Ganesa's Grace (గణేశానుగ్రహం)

Ganesa'a Grace

గణేశానుగ్రహం

శుక్లాంబరధరం విష్ణుం శశివర్ణం చతుర్భుజం

ప్రసన్న వదనం ధ్యాయేత్ సర్వ విఘ్నోపశాంతయే (1)

అగజానన పద్మార్కం గజానన మహర్నిశం

అనేకదం తం భక్తానాం ఏకదంత ముపాస్మహే (2)

Anna used to teach Hatha Yoga and meditation in a New York City yoga center. ‘I thought of including a sloka reading into the practice, but often I would stop upon a little reflection. Americans get easily confused if god has (is imparted with) numerous names. How to explain this aspect of Indian philosophy to Americans?’, she asked the philosopher Diani.

Diani: In the west, the Almighty is referred to by only one word, ‘god’. In India, god has many names. That does not mean there are so many gods. In truth, god is only one. The varied names refer to god’s distinct characteristics, rather attributes. Ganesa – His name means: Remover of difficulties (obstacles) in life. In a forest, an elephant (like a big earthmover) removes obstructions in its path and proceeds ahead without any fear or distraction. Thus, the elephant head of Ganesa signifies the following: He, too efficiently removes all insurmountable barriers in a devotee’s life. Praying to Ganesa means, we pray to invoke (certain specific) god’s qualities: His compassionate commitment to a devotee, His unwavering willingness to ease His aspirant’s earthly problems by eliminating prickly obstructions in ones path. Even now (since times immemorial) that is how we pray to Ganesa. (Ganesa in special situations also introduces difficulties into a project; when such a project may do more harm than good)

Anna: Why pray to Ganesa only? Isn’t it enough if we pray just to god?

D: For executing (the three universal tasks) creation, sustenance, and dissolution (cf. destruction), many types of energies are needed. Have you ever observed closely at big organizations (corporations or governing bodies)? Have you looked at their organizational structures, directories? Who heads what department, what section? Who oversees whom, etc.? For running this entire cosmos (universe) with all its myriad worlds, we need many divisions and subdivisions. In this, there are many worlds, different levels of living (sentience?), and many kinds of living beings.

A: Generally, while reading (reciting) slokas, mantras, what kind of energy is invoked? What do they propitiate? What (benevolent) actions?

D: Knowledge (= Sarada), Prosperity (= Lakshmi), Love ( = Krishna), Victory ( = Durga), Fate ( = Brahma), Compassion ( = Siva), Fearlessness ( = Hanuman), Protection ( = Parvati, Vishnu), Equanimity = Dakshinamurti.

A: When we pray to these embodiments of qualities, do we get that energy (quality)?

D: That is the intent. By uttering that name (quality/characteristic), by reciting that stotra, by singing that song (hymn), we can open (tune) our channel to receive that energy. There is a possibility – whatever we meditate upon, it (i.e., that energy) becomes ours.

A: If we are truly (evidently) that ultimate (transcendent) reality, isn’t it enough if we just pray to ourselves?

D: We do pray to ourselves, we worship ourselves. But not in a proper way. Look how we worship our bodies. How we drape our bodies in expensive clothes. Attach costly ornaments (jewels), how we spread the body with scented creams, cold creams, talcum powders – look at such things we indulge. See, how we feed it (body) with rich food. See, how we lay the body on soft comfortable beds – notice how we treat the human body. If we feel that we are doing all this (treatments, services) to the (internally dwelling) god, if we feel our body as a form (envelope, embodiment) of god, a representation of god, then these indulgences (or gentle services) in our body upkeep – this itself will transform into a great spiritual pursuit (instrument)!

A: By uttering all these attributes (energies), by reciting prayers (stotras), can we receive, can we obtain definite help or do we just stay (trapped) in that emotional euphoria (feeling)?

D: I heard about a lady, a lady without any college education (3). She computed the product of two thirteen digit numbers in half a minute. On top of it, she produced a perfectly correct answer. When asked how she got such an extraordinary talent, she said it was due to Ganesa’s blessing. I say: This evidence is incontrovertible and specific.

1. For the meaning, see one of my earlier blogs: http://tenneti-rao.sulekha.com/blog/post/2007/06/prayer-to-vinayaka-suklambaradharam.htm

2. Meaning of this sloka will be given in a future post.

3. Reference to Shakuntala Devi, the famous Indian mathematician.

[Translator’s Note: This is taken from an excerpt of Neelamraju’s Notebook (a Telugu work). I pay my sincere heartfelt thanks to the writer(s). Deliberately, I have added extra comments and explanations for the benefit of an aspirant. For every aspirant (patient), ‘time is of essence’, there is no extra time, life is fleeting very fast. Sri Seshendra Swami would often say and exhort: “Do not sleep, Yama is lurking in the shadows, He will come and take you away. Just hold on to the feet of Siva, do not forget for a moment even. Get up, get up now, it’s urgent.” Though I am confident of the fidelity of translation, I can only hope – that no distortions have crept into the original words of Diani. Often, minor misunderstandings will vanish upon careful inner examination and meditation.

When I come across a person or youth, estranged from his ancient (organic) roots, traditions, or culture – I feel saddened. That is why, all the masters proclaim: Even the urge to meditate can only happen when there is ‘grace’ (or remnants of past good karma). Whether it is yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, or religion – there is so much precious material in the hidden treasures of Sanatana Dharma. It is a pity, if the modern seeker just blindly searches under “the false search-lights of modernity” – like the proverbial drunken fellow looking for his lost car keys beneath street lights. Only a sober, humble mind can see the truth. And one must remember always this – I (or you) am not the first seeker. There were many great souls before and there would be many more in future. To all, I pay my humble respects and bow to them all.]

Copyright 2012

Toe Pain

Toe Pain

There is one tough toe problem that bothers adults. And this one needs urgent intervention and tender care.

Symptoms

“The subject wakes up at 1:00 a.m. with excruciating pain in the big toe, with no apparent cause or injury. Upon close examination under bright illumination, a slight swelling is found around the joint between big toe and foot (metatarsal-phalangeal joint), very tender to touch. The pain is often unbearable and the usual technique of hot/cold compress is of little use. At times even walking becomes extremely painful.”

The disease, known as gout has been around for hundreds of years. It affects mostly men and predominantly it is prevalent in cold climates. Though often associated with alcohol and rich (animal) protein food, anyone can get it - due to the evil coincidence of many factors. Some association is found between the use of diuretics and gout. Its sister (affliction) is kidney stones.

Key factors

Extreme cold climate, low levels of fluid intake (water), and high levels of uric acid are the main contributing factors. Human body needs uric acid, so at normal levels it poses no problem. Often, a vicious confluence of all these factors leads to an acute attack. So, if possible avoid extreme cold. Try to take one extra glass of water before going to bed (or spread around the day). Take vitamin supplements daily – particularly vitamin C. Cut down a little on protein rich foods during winter times or at least during the acute phase. High doses of fructose and fasting are also contributing factors.

Cure and Management

Vitamin C helps in eliminating excess uric acid from the system. A dose of 500 mg per day is enough to yield promising results. Rose hips contain high levels of vitamin C; perhaps, this is one of the most inexpensive sources of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Towards the end of summer season, I have often seen bunches of rose hips hanging idly on the thorny bushes. The Indian gooseberry (fresh fruit) also seems to be a rich source of vitamin C. Grandmothers used to say that gooseberry pickle has many medicinal properties (for warding off ulcers in the mouth, etc.). Ascorbic acid is rather a delicate vitamin, can easily be destroyed in cooking. Cranberry juice (and cranberry pickle) is another source of vitamin C.

Fructose, particularly in large quantities, seems to aggravate the ailment. So, it is better to avoid very sweet (over ripened) bananas or other sugary fruits. Also, honey (invert sugar) too should be avoided during the acute stage. Moderation is the key word. Once the disease is well under control, occasional indulgences in a small piece of ripe banana or chocolate cookie will do no harm. High fructose corn syrup – is the real culprit here. So, read carefully ingredients of cookies and other confectionary items. Always look for juices without high fructose corn syrup or sugar.

The traditional Indian Ayurveda practitioners are fully well versed in the treatment of joint pains and inflammation. The patient should strictly follow their advice about dietary restrictions. Of the vegetarian protein sources, it is advisable to avoid (or at least limit) the use of peanuts and black gram (urad dal), especially during winter months.

So, what to do during a sudden attack? A good doctor will be able to diagnose properly and prescribe modern medicines. For a full recovery and proper management, the patient has to make a few lifestyle changes. Not, very difficult, if one is a little bit flexible. Through the pain, the body is sending subtle signals. Get rid of sedentary habits, get up and take long walks, bike riding, shoveling snow, or yoga – whichever suits you.

Yoga

Sarvanga-asana, Vira-asana, and Paschimothana-asana will yield good results for this ailment. Also, Surya-namaskarams will help in reducing the severity. Swami Vishnu Devananda, in one of the pages gave excellent suggestion for all foot problems: Gently try to walk on toes and heels, do it slowly alternatively. You can practice this on hardwood floor, carpet, or on soft grass (if need be, with insulating woolen socks). Till you get proper balance, use a stick, wall, or fence for support. It promotes good blood circulation in the feet, preserves and strengthens good arches, and gives a gentle massage to the sole.

Once the acute pain has vanished, you can give gentle massage (with warm sesame seed oil, olive oil, ghee, Iodex, or Narayana Tailam) around the big toe. Regular exercise and daily massage should make the injured toe normal. During the acute phase, you cannot do any massage. But you can dip the painful toe in a bucket with cold water, then switch to a bucket with warm water. Then back to cold water. Or, you can give similar treatment while taking a shower bath.

Pain has a salutary effect on the human body. It makes the mind concentrate and slip into meditation. The great Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal would go into hours of meditation during high temperature fever bouts. He would just describe it thus: It is like sitting in the midst of five fire places and doing meditation (or penance). Why not? Pain, any ailment for that matter, teaches us the fragility of human body. It imparts us much needed humility – after all even with loads of money, at times, you cannot buy immediate cure. Simply not possible. In a tera Hertz cell phone obsessed, instant gratifying world – only pain can teach some valuable lessons of life. Karma has to be depleted slowly through episodes of pain.