Ganesh, the elephant-headed boy embodies the ideal human traits.pptx

The slides demonstrate all the best human qualities as seen in Ganesh in the Indian culture.

1. Ganesh Why Ganesh is the Ideal human By Ed Zuckerman

2. He helps from the start ... He grants success, prosperity, protection against adversity. He supports, inspires, gives hope. He blesses, protects those on a spiritual path. And he is always ready to start. God of auspicious beginnings. One begins with optimism and hope, positive expectations. Artists and crafts persons before a delicate process like carving a stone. He is on most wedding cards. "To do Sri Ganesha" is a synonym for the launch of any activity.

3. He helps from the start ... He supports, inspires, gives hope. One begins with optimism and hope, positive expectations. Artists and crafts persons before a delicate process like carving a stone. He is on most wedding cards. "To do Sri Ganesha" is a synonym for the launch of any activity.

4. His portrayals are highly symbolic and these symbols reflect the functions of an ideal human

5. Animal and Human

6. Animal and Human 2 This is his most obvious feature and has many meanings. He resides in the first Chakra - the sacral plexus, at the base of the spine. He personifies the primal sound - Om or AUM.

7. His big head means he is...

8. His big ears show that he...

9. His mouth is small, even invisible

10. His eyes are large and open

11. His trunk

12. He has only one full tusk Retain good and discard bad?? Why? Well, the story is ...

13. He is literate and learned

14. He is often shown with books Another part of this story is that Vyasa required Ganesh to understand what he dictated and so, to get some rest, Vyasa inserted complex ideas to slow down Ganesha. That is why Ganesha is also called “Vinayak” (knowledgeable).

15. And that is why he is the patron of writing He learned and understood as he worked. He worked hard on his thesis/ dissertation/masterpiece. Ganesha has academic training and has acquired the accumulated wisdom.

16. Big belly = Relaxed = Self-accepting

17. He is not pretty and not vain He is ugly - big ears, fat belly, the body of a baby elephant, a big nose, only one tooth. Destroyer of pride, vanity, selfishness. No beautyism here.

18. Ladoo - small sweets - are always present Ladoo (like doughnut holes) are the rewards of Sadhana - staying true to your dharma, your part of the scheme of the universe.

19. Ladoo - small sweets - are always present Ladoo (like doughnut holes) are the rewards of Sadhana - staying true to your dharma, your part of the scheme of the universe. They remind us of the rewards available. He partakes with his trunk. He encourages and motivates us toward success Food and energy are available. Bountiful but small so he can give multiple pleasures and to everyone.

20. He holds a rope or goad He holds a rope, looped or open, a snare or an elephant goad. Why? So he can pull us to the highest goal. So he can push us toward health, wealth, knowledge, wisdom or whatever is higher.

21. He holds an axe The Paraśu is to cut off supplicants from: Their past (“baggage,” habits) No longer needed fears and protections, memories as barriers. Follies, bad associates, harmful attachments, and false beliefs.

22. He holds a lotus flower In legend the demon of egotism, Mamāsura attacked him. To defend himself Ganesa threw his lotus at him. Unable to bear the fragrance of the divine flower, th e demon surrenders to Ganesa. In the battle against the ego even flowers can be good weapon s.

23. His palm is always inviting His open palm is beckoning (the position is reversed from the Western one). Courage or protection.

24. He wears a snake The snake is a symbol of energy. Ganesh has harnessed and owns his energy. He is not depressed or helpless. He is not dependent for energy on anyone or anything.

25. Always seen with his mouse/rat. Why?

26. The mouse/rat is his vehicle The mouse is a symbol of desires/passions. Mice are: Ruining or stealing our food, taking the sweets. Hidden, unseen. Penetrating even the most secret places. Out of our (conscious) control. Desires are an impediment ( vighna ) to be overcome. Ganesh has gotten desire under control (or he would be “taken for a ride;” daily life would be havoc) and made the rat his vehicle. He controls and rides his desires. He can use his energies.

27. Ganesh is social

28. Ganesh is a god who lives in the real world and he gets along with everyone

29. He gets along with everyone He is important in the daily lives of ordinary people; accessible and blessing their efforts. He gets along with the other four most powerful gods and he is the one called upon first.

30. Ganesh enjoys life

31. He has a 10-day birthday party

32. And he knows the party ends

33. He dances and makes music

34. Ganesh enjoys dance and music

35. Ganesh enjoys music and movement

36. He likes to dress up

37. Ganesh can be sensual

38. Ganesh and gender