[From nobody Sat Aug 26 15:11:08 2006 X-Account-Key: account2 Return-Path: <lilydiam@nereids.site5.com> Delivered-To: durgama@silcom.com Received: from psmtp.com (exprod5mx154.postini.com [64.18.0.223]) by beach.silcom.com (Postfix) with SMTP id D6D828B54D9 for <durgama@silcom.com>; Mon, 21 Aug 2006 13:41:55 -0700 (PDT) Received: from source ([216.118.97.199]) (using TLSv1) by exprod5mx154.postini.com ([64.18.4.10]) with SMTP; Mon, 21 Aug 2006 13:41:55 PDT Received: from lilydiam by nereids.site5.com with local (Exim 4.52) id 1GFGai-0004YP-RM for durgama@silcom.com; Mon, 21 Aug 2006 16:41:48 -0400 To: durgama@silcom.com Subject: Sunday Ganesha Celebration Santa Barbara Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2006 16:41:48 -0400 From: ganapati <lily@lilydiamond.com> Message-ID: <fce6e8fc5685864b37a73aac064cd261@www.lilydiamond.com> X-Priority: 3 X-Mailer: PHPMailer [version 1.73] X-Mailer: PHPlist v2.10.2 X-MessageID: 63 X-ListMember: durgama@silcom.com Precedence: bulk MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/related; type="text/html"; boundary="b1_fce6e8fc5685864b37a73aac064cd261" X-AntiAbuse: This header was added to track abuse, please include it with any abuse report X-AntiAbuse: Primary Hostname - nereids.site5.com X-AntiAbuse: Original Domain - silcom.com X-AntiAbuse: Originator/Caller UID/GID - [32253 500] / [47 12] X-AntiAbuse: Sender Address Domain - nereids.site5.com X-Source: /usr/bin/php X-Source-Args: /usr/bin/php index.php X-Source-Dir: lilydiamond.com:/public_html/PHPlist/admin X-pstn-2strike: clear X-pstn-levels: (S: 0.67647/99.75523 R:95.9108 P:95.9108 M:96.8350 C:98.6951 ) X-pstn-settings: 1 (0.1500:0.1500) gt3 gt2 gt1 r p m c X-pstn-addresses: from <lily@lilydiamond.com> forward (user good) [2097/86] --b1_fce6e8fc5685864b37a73aac064cd261 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="b2_fce6e8fc5685864b37a73aac064cd261" --b2_fce6e8fc5685864b37a73aac064cd261 Content-Type: text/plain; charset = "iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit JAI GANESHA! **SUNDAY, AUGUST 27th 4:30 P.M. ** **CELEBRATE GANESHA ** **Sanskrit Chanting & Sacred Music in praise of Lord Ganesha** **Bali Trading Co. 608 E Haley St Santa Barbara, CA 93103. ** **Phone: (805) 797-3738** **PLEASE BRING FRUIT, FLOWERS AND SWEETS TO BE OFFERED AND SHARED.** Donations welcome **Ganesha is the elephant-headed god of Hindu tradition. He predates the Vedic era, and according to author, Amanaranda Bhairavan, goes back to a time when a tribal group, "The Matangas" based their own culture on the matriarchal society of elephants and worshipped the Goddess as Matangi. ** The benign figure of Ganesha stands for a protective principle in the Hindu world. He is a source of strength and reassurance, one who will come to our rescue in the face of difficulties to guide us through any undertaking. Who knows what powers and forces will arise to help or hinder what we set out to do? Our calculations can foretell the trajectory of missiles and the stability of bridges. But life is uncertain. An earthquake, an automobile accident, a chance fire, a heart attack, or whatever can come to wreck, ruin, or decimate even the most carefully planned project. To have a trusted symbol that will guard us against obstacles instills a sense ofsecurity as we embark on an undertaking. That is what a prayer to Ganesha accomplishes in the hearts of the faithful. V. V. Raman November 4, 2003 **GANESHA IS GOD OF MUSIC! ** **FROM THE GANESHA SAHASRANAM (the thousand names of Ganesha)** **Salutations to Lord Ganesha:** **Who bestows insight into the science of sound. who is excellent in music. who knows the philosophy of sound. who appreciates music. who is the nectar of music. who is always enjoyed through music. who is revealed in music. who is filled with music. who is the spirit of music. who is the goal of music. who has composed music. who is the origin of music. who is the bestower of intelligence to know the sound. who is very eager to sing. who is the source of singing. who bestows the love of singing. who forgets himself when he sings. who is the ocean of music. who enchants himself with music. who is the inner spirit of music. who is a master of musical rhythms. who loves those who are gifted in music. who loses himself in music. who is unequal in the art of music. who reveals himself through devotional music. ** **Om Ganaabhutaye Namah - Salutations to Lord Ganesha who is the God of music!** **Pandit Ravi Shankar: "He is the beloved God who removes all obstacles and is always worshipped before starting any prayer, ritual, or ceremony. He takes prime place at the entrance to any home. Ganesha also holds a special place with all musicians as he is supposed to be a great musician himself, playing the drums (mrdangam, pakawaj) according to fables and stories we have learned. He is a very loveable, cuddly and fun-loving God."** OM GAM GANAPATAYAE NAMAHA! I was inspired to write a devotional song (bhajan) HEY GANAPATI, based on these names of Ganesha from the Mudgala Purana. Singing/chanting the names helps us to transform negative emotions. The Mudgala Purana, an ancient text on Lord Ganesha, cites eight forms of Ganesha, prevailing over eight human weaknesses or demons. Ekadanta is the Conquerer of Moda, arrogance. Dhumravarna (smoke colored) overcomes Abhimana, pride; Vakratunda (curved trunk) is the Vanquisher of Matsarya, jealousy; Mahodara (big belly) is Lord of Moha, infatuation; Gajanana (elephant face) conquers Lobha, greed; Lambodara (corpulent belly) overcomes Krodha, anger; Vikata (deformed) conquers Kama, lust; Vighnaraja (King of Obstacles) prevails over Mamata (egotism). **Tat purushaaya vidmahe Vakratundaaya dheemahi Tanno dhanti prachodayaat.** Recitation of the Ganesha Gayatri mantra is said " to clear your path from bad luck and fill it with good fortune, before you start any new project to ensure success and prosperity. Recite it every morning before you begin your day. The power of this mantra will ensure smooth sailing of life even in the most turbulent of times." from Chennaionline.com **FRIENDS OF GANESH!** Two Indian Music Concerts in Santa Barbara coming up: **"Classical music from India and Nepal will be presented on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd at 8:00 PM. at the Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara, in a concert entitled "Get Inspired!" The Nepalese tabla virtuoso Homnath Upadhaya (pronounced Home-not oopa-Dyah-yuh), who concertizes around the world at venues such as the Salzburg Music Festival, will accompany the acclaimed Lebanese-American sitar soloist, Paul Z. Livingstone. This is a rare opportunity to hear evening ragas from the greatest gharanas of India and Nepal. One night only: Saturday, September 2nd. Tickets are $18, $16 for students and seniors. Call Center Stage Theater at 805-963-0408 for reservations.** **FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 8TH 7:30 PM** **The famed Indian Classical Kyal singer from Calcutta, Raka Mukerjee will be performing at a private residence at 2201 Anacapa St (corner of Anacapa and Los Olivos)$10. She will be accompanied by the renowned Shashank Bhakshi, also from Calcutta, on tabla. He is a disciple of the renowned Sampta Prasad from Benares and studied with him for 20 years. He has performed with many of the most eminent artists of Indian classical music including Nikhil Banerjee, V.G. Jog, Hariprasad, Chaurasia, Imrat Khan, Manilal Nag and Buddha dev Dasgupta. For more information, please call 805-794-7934. For more info on Raka Mukerjee, including sound clips, visit www.Rakaji.com. ** Swami Shivananda of Rishikesh: Lord Ganesha is an embodiment of wisdom and bliss. He has as his vehicle a small mouse. He is the presiding Deity of the Muladhara Chakra, the psychic centre in the body in which the Kundalini Shakti resides. He is the Lord who removes all obstacles on the path of the spiritual aspirant, and bestows upon him worldly as well as spiritual success. Hence He is called Vigna Vinayaka. His Bija Akshara (root syllable) is Gung, pronounced to rhyme with the English word "sung". He is the Lord of harmony and peace. Lord Ganesha represents Om or the Pranava, which is the chief Mantra among the Hindus. Nothing can be done without uttering it. This explains the practice of invoking Ganesha before beginning any rite or undertaking any project. His two feet represent the power of knowledge and the power of action. The elephant head is significant in that it is the only figure in nature that has the form of the symbol for Om. The significance of riding on a mouse is the complete conquest over egoism. The holding of the ankusha represents His rulership of the world. It is the emblem of divine Royalty. Ganesha is the first God. Riding on a mouse, one of nature's smallest creatures and having the head of an elephant, the biggest of all animals, denotes that Ganesha is the creator of all creatures. Elephants are very wise animals; this indicates that Lord Ganesha is an embodiment of wisdom. It also denotes the process of evolution--the mouse gradually evolves into an elephant and finally becomes a man. This is why Ganesha has a human body, an elephant's head and a mouse as His vehicle. This is the symbolic philosophy of His form ** MORE ABOUT GANESHA** **Ganesha is a god of good luck and remover of obstacles, the one who brings happiness and abundance. People carry the pictures or statues of him as a protection against evil and for a smooth rides by many travelers and traders. He is recognized as a symbol of good luck in China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Mexico, Turkey, Afghanistan, Nepal and Iranbuilt where people built numerous shrines on the name of Ganesha. Each of these countries has adopted him according to its own culture. In India, temples of Ganesha are found in every village and in every home. In my experience, Ganesa has a very definite character: when you pray for help, he will help you in his way, the way you might not expect. He is called: the Destroyer of obstacles - 'Vighna Vinashaka', The bringer of happiness and joy - 'Sukha Kartha', The absorber of sorrow and misfortune - 'Dukha Hartha', He makes wishes come true - 'Siddhi Vinayaka' ** **Lord Ganesha is considered to be a very powerful god and people pray to him first before starting anything - be it a new job or even school exams! Most of the temples will have a shrine dedicated to this elephant-headed deity. Small shrines of Ganesha can be found even in the street corners! Ganesa likes sweets, so it's a good idea to offer him candy, yogurt, cakes, ice cream, any good desert will do. Offer it sincerely, with an open heart. And than you can receive the sweet stuff back as prasad. In other words, you can eat the desert you offered to the God after you finish your prayers. This food becomes holy, now, because it was touched by the God, and it is called "prasad". Ganesha has a pot belly, is short and is usually portrayed in a sitting position with one leg folded and the other touching the ground. In his four hands, he carries a noose (human bondage to desires); an axe (destruction of all evil); a modak or sweet (joy) and a lotus (human evolution). His trunk, usually turned to the left, represents AUM, the origin of the cosmic universe. Vakratunda Ganapati is referred to as Omkara Svarupa (the personification of the primordial word Om). His curved elephant's trunk is a representation of the Pranava Mantra, Om, the sound from which the world was created. ** **Another distinctive feature of Ganapati is his huge stomach. It is vast enough to contain the entire universe. It is the cosmic womb wherein may be found all that is. Thus Ganesa can digest all that life can present, he can stomach anything. This makes him not only Stithaprajna (one with great serenity and equanimity) but also one able to swallow all the sorrows of the universe. This is another way of demonstrating his protective powers. ** **Ganapati is the lord of wisdom and as such, he is depicted as rotund and gluttonous. His appetite for the bliss of immortality is unceasing. The liberated one sees himself in all beings and all beings in himself. This state reveals itself in eternal bliss. It is the liberated one alone who can be said to be immersed in everlasting bliss. Such joy is no longer precariously dependent on external stimuli but is irrevocably secured as a result of his inner transformation. It is externally indicated by the gentle smile that uniformly plays on the face of the liberated one. The modaka or laddhu or korukkattai that Ganesa's trunk invariably turns toward, or that he is holding, or that is found in one of his hands is symbolic of wisdom, of that which gives liberation. The word modaka derives from the Sanskrit root mud (joy, delight). The Self is said to be of the nature of existence (sat), consciousness (cit), bliss (ananda). One seeks bliss because one is of the nature of bliss. Nothing else will ultimately satisfy one than to experience that which one truly is. Obtaining what one likes seemingly brings one joy. Thus Ganapati holds out the incentive and enticement of "giving one what one wants, so that ultimately, one will want what he has to give." The modaka is a symbol of ananda (bliss), of the joys of spiritual practice that Ganesa gives to his devotees. A modaka is literally a sweet wheat or rice ball, which is invariably found in Ganapati's trunk, hand and/or a bowl nearby. http://www.goddessherself.com/mantras/ganesh.htm** **GANESH MANTRAS** **Aum gam ganapataye namah This is a mantra from Ganapati Upanishad. One may always use it before beginning a journey, a new course in school, new career or job, or before entering into any new contract or business so that impediments are removed and your endeavor may be crowned with success. Aum shri ganeshaya namah This mantra is usually taught to children for their good education. It increases their memory power, and they become successful in their examinations. Of course, people of any age may use this mantra when taking courses in a school or university, and for success in attaining their degree. Aum vakratundaya hum This is a very powerful mantra, as discussed in the Ganesha Purana. When something is not working properly, individually or universally, nationally or internationally, or when the minds of the people turn crooked, negative, depressed or discouraged, the attention of Ganesha may be drawn by this mantra to straighten their ways. The HUM symbolizes "Delay no more, my Lord, in straightening the paths of the crooked-minded ones." This mantra is used many times in the Ganesha Purana to curb the atrocities of cruel demons. In addition, this mantra could also be used for healing any spinal deficiency, such as curvature of the spine or curved limbs. Dedicate 1,008 repetitions of this holy word to straighten and heal such deficiencies.** -- If you do not want to receive any more newsletters, http://lilydiamond.com/PHPlist/?p=unsubscribe&uid=5adda33179f4303cf04e2cab46114031 To update your preferences and to unsubscribe visit http://lilydiamond.com/PHPlist/?p=preferences&uid=5adda33179f4303cf04e2cab46114031 -- Powered by PHPlist, www.phplist.com -- --b2_fce6e8fc5685864b37a73aac064cd261 Content-Type: text/html; charset = "iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit <html><head> <meta content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" http-equiv="Content-Type"> <title></title> <style type="text/css"> body { font-size : 11px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; } a { font-size: 11px; color: #ff6600; font-style: normal; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; } a:visited { color: #666666; } a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } p { font-weight: normal; font-size: 11px; color: #666666; font-style: normal; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; } h1 {font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; color: #666666; font-style: normal; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;} h2 {font-weight: bold; font-size: 13px; color: #666666; font-style: normal; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;} h3 {font-weight: bold; font-size: 12px; color: #666666; font-style: normal; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; margin:0px; padding:0px;} h4 {font-weight: bold; font-size: 11px; color: #666666; font-style: normal; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; margin:0px; padding:0px;} hr {width : 100%; height : 1px; color: #ff9900; size:1px;} .forwardform {margin: 0 0 0 0; padding: 0 0 0 0;} .forwardinput {margin: 0 0 0 0; padding: 0 0 0 0;} .forwardsubmit {margin: 0 0 0 0; padding: 0 0 0 0;} div.emailfooter { font-size : 11px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; } div.emailfooter a { font-size: 11px; color: #ff6600; font-style: normal; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; } </style> </head><body>JAI GANESHA! <table width="58%" height="958" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" height="402" align="center"><img width="534" height="400" align="top" alt="" src="http://www.lilydiamond.com/IMAGES108/Ganeshsb1.jpg" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" height="551" align="center"> <h1>SUNDAY, AUGUST 27th 4:30 P.M. </h1> <h1>CELEBRATE GANESHA </h1> <h1>Sanskrit Chanting &amp; Sacred Music in praise of Lord Ganesha</h1> <h1>Bali Trading Co. 608 E Haley St Santa Barbara, CA 93103. </h1> <h1>Phone: (805) 797-3738</h1> <h3>PLEASE BRING FRUIT, FLOWERS AND SWEETS TO BE OFFERED AND SHARED.</h3> Donations welcome <h4>Ganesha is the elephant-headed god of Hindu tradition. He predates the Vedic era, and according to author, Amanaranda Bhairavan, goes back to a time when a tribal group, &quot;The Matangas&quot; based their own culture on the matriarchal society of elephants and worshipped the Goddess as Matangi. </h4> <p>The benign figure of Ganesha stands for a protective principle in the Hindu<br /> world. He is a source of strength and reassurance, one who will come to our rescue in the face of difficulties to guide us through any undertaking. Who knows what powers and forces will arise to help or hinder what we set out to do? Our calculations can foretell the trajectory of missiles and the stability of bridges. But life is uncertain. An earthquake, an automobile accident, a chance fire, a heart attack, or whatever&nbsp; can come to wreck, ruin, or decimate even the most carefully planned project.<br /> To have a trusted symbol that will guard us against obstacles instills a sense ofsecurity as we embark on an undertaking. That is what a prayer to Ganesha accomplishes in the hearts of the faithful.</p> <p>V. V. Raman<br /> November 4, 2003</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table width="92%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" height="676" bgcolor="#999966" align="center"> <h1>GANESHA IS GOD OF MUSIC! </h1> <h3>FROM THE GANESHA SAHASRANAM (the thousand names of Ganesha)</h3> <h3>Salutations to Lord Ganesha:</h3> <h3>Who bestows insight into the science of sound. who is excellent in music. who knows the philosophy of sound. who appreciates music. who is the nectar of music. who is always enjoyed through music. who is revealed in music. who is filled with music. who is the spirit of music. who is the goal of music. who has composed music. who is the origin of music. who is the bestower of intelligence to know the sound. who is very eager to sing. who is the source of singing. who bestows the love of singing. who forgets himself when he sings. who is the ocean of music. who enchants himself with music. who is the inner spirit of music. who is a master of musical rhythms. who loves those who are gifted in music. who loses himself in music. who is unequal in the art of music. who reveals himself through devotional music. </h3> <h3>Om Ganaabhutaye Namah - Salutations to Lord Ganesha who is the God of music!</h3> <table width="87%" cellpadding="6" align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" align="center"><img width="164" height="312" align="top" alt="" src="http://www.lilydiamond.com/IMAGES108/ganeshdrum.jpg" /></td> <td> <h3><img width="115" hspace="6" height="110" alt="" src="http://www.lilydiamond.com/IMAGES108/RAVISHANKAR.jpg" />Pandit Ravi Shankar: &quot;He is the beloved God who removes all obstacles and is always worshipped before starting any prayer, ritual, or ceremony. He takes prime place at the entrance to any home. Ganesha also holds a special place with all musicians as he is supposed to be a great musician himself, playing the drums (mrdangam, pakawaj) according to fables and stories we have learned. He is a very loveable, cuddly and fun-loving God.&quot;</h3> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" bgcolor="#ffcc99" align="center"> <p>OM GAM GANAPATAYAE NAMAHA!<br /></p> <p><br />I was inspired to write a devotional song (bhajan) HEY GANAPATI, based on these names of Ganesha from the Mudgala Purana. Singing/chanting the names helps us to transform negative emotions.</p> <p>The Mudgala Purana, an ancient text on Lord Ganesha, cites eight forms of Ganesha, prevailing over eight human weaknesses or demons. </p> <p>Ekadanta is the Conquerer of Moda, arrogance. Dhumravarna (smoke colored) overcomes Abhimana, pride; Vakratunda (curved trunk) is the Vanquisher of Matsarya, jealousy; Mahodara (big belly) is Lord of Moha, infatuation; Gajanana (elephant face) conquers Lobha, greed; Lambodara (corpulent belly) overcomes Krodha, anger; Vikata (deformed) conquers Kama, lust; Vighnaraja (King of Obstacles) prevails over Mamata (egotism).<br /></p> <h3>Tat purushaaya vidmahe<br /> Vakratundaaya dheemahi<br /> Tanno dhanti prachodayaat.</h3> <p>Recitation of the Ganesha Gayatri mantra is said &quot; to clear your path from bad luck and fill it with good fortune, before you start any new project to ensure success and prosperity. Recite it every morning before you begin your day. The power of this mantra will ensure smooth sailing of life even in the most turbulent of times.&quot; from Chennaionline.com</p> <p> </p> </td> <td valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffcc"> <h4>FRIENDS OF GANESH!</h4> <p>Two Indian Music Concerts in Santa Barbara coming up:</p> <h4>&quot;Classical music from India and Nepal will be presented on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd at 8:00 PM. at the Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara, in a concert entitled &quot;Get Inspired!&quot; The Nepalese tabla virtuoso Homnath Upadhaya (pronounced Home-not oopa-Dyah-yuh), who concertizes around the world at venues such as the Salzburg Music Festival, will accompany the acclaimed Lebanese-American sitar soloist, Paul Z. Livingstone. This is a rare opportunity to hear evening ragas from the greatest gharanas of India and Nepal. One night only: Saturday, September 2nd. Tickets are $18, $16 for students and seniors. Call Center Stage Theater at 805-963-0408 for reservations.</h4> <h4>FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 8TH 7:30 PM</h4> <h4>The famed Indian Classical Kyal singer from Calcutta, Raka Mukerjee will be performing at a private residence at 2201 Anacapa St (corner of Anacapa and Los Olivos)$10. She will be accompanied by the renowned Shashank Bhakshi, also from Calcutta, on tabla. He is a disciple of the renowned Sampta Prasad from Benares and studied with him for 20 years. He has performed with many of the most eminent artists of Indian classical music including Nikhil Banerjee, V.G. Jog, Hariprasad, Chaurasia, Imrat Khan, Manilal Nag and Buddha dev Dasgupta. For more information, please call 805-794-7934. For more info on Raka Mukerjee, including sound clips, visit www.Rakaji.com. <br /> </h4> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br /> <p>Swami Shivananda of Rishikesh:<br /> Lord Ganesha is an embodiment of wisdom and bliss. <br /> He has as his vehicle a small mouse. He is the presiding Deity of the Muladhara Chakra, the psychic centre in the body in which the Kundalini Shakti resides.<br /> He is the Lord who removes all obstacles on the path of the spiritual aspirant, and bestows upon him worldly as well as spiritual success. Hence He is called Vigna Vinayaka. His Bija Akshara (root syllable) is Gung, pronounced to rhyme with the English word &quot;sung&quot;. He is the Lord of harmony and peace.<br /> Lord Ganesha represents Om or the Pranava, which is the chief Mantra among the Hindus. Nothing can be done without uttering it. This explains the practice of invoking Ganesha before beginning any rite or undertaking any project. His two feet represent the power of knowledge and the power of action. The elephant head is significant in that it is the only figure in nature that has the form of the symbol for Om.<br /> The significance of riding on a mouse is the complete conquest over egoism. The holding of the ankusha represents His rulership of the world. It is the emblem of divine Royalty.<br /> Ganesha is the first God. Riding on a mouse, one of nature's smallest creatures and having the head of an elephant, the biggest of all animals, denotes that Ganesha is the creator of all creatures. Elephants are very wise animals; this indicates that Lord Ganesha is an embodiment of wisdom. It also denotes the process of evolution--the mouse gradually evolves into an elephant and finally becomes a man. This is why Ganesha has a human body, an elephant's head and a mouse as His vehicle. This is the symbolic philosophy of His form</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" height="1764"> <h3> MORE ABOUT GANESHA</h3> <h3>Ganesha is a god of good luck and remover of obstacles, the one who brings happiness and abundance. People carry the pictures or statues of him as a protection against evil and for a smooth rides by many travelers and traders. He is recognized as a symbol of good luck in China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Mexico, Turkey, Afghanistan, Nepal and Iranbuilt where people built numerous shrines on the name of Ganesha. Each of these countries has adopted him according to its own culture. In India, temples of Ganesha are found in every village and in every home. In my experience, Ganesa has a very definite character: when you pray for help, he will help you in his way, the way you might not expect. <br /> He is called: the Destroyer of obstacles - 'Vighna Vinashaka', The bringer of happiness and joy - 'Sukha Kartha', The absorber of sorrow and misfortune - 'Dukha Har tha', He makes wishes come true - 'Siddhi Vinayaka'<br /> </h3> <h3>Lord Ganesha is considered to be a very powerful god and people pray to him first before starting anything - be it a new job or even school exams! Most of the temples will have a shrine dedicated to this elephant-headed deity. Small shrines of Ganesha can be found even in the street corners! Ganesa likes sweets, so it's a good idea to offer him candy, yogurt, cakes, ice cream, any good desert will do. Offer it sincerely, with an open heart. And than you can receive the sweet stuff back as prasad. In other words, you can eat the desert you offered to the God after you finish your prayers. This food becomes holy, now, because it was touched by the God, and it is called &quot;prasad&quot;.<br /> <br /> Ganesha has a pot belly, is short and is usually portrayed in a sitting position with one leg folded and the other touching the ground. In his fo ur hands, he carries a noose (human bondage to desires); an axe (destruction of all evil); a modak or sweet (joy) and a lotus (human evolution). His trunk, usually turned to the left, represents AUM, the origin of the cosmic universe. Vakratunda Ganapati is referred to as Omkara Svarupa (the personification of the primordial word Om). His curved elephant's trunk is a representation of the Pranava Mantra, Om, the sound from which the world was created.<br /> </h3> <h3>Another distinctive feature of Ganapati is his huge stomach. It is vast enough to contain the entire universe. It is the cosmic womb wherein may be found all that is. Thus Ganesa can digest all that life can present, he can stomach anything. This makes him not only Stithaprajna (one with great serenity and equanimity) but also one able to swallow all the sorrows of the universe. This is another way of demonstrating his protective powers. </h3> <h3>Ganapati is the lord of wisdom and as such, he is depicted as rotund and gluttonous. His appetite for the bliss of immortality is unceasing. The liberated one sees himself in all beings and all beings in himself. This state reveals itself in eternal bliss. It is the liberated one alone who can be said to be immersed in everlasting bliss. Such joy is no longer precariously dependent on external stimuli but is irrevocably secured as a result of his inner transformation. It is externally indicated by the gentle smile that uniformly plays on the face of the liberated one. The modaka or laddhu or korukkattai that Ganesa's trunk invariably turns toward, or that he is holding, or that is found in one of his hands is symbolic of wisdom, of that which gives liberation. The word modaka derives from the Sanskrit root mud (joy, delight). The Self is said to be of the na ture of existence (sat), consciousness (cit), bliss (ananda). One seeks bliss because one is of the nature of bliss. Nothing else will ultimately satisfy one than to experience that which one truly is. Obtaining what one likes seemingly brings one joy. Thus Ganapati holds out the incentive and enticement of &quot;giving one what one wants, so that ultimately, one will want what he has to give.&quot; The modaka is a symbol of ananda (bliss), of the joys of spiritual practice that Ganesa gives to his devotees. A modaka is literally a sweet wheat or rice ball, which is invariably found in Ganapati's trunk, hand and/or a bowl nearby. <br />http://www.goddessherself.com/mantras/ganesh.htm</h3> <table width="72%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td bgcolor="#e8c8fd"> <h3>GANESH MANTRAS</h3> <h3>Aum gam ganapataye namah<br /> This is a mantra from Ganapati Upanishad. One may always use it before beginning a journey, a new course in school, new career or job, or before entering into any new contract or business so that impediments are removed and your endeavor may be crowned with success.<br /> Aum shri ganeshaya namah<br /> This mantra is usually taught to children for their good education. It increases their memory power, and they become successful in their examinations. Of course, people of any age may use this mantra when taking courses in a school or university, and for success in attaining their degree.<br /> Aum vakratundaya hum<br /> This is a very powerful mantra, as discussed in the Ganesha Purana. When something is not working properly, individually or universally, nationall y or internationally, or when the minds of the people turn crooked, negative, depressed or discouraged, the attention of Ganesha may be drawn by this mantra to straighten their ways. The HUM symbolizes &quot;Delay no more, my Lord, in straightening the paths of the crooked-minded ones.&quot; This mantra is used many times in the Ganesha Purana to curb the atrocities of cruel demons. In addition, this mantra could also be used for healing any spinal deficiency, such as curvature of the spine or curved limbs. Dedicate 1,008 repetitions of this holy word to straighten and heal such deficiencies.</h3> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><br /><br /><div class="emailfooter">--<br /> If you do not want to receive any more newsletters, <a href="http://lilydiamond.com/PHPlist/?p=unsubscribe&uid=5adda33179f4303cf04e2cab46114031">this link</a><br /> <br /> To update your preferences and to unsubscribe visit <a href="http://lilydiamond.com/PHPlist/?p=preferences&uid=5adda33179f4303cf04e2cab46114031">this link</a><br /> </div><br /><p align=left><a href="http://www.phplist.com"><img src="cid:81104c517c66c44996492017b74a61f2" width=70 height=30 title="Powered by PHPlist version 2.10.2, &copy; tincan ltd" alt="Powered by PHPlist2.10.2, &copy tincan ltd" border="0"></a></p></body></html> --b2_fce6e8fc5685864b37a73aac064cd261-- --b1_fce6e8fc5685864b37a73aac064cd261 Content-Type: image/png; name="powerphplist.png" Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 Content-ID: <81104c517c66c44996492017b74a61f2> Content-Disposition: inline; filename="powerphplist.png" iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEYAAAAeCAMAAACmLZgsAAADAFBMVEXYx6fmfGXfnmCchGd3VDPi pmrouYIHBwe3qpNlVkTmcWHdmFrfRTeojW3IpXn25L7mo3TaGhe6mXLCmm+7lGnntn7sx5Sxh1us k3akdEfBiFPtyJfgo2bjqW7krnTjqnDproK1pInvODRRTEKFemnuzaAtIRXenF7KqIHfn2KHcVjt yZjnqHrnknLhpGjnt4HeMyzlnnHr1rLkmW3WAADllGuUfmPcKSMcFxLnuICUd1f037kqJiDqv47s xZLYAQHLtJLfOTI7KhrInnHqwY7hTUHz2rGDbVTz27Xkr3XJvKPng3HuypzouoPrwo/hXk3x1qzq wIvizavrwpDu0atqYVTqnoBdTz7QlFvqtYbgST14cWPar33hYkrw0qZKQjjdml12XkPSv52NhHPo vIjjrHLZDQz03bbsxZHcq3fgQjsUEg92YUmUinjgpGbvz6PZtYjcp3Tr2bWEaUzz3LXx1KhFOi7p vojy2K314rzjvYzjf2EwLCbw0qRvUzb25MBoSi3gomXdmFvlsXhBOzIiHxrw06i8oHzx1qrqwIvm jWt4aVaFXjnopHzuy5724r/supM5Myzeml3qv4rx1Kbou4bmuYTosoHhyaTipWngoWTmtHvms3rj rXLmsn2yf07OkFf137zsx5bw1KvmsXjoq33uzqTsxpTouojdl1vlZlvswpDy16rDtZrkbFq3jmHh UUXhpmrbHxriX0/lsnrirnf14r/ty6BZPiXouYflsnjmsXvimmZaQSjiqGvipmnhpmn2473msnjo vIbtx5nem13w0aRKNCDipWrrw5TsvY7qvokODArhWUnqwI/ip2vemVzlpnTrw5Hjq3Dy17Dihl/x SUPvbl3Nu53gUEPfQDPhpWnlh2nwi3ToiXDouYXt27n03LO1nX3bFBHjlmbaCAnroHXYCAfBs5fW qXXsxZbnwIzjYFPrw5Ddwp3pvYyUaD7On27RpnjXpXDswJTWpG/gsn3lwJHy4Lv037jiaFbdmVzc l1kDAgEEAwIAAACJJzCsAAAAAWJLR0QAiAUdSAAAAAlwSFlzAAALEgAACxIB0t1+/AAAAAd0SU1F B9MKFQolCwe/95QAAAXuSURBVHicrZF5XJJ3HMdVHodmZhcmCqbzRFNRSbGpCHk2tF46y6yQyiup 7LDDpSlgpoVmHjNAXi3TWs0Oj8qt0qxJxyhn1LZga1u2tVou290In31/D7j197YPz+/7+x6/75vv 83ssjP9B4xMyWhhf/msxgtSg0sbrswEjMRgkBomdBIzBYGdnkIDszLvElJWgwPBSAsljEELCDtYx xQfq0lKBQPBRDmAg+4lBKBQaTDLtQskrvrlEEImakChJAAMQdSWBGRTW1/NwvFco0+Dlg2znMfxd WS8kcCqs3noMLAaG7TxYXw++TOg9Vu89NjhYL6S9pxaoS9WCJ+ilfEA8qjPurDmYwZP1ysp5Y+Uy HhWyuI8z7oNhPoPIYL0+VpCRXfU5yMauoqZB/bPKRoGgcct1OmCsQPDn5VSelRWGjZXzqJh3BprG Cs1hhaahYpgVKpsyVpgmAzUxZl/fglT5rNNoMc4A8agMBprGW5bB4zF43kSCgTOuYgwMAw8MdpHI OOMMBpWHehi0Hq8tjYBRB+nHLcYVCrGYR1UoFOhuxApvTMwrV5juRpGhOThxN97OcA78iwoxlScW Q0DPrkTDVPGlNMDQaOvXw6LRaIGwiIDY//aJKvLEYhSKaaYTnT38RR1VVR1VUVqE0ev1crn+kvwa 2uR6faD8kt5ajrL6TnD1+v5+eScq6C/p+/X6a4HyQDjZL3eNquyo6ujYfoTSh17Kum9oaMh6CJk+ a2LvG0LORDRR7YODKI3Ow6P6qnA70qI06dAQYOiguVwOh8XisOIe0ukPdRwiYN6l980jizZDuY9O nyUa37mRPmMr3A5OJv06DzYjWmyvoBw6HTBarbaGy8qNO/m0ixUXqtVe0HFyM/9cGM7q+k4bRtYk aAnNEuE7Z/+0BI9cuzIL9/t5VuTW/WScXVHhESWFKmBcVapuTteO4ODQyazTD1WqC5M53Jrh0Ls6 1mdrSGRRgkqVo1KpTrHHN6tI5P0znj+fbz//zPLdMe6RRtuYGF+Ka46rK2CSkpK6WN3DsOlYmcFJ ScM6TkEzRDtYr28kaUR+SYQAM+/MXtyWCFqya+PjD5QY98bXJktRAjA9UimTdTNYer69m3lyTtv5 dpjGra1t6grWp2sQRnpZ2vZhG5pGGkYuCZv5/HHErSPx8dtXleDp57KVUunly1LAtLQovxh5tHBP wP1JTyfd3xMQEMcpCJi6Z8Ujzpc98FJ+SqWyRak8xTau7PHNwvEs2wSnA0XfxMcjzDMKdCtbWgBD oVCab+bC1+HkjnwLhjuZU5A5DRzdUgrCUAjNBMxvlOklIg18oNUheXlFgLENMhUpgIkANVsyR6Z1 MbnMrpHwe5mcgnvhuUzL8xERYSKRXwQhhHkc9NoGXyfPrHGNTV5eHsJQgkxVwCQjBbWHBs+1PP7m 3KnDoXGcuIA5oXMokCYBBpVfSwbM2uXZsfy3QkJSPfBlIS+KYiJhGlMxGTBXmsxyOz3teHBTUztM U9fUlIxSJBGbZCpOFxnX/n4uNeSNFy+KbPH0TYlHfOGDv0PUrjQB5uNtZjXrWKdrtm0DDLcOQpQn iTTpTvb29k5TprPHw0IWpC+zWXViNVtjk+h1ewpM02RuBUw1oYbqajcuK7Omurpdx2HWNVQTvzAN rimJ3LWrxG+3CF/99Toc3+9RgZM9U2tvV0/ZhS/JJjobGgATa1JK7NLu8JNuKbFucSxuXYop6VQR CRDAeH6eVbJu04JlWRB7eP7ofzv2lm9WZMIPRGNsLGBGzUqLag9wi0obvbE43PKX0bTR0ZSU0Q0P nB48cHd3t7HY9L27xR/FxaknFthYeLnkp6Slvb3b3tfUmfI+YKKj8/OjzYawTxbfAHvU0cW/trDy TuKhfQ4DDsUDoOJiB4fiRAG/NRrq+eY24gGMI6GjaCE5tjq2+vvzvQoFiwgEaMBhYADtDmVnEyu9 +HCGOPhPYytgXMzyh2Z+ba1Xobry8J3EvENny8rKHF5V2b7Ew4V8l1fkb+5zAcz/or8Ag3ozZFZX 3G0AAAAASUVORK5CYII= --b1_fce6e8fc5685864b37a73aac064cd261-- ]