The best parties in town!

[Guest guest]

Namaste ALL esp Ruk,

giving birth to the beloved deity within you...What a beautiful

description of the celebration. Such lovely thoughts to hold onto

for all festivals but especially for next year's Ganesh birthday.

The way you tell about spiritual practice makes it seem like fun.

This is something for some of us to grow into, not exactly what we

were raised with. It's wonderful!

Dhanyavaada!

-

rmerani

Friday, September 17, 2004 4:24 PM

Worshipping our Dear Lord Ganesha

Namaste Karen,Absolutely!! Whether it is a celebration just between

you and Lord Ganesha, the family or community…..You are giving birth

to the beloved deity within you. It's an opportunity to share your

love of God and the privilege of welcoming Him in your heart and

home."In the beginning mantras of any puja, we invite Lord Ganesh…

"Oh Lord of Love, Lord of the Multitudes, we invoke you with

offerings, Oh Guardian of the Treasure. Sit within me, giving birth

to the realm of Gods with me….."It can be simple (chant his mantra,

sing Happy Birthday Lord Ganesha) or elaborate, as your time allows.

In Swamiji's "Cosmic Puja" there is a section devoted to the worship

of Ganesha, establishing the Pot, Invitation & puja of the deity

(substituting the mantra of the deity being offered ) as also the

Visarjana. In the Advanced Siva Puja book the 108 names of Ganesha

as well as the Ganesha Atharvasirsyam- the highest meaning is

listed.I remember...at some special puja celebrations at the Devi

Mandir, everybody would be in the bhava after an entire evening of

singing and chanting at the altar/fire and Swamiji would say…" Gosh

you guys throw the best parties in town!"Namaste to allRuk