GANESHA SYMBOLISM

                      On Friday 1st October Brahmachari Gautam conducted a discourse at the Ganesh Temple in Adelaide on the frequently discussed topic of “Symbolism and Ritualism in Hinduism”.
                                   Gautamji defined a ritual as any repeated act, using as an example, the daily undertakings performed unquestioningly to clean the body. It follows therefore that to clean the mind, specifically to reduce and eventually eliminate the ego, certain rituals are also required. The method employed has been worship of God, the  ated worship of the egoless infinite will ultimately bestow some of these properties upon the worshiper. The system of worship used in Hinduism is the sixteen step Puja, which at first glance may seem to some to be a haphazard and superstitious process but which is indeed a purposeful and beautiful ceremony in which God is invited to and treated in a similar manner as a guest in the home.
                          Some of the steps include inviting and welcoming God, offering water to bathe, offering a seat, and then food. The offering of flowers symbolizes the offering ofour negative tendencies to God thereby lessening them in ourselves. The flow of milk over the deity represents the constant steady flow of the thought of God. The application of chandan to the forehead with its cooling properties was discussed. The conclusion of the Puja with the Arati and lamp was said to represent the light of knowledge which gives the seeker a vision of God. Taking the light to the eyes of the devotee is done in anticipation that the light will remain with them long after the conclusion of the ceremony. After washing the idol with milk/water, this same milk and water is  is collected and consumed in the form of Tirtha. By taking Prasad the devotee hopes to attain the appropriate vision to see all situations in life as Prasad, and to face the dualities in life (success and failure, pleasure and pain, praise and criticism) with Prasad Buddhi, with the implication that the positives should not be expected without the inevitable negatives.
                                  Gautamji explained that repetition of the Lord’s name 108 times not only increases devotion and admiration of God but also is symbolic of the ratio of the distance from the Earth (representing mortal man) to the Sun (the life source and representing divinity). 108 Suns can fit between the Earth and the Sun, 108 ‘shining beads’ (mala) from mortality to immortality.
                                    Prostration before the Lord symbolizes surrendering to a higher ideal and removing the shadow-like ego. This may be done at three levels, firstly by the devotee bending and touching the feet of the Lord wherein surrender is partial and the shadow/ego remains, secondly, by bending further and touching the head to the Lord’s feet (surrender is greater and only part of the ego/shadow remains) or finally, by a assuming a fully prone position reflecting complete surrender in which the ego/shadow is abolished.
Gautamji spoke with clarity and captivated the attention of all present. He urged us not to hastily abandon our rich traditions but rather try and develop an understanding of the significance of these age-old rituals