We, Ganesha devotees, have been chanting the mantra and offering charity in the Siddhi Vinayaka Kalasha for the last two years. Last year we reaffirmed our commitment to this sadhana program. Large number of new devotees came forward enthusiastically to join the Kalasha Sadhana. Some from the old batch left too. That has been always the case.
But Ganesha blesses all of us unconditionally. With His curved trunk He removes all obstacles from our path. His small piercing eyes keep constant vigil on our deeds and misdeeds.
His large, oversized ears listen to all that we consciously and unconsciously say. With His single tusk He writes the script of our destinies.
Shri Ganapati Bapa is a symbol of joy, contentment and mirth, of affluence and wealth, peace and health. His two consorts, Siddhi and Buddhi, constantly serve Him in His world redeeming work. Devotees of Ganesha are blessed with sharp intellect and fulsome success.
In April 2003 we visited Sattal. Jasjit Mansingh, Marion (from Netherlands), Naveen, Alka and me spent three days in the gorgeous setting of the Himalayas, walking along the narrow footpaths visiting homes and chatting up with the villagers. Our purpose was to develop friendship with them, to assess their immediate needs unobtrusively and see what we can do for them on your behalf.
Their urgent universal requirement was clean, running, drinking water. Later they may need schools, health clinics, roads, electricity, and the list goes on and on. Our team committed two lakhs for the water project. I am sure you will approve of that. Later, an utterly dejected and lost villager came to us and talked about his ailing wife, who required immediate medical treatment. We decided to grant him monetary help of Rs. 5000 on the spot. The fact there was somebody to listen to his tale of woe and bring some succor to his dark world of hopelessness brought a suspicion of a smile on the weather beaten wrinkled face of that man. For the first time I saw the face of God.
Friends, this project that we have collectively undertaken is something we have to do on a priority basis. So many of our brethren are suffering. We have to do our bit for them. This is the way to do it, not with arrogance, but with humility - that Lord Ganesha is giving us an opportunity to serve the world and purify ourselves.
Sambodh Foundation and Sambodh Seva Trust are organising many programs for the spring. Naveen Budhraja will be detailing all of them in his report. Wishing to see you in all those functions.
Jai Ganesha! Maha Ganesha!
Love and regards,
Swami Bodhananda
Written for the Spring News Bulletin; sent by email to Naveen Budhraja, 16 December 2003