Ganesh: Removing the Obstacles

by James H. Bae

In India, statues of Ganesh are placed at the inner gates of many temples, symbolizing his role as keeper of sacred spaces. Here, pilgrims and passersby pay homage and seek his blessings. It is this symbolic presence at the entrance of our most holy places that makes Ganesh such a vital figure in our lives. Stationed at the threshold of sacredness and awareness, mediating between the possibility of the profound and our often habitual, mundane perception of the world, Ganesh is the guiding force behind this very moment of experience - where desire meets possibility. Ganesh: Removing the Obstacles offers practical and meaningful interpretations of folk narratives and sacred texts concerning the larger-than-life elephant-headed god, Ganesh.

Genres: Mythology, Religion

96 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2004

Reviews

[Cheyenne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many wonderful pictures (I wish I could have studied Indian art in school!) Most of the text is preachy, but there are a few stories and a couple explanations of the iconography (which are the things I am most interested in.)

[LeAnna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been attracted to Ganesh as a myth initially because of the superficial -- his look (and my sincere, unapologetic, since-birth love for elephants). The more I learned about Ganesh and what he represents, the more I began to internally realize my being drawn to him was no accident. The stories of Ganesh -- guardian of doorways and a true seeker of honesty -- continues to have meaning for me in my life, especially in tougher times.

This little book is great to hold on to when going through personal issues and seeking enlightenment. Stories of Ganesh always remind me to check my ego, even when it hurts, because in the end, if I do, my path will perhaps be protected and my journey safe thanks to him.

[Anish Kumar · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short summary on Ganesh.

Not much to be expected here. Its a picture book. Some pictures are very good. Language used is impressive however it gives a short account of his life.

[Debora Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

[Jason Baldauf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tiny book (3-1-2”x4-1/4”) that is beautifully illustrated and contains a wealth of spiritual lessons from Ganesha’s mythologies.

[Leonardo Cavalcante · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uma leitura empolgante, mas sem profundidade.

[Sundeep Supertramp · Rating 4 out of 5]

The original review of this book is posted on my blog...

To read the original review of this book, click here...

[Ness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and an insightful little book.

[Eduards Stucers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice stories and beautiful illustrations.