Seeing the Gods

July 20

How do I think images and myths function philosophically, theologically, and spiritually? What effect are do they engender in the viewer or listener? How are they metaphorical or allegorical?

How will I ever forget how Ganesha came to have the head of an elephant? Upon further investigation into the story of how this happened, we learn that Goddess Parvati represents Mother Nature. The first layer of Nature is Earth. The interpretation of Goddess Parvati creating her son using her sweat refers to her creating with the first layer of her body. The earth refers to Mooladhara Chakra, where Ganesha’s spiritual energy is held. Here we see the connection between Ganesha, Mooladhaara Chakra and the element of earth. After the boy was created, Mother Parvati asked him not to allow anyone into her chamber. However, this rule does not apply to Shiva. Shiva and Parvati are not only husband and wife but also father and mother of the universe. When the boy becomes indifferent to this fact and does not allow Shiva entrance, Shiva chops off his head. After learning from Parvati who the boy is, Shiva bestows his son with an elephant’s head to signify the omniscient wisdom. Both Shiva and Parvati bless Ganesha as the Lord of all faculties and mind. Ganesha is worshipped before starting any work as his blessings will remove obstacles to our mind.

The images we have seen and learned about function to engage our minds by providing information on the practice of living. There are many stories to help us understand the concepts everyone faces in life: ethics, right action, non-violence, liberation, etc., and these myths serve to explain creation, faith, existence of god/s, humanity, harmony, and the power of love, all of which are central themes in philosophy, theology and spirituality.