The symbol of Ganesh in yoga
A famous Hindu deity , Ganesh occupies an important place in yoga . Like his representation, this elephant-headed god is the symbol of wisdom and prosperity . He brings protection to those who invoke him in the beginning of all things. He is a great ally who brings good luck . Venerated in India, he is nonetheless known in the West. He is widely represented in the practice of Yoga , whether meditation or postures . Let's trace his history and symbolism in yoga.
The legend of Ganesh
There are several versions explaining the birth of Ganesh and especially regarding his elephant head. He is the worthy son of Shiva and Parvati. According to legends, he is sometimes considered a pure creation of Parvati (wife of Shiva). However, in some Puranas, it was Shiva who created Ganesh at the request of the Gods to protect them from their enemies.
The most famous legend tells that Parvati conceived Ganesh in the absence of Shiva who had gone to meditate in the Himalayas. Ganesh was created by Parvati using dust, ointments, oil and water from the Ganges so that she would feel less alone in the absence of her husband. She made Ganesh her guardian, to ensure her protection. When Shiva returned, he found Ganesh blocking his path, guarding Parvati's door as she was taking a bath. Shiva, furious at being denied access to his home, cut off Ganesh's head. Dying of grief, Parvati demanded that her husband give her back her life. Shiva, who had not recognized their son and anxious to make up for his clumsiness, promised to replace Ganesh's head with that of the first living being he would find. In his quest, the God Shiva met a baby elephant, he adorned Ganesh's body with its head to bring him back to life. After this, Shiva recognized Ganesh as his own son and appointed him as the chief of all his servants.
Symbolism and meaning in yoga
The story of Ganesh represents the dual birth process that every individual is brought to pass through. First, there is the birth of the body on Earth, then comes the birth of the spirit through the awakening of consciousness. This is what Yoga teaches us: the harmony of body and mind.
Ganesh is represented by the first chakra at the base of the spine. Hence its importance in the practice of Kundalini yoga , he is the Master of Kundalini and the subtle channels. This practice is the energetic harmonization of the body and mind, it allows the release of the vital energy that lies dormant in each of us. This work is based on the 7 chakras, it will be facilitated and more effective by using the appropriate yoga equipment .
The Hindu God Ganesh also finds his full significance in other forms of yoga, as he is the one who brings protection in the beginning of all undertakings or in preparing for a journey. He is the one who removes obstacles or sets them up if he deems them necessary.
Invoking Ganesh: Mantra-Yoga
Meditation is one of the keys to awakening the mind, it can be done comfortably on a yoga mat or in the great outdoors. It allows the mind to rise and become aware of what surrounds it. Mantra is a song that helps to meditate. It is used to bring vibrations through sound into the astral body. These vibrations help to harmonize our energy centers and especially our chakras .
This is why reciting a mantra acts on concentration and helps to manage stress. It is good to invoke the mantras of Ganesh in yoga, because it defends values of perseverance, it teaches us how to overcome the obstacles encountered on the path of our life. The mantras of Ganesh protect from evil and bring success. The Om Gam Ganapataye Namah is a very good example:
- Om = The sound of the universe
- Gam = This is the sound of Ganesh's power. It represents his "seed syllable" or bija mantra
- Ganapataye = This is another name given to Ganesh which means: the breaker of obstacles
- Namaha = I bow
Ganesh is a benevolent god to take as an example, he invites introspection and discernment when we encounter difficulties. He teaches us that we must learn from our failures in order to progress. If, like Ganesh, you want to overcome obstacles, yoga is the discipline that will help you find this balance. To fully enjoy your sessions, equip yourself with a good yoga mat as well as comfortable equipment specially designed for the practice of this discipline.
