The Significance of Ganesha Chaturthi
by Dr. Katyayani Poole, Ph.D..
Ganesha Chathurti is a special day in the Vedic calendar. It falls on the fourth quarter of the waxing Moon in what's known as the month of Bhadra. In our calendar (Gregorian), this year the auspicious date occurs on Sunday, August 23, 2009
If you observe time very closely, you'll find that every moment of the year flavors your experience in a unique way. You'll also notice that "time" is a pattern of energy that builds, peaks, and transforms. Certain times feel right for beginning something. Other times feel right to just stay where you are. And then a moment comes and it seems best to move on to something else.
This is the pattern of our life. This is the pattern of nature.
Ganesha is the law of time that occurs right before a beginning changes into a middle - and a middle into an end - and an end into a beginning again. He is the gap where we can pause and see for a moment what lies beyond the cycles of time.
It is said in folklore that on this night, Ganesha curses the Moon and according to superstition, one should never look at the Moon lest you partake in his curse!
The significance behind this is not superstitious. The Moon regulates the timing of all events on earth and the way we perceive them. Ganesha's so-called curse reminds us not to look at the changing nature of time in determining what is ultimately important. Rather experience the non-changing transcendent reality behind this changing world.
Ganesha is the moment right before a transition is about to take place where you feel a combination of doubt, uncertainty, and fear. But that's only if you look at the Moon - or focus on the changing reality. When you know that you are not the mind, but the liberated Self change becomes an opportunity for profound wisdom.
You realize the highest truth that there is something within you that has never changed and is not touched by anything - good or bad - that occurs.
The image of Ganesha reflects the blessing power of this liberating energy that peaks on the day of Ganesha Chathurti:
- As the lord of the threshold between now and then, he raises his hand: Have no fear. Change is always good.
- As the lord of beginnings, he holds an axe: May your journey bring you wisdom.
- As the lord who removes obstacles, he holds a noose to hold them back: May your path be clear. May you know when to stop and when to proceed.
- As the lord of wisdom and discrimination, he offers you a delicious sweet: May your mind become intoxicated with the everpresent pulsation of life behind this changing appearance.
This Year's Celebration:
This year on August 23, 2009, we're celebrating the official opening of Shruti Institute for Vedic Arts!
Whenever you embark in a new direction, you aren't sure where it's going to take you. You have to have faith and trust together with a clear belief in the rightness of your dharma or purpose.
When it became clear that we'd grown enough to take on the responsibility of maintaining a sacred space for the work we do, we took a leap of faith with confidence, knowing that we're aligned with a great need of the time. Now is the time for the ripening of human consciousness toward a higher ideal and purpose. And after many years spent immersed in Vedic knowledge, Jeff and I realized the time had come for us to share and spread the fruits of our practice.
Between the years spent preparing and the years of growth and fulfilment to come, we now stand at a threshold - a moment that's best spent coming together with a powerful intention to always remain connected to the source of all wisdom.
We invite you to participate in celebrating this grand moment of excitement, anticipation, and upliftment - not only for Shruti Institute, but for all the lives we'll touch collectively during the lifetime of this venture.
What is the significance of Puja or sacred offering on Ganesha Chathurti?
Our bodies and minds are great receptacles of the energetic influences that surround us. Whether we realize it or not, we're always picking up on vibrations, thought forms, and physical radiation.
Puja is an ancient technology for infusing the body and mind with higher frequencies of energy. The gesture of offering is cleansing of negative energy and thoughts. The chanting of Sanskrit mantras aligns the body/mind with the vibration the law of nature that's being invoked. And receiving an item or food that's been blessed by the ceremony, helps to maintain the renewed and elevated state that's instilled in you.
It's really beneficial to attend a Puja freshly bathed and alert to gain the most from it.
Should I make an offering?
During Puja ceremonies, it's customary to make an offering. What we give in a moment of deep intention helps to shed negativity, limitations, or obstacles. It's an act of letting go that which doesn't serve us.
When we offering something, we create a space for something new to occupy. This is why in many religions, people offer donations - because it makes room for more to come to you. It's a law of nature that what we offer increases.
So you can feel free to offer what you'd like to see increase in your life over the next year. Or you can simply offer the thoughts that are bothering you in your mind. Or you can offer highest intentions for your personal growth.
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