entry to the shrine.Ganesha is praised at the beginning of important rites of passage and rituals. In Hinduism, songs of devotion to him break the silence as the dawn of a new day begins. But beneath this strong, helpful, and loving guise there lies a more ambivilent aspect: if Ganesha is not worshipped, he may withdraw his support and cause undertakings to fail. When properly adored, Ganesha emerges as the giver of all gifts and the remover of all obstacles; whether they be material or spiritual.
Make Lord Ganesha a vital part of your daily life and your path's experiences. Once you do this, He will begin to show himself to you. He may appear to you as the elephant god, He may manifest as the Remover of Obstacles, or the God of Creativity. This type of inner connection can make your daily experience come alive!!
Slowly, a relationship begins to evolve, a very personal, loving relationship between you and the loving elephant God. Psychic protection, physical protection, emotional and mental protection are all granted.
"Always live as nothing,
And your mission is fulfilled immediately.
You do not have to live long
But live well while you live.
Be sum total at any point in time."
"Oh Ancient One of strength and might
Come and aid me in this plight.
Push through all that's in my way,
Let them fall and crumble away,
So my path is clear and free.
As I will it, so mote it be!"
"May Ganesha, in the advancing night as he dances
His tumultuous dance with his tusks raised up
And making a whistling sound
And spraying forth light and nourishment to the stars,
Protect you."
"May Ganesha, who throws up his trunk
In play around which fly a constant swarm of bees
Like a triumph pillar covered with letters
Erected to announce the destruction of obstacles,
Protect you."
"We honor Ganesha who disperses clouds of obstacles
As he fans away with his flapping ears
The clouds of bees that fly from his trunks."
"Maker of happiness, remover of miseries,
Whose grace extends love to us
And does not leave a trace of obstacle remaining."
Ganesha receives special worship in the Hindu calender. Each lunar month is divided into two parts: the bright half (when the moon waxes), and the dark half (when the moon wanes).
The bright half is a time for new undertakings. The dark half is a time of decline and the possibilities of chaos and failure are great so new projects are avoided. The fourth day of the dark half is called "dangerous fourth." It is a day when it is particularily bad to begin any new undertakings. However, to worship Ganesha on this day will hopefully advert difficulties and avoid any obstacles.
The fourth day of the bright half is called "Ganesha's fourth". This day reflects Ganesha's positive side and his powers to grant success. This is the best day to start new undertakings. It is also wise to recognize Ganesha and give him thanks and offerings.
Prayers of Supplication means requests and pleadings. They are presented to Ganesha in the spirit of personal surrender and loving devotion. Something specific is being asked for. Or a specific problem is being laid at Ganesh's feet. They must be given to him unconditionally and we must have faith that he will do what is right for us. He does not provide what we desire, but what WE TRULY NEED.
Leaving your problem at Ganesha's feet means you let it be there and do NOT carry it home with you! Do not worry or wonder about how it will be handled.
"Great Lord of Wisdom,
Here I stand with so many decisions to make,
With so many ways to turn.
I beg for Your grace.
Fill me with righteous judgment and
Clear discrimination as I lay all confessions
At your holy feet and
Immerse myself solely in you, Ganesha."
"I surrender to you, Lord Ganesha,
You are the speaker, you are the listener.
You are the giver, you are the sustainer.
I am your devotee,
Protect my from the front and back.
Protect me from the north and the south,
Protect me from above and below.
Protect me from all directions.
You are full of perfect knowledge
Of truth and awareness.
You are full of bliss and pure consciousness.
You are truth, consciousness, and bliss.
You are the absolute awareness.
You are full of supreme wisdom and knowledge.
Bless me Lord Ganesha with your help."
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