Lord Ganesh, Ganapati – the remover of obstacles – why did Tom choose him as the patron of InJuCo?
"When the idea of the juggling convention first came up, I have only been a few years in India..
I was (and still am) deeply impressed by the devotion of Indians to their religion and their gods.
One reason why I believe it is desirable to learn from Indians is that (at large) religious quarrels have ceded (at least) within the Hindu community. They seem to strongly believe that all gods are an emanation of “the one”. Whilst devotion to the gods can sometimes lead people to stir up emotions and unrest, it generally ensures peace. The realization that all is an emanation of “the one” leads to unity, understanding and tolerance.
That is one strong pillar the Indian society is built on and lead to India being one of those very few nations on this planet who never invaded another country and who is practicing an immense tolerance.
The question is not an easy one to answer...
I remember that it has been more a feeling than a choice of mind. I deeply respect all Indian deities and I was not sure if to put any as a patron – especially not on a flyer. At that time I even was ignorant to the fact that Lord Ganesh was strongly worshipped in Goa.
Now – that I do know more – I even feel discomfort and only after the last batch of flyers were printed and distributed we decided not to put him on a flyer or poster anymore and especially so, when advertising the juggling convention in India.
Not because I would have the idea that Lord Ganesh would oppose it, but out of respect for Indian culture and the religious devotion of their citizens. It is simply for the possibility that - if a flyer or poster would be falling to the ground - someone might actually step on his image and disgrace it. Which is a reason why we would never print over his image.
I am taking this issue quite seriously as I can't call myself a Hindu and am a guest in India.
Why I chose him in the first place I wouldn’t be able to answer, but why I want to keep it this way:
Lord Ganesh is playful; he is the remover of obstacles. Another name is “Ganapati” and this name can be interpreted as: “gana” – meaning “group” and “pati” – meaning “ruler “or “lord”. This makes him the ruler of a community. At the same time he is very playful and wise. And he is incredibly strong, yet gentle.
If – in my ignorance – I ever hoped him to be “the remover of obstacles”, granting the juggling convention a free passage to eternity, I was not realizing him in his form as “the creator of obstacles”. Lord Ganesh is also considered to be “the lord of letters and learning”. As such he is most certainly the perfect patron for the juggling convention.
Lord Ganesh is identified with the Hindu term “Aum” or “Om” – coincidental the name picked for the company that had to be founded in order to give the convention a legal backdrop was named “Omni”......."
Lord Ganesh further is residing in the first chakra, the Muladhara. It is the base and (according to Rajmani Tigunait, hon. head of the Himalayan Institute and successor of Sri Swami Rama), this is the principle on which the manifestation or outward expansion of primordial Divine Force rests. “Ganesha holds, supports and guides all other chakras, thereby “governing the forces that propel the wheel of life”.
To tribute to his role and patronage, we will send out invitations to start the 2012 convention with a “Ganapuja” in his honors.
Om namaya Ganesha, satte nam mahe Guru
Click image ; )
