In recent months, Ganesh has been showing up around here. A necklace given to me by a dear teacher, featuring this elephant-headed deity. A trip to the Sivananda Yoga Camp, where the morning and evening chants begin with “Jaya Ganesha” (“Praise to Ganesh”). Pictures of elephants that appear unexpectedly.
Ganesh is the half-elephant, half-man deity who is the remover of all obstacles, and also the bestower of intelligence and wisdom.
We can think of Ganesh as that aspect of our Self that can and will overcome anything. We must have faith is this part of our Self, knowing that like Ganesh we are strong enough to pull out whatever stubborn obstacles lie before/within us, and that we are absolutely sure to be triumphant in the end. (“Jaya” means triumph or victory.)
When self-doubt or fear or frustration enter the mind, hit your mental pause button – then smile, sing “jaya Ganesha” and feel reassured that you will eventually uproot these negative thoughts. When you have a difficult encounter with someone and don’t know how to proceed, sing “jaya Ganesha” and know that you will find your way through it. When you feel small, troubled, or alone, sing “jaya Ganesha” and feel yourself supported by a power greater. When you are blessed by good fortune, sing “jaya Ganesha” and acknowledge the obstacles you have already overcome.
This mantra, like all mantras, helps to guide and focus our mind in a positive direction, rather than allowing the mind to lead us in all sorts of dubious directions. Don’t allow your mind to take over – YOU tell your mind what to do.
And if the words “jaya Ganesha” don’t resonate with you, find a mantra that does. You can choose one from the yogic tradition, one from your faith tradition, or can make up your own, in your own language. My intention is not to promote a particular religion or deity, but to promote positive thinking. Any positive affirmation can be a mantra. The key is repetition – keep up the practice.
And if you’re curious about the whole “jaya Ganesha” mantra, here it is:
Jaya Ganesha, jaya Ganesha, jaya Ganesha, pahimam. / Glorious Ganesh, protect me.
Sri Ganesha, Sri Ganesha, Sri Ganesha, rakshamam. / Dear Ganesh, save me.