Ganesha: Presiding Deity of Mantra and Evolution  
By Srikant

 

Mantra science has its genesis in the primordial vibration state of Brahman, OM, which is figuratively symbolized by Sri Ganesha. He is the spiritual power that prompts consciousness locked in earth to express its greater dimensions through living beings.

The science of mantra deals with the power fields of the spiritual energy Kundalini in the human system, and the Prana [life force] energy in the background of the universe and their interconnections.  This science, which emerged from the illumined consciousness of seers, is capable of evolving the human system to express the higher stages of consciousness, lifting mankind to greater vistas of civilization.
Mantra science has its genesis in the primordial vibration state of Brahman [Ultimate Reality], OM, which is figuratively symbolized by Sri Ganesha. Thus Lord Ganesha is the presiding deity of the science of mantra and evolution.
As the Lord of the mooladhara chakra [the first chakra, at the base of the spine] in the lowest part of the spinal column, Sri Ganesha is also the Lord of the lowest stage of manifestation, the earth principle. Thus He is the spiritual power that prompts consciousness locked in earth to express its greater dimensions through living beings, and at the human stage He inspires the Kundalini energy to help expand consciousness to its highest dimension.
And in his highest aspect, Sri Ganesha is the Lord of Sahasraara Padma [the seventh chakra, at the top of the head] the thousand-petalled lotus, the ultimate stage of expression of Supreme Consciousness in the human brain. He is thus both the way and the goal.

Mantras for Invocation

There are mantras and hymns in several Puranas to invoke the spiritual power of Sri Ganesha. Some of the mantras are:
Om Shree Ganeshaaya Namah
Om Shree Mahaa Ganapathaye Namah
Om Gam Ganapathaye Namah
Om Shree Vinaayakaaya Namah
[Pronounce “a” like “u” in “gum” and “aa” like “a” in “father.”]

Japa
Japa, the contemplative repetition of a sacred Name, or a group of words that express adoration for the Divine, or a hymn, is a very effective means to open the subtle channels of communication with the power fields of our greater reality. Perseverance in japa gradually settles the turbulent waves of the mind, enables one’s consciousness to get control over oneself, and brings one in attunement with the sublime harmony of the universe. Many pestering doubts get cleared by themselves. The worshipper experiences an unseen loving presence guiding and protecting him. Obstacles prove less formidable; the small voice within that struggles to show the right path becomes effectively audible and a Grace reveals the glorious Truth behind the transitoriness of the universe. By refining the texture of the mind, japa takes one to the threshold of Reality.

 

© 2004 Integral Books. This article is an excerpt from the book Sri Ganesha by Srikant, published by Integral Books, P.O. Anandashram, Kanhangad, Kerala 671 531, India, sri@integralbooks.com.

 

Published in Light of Consciousness Vol. 18#3, Winter 2006