Knowledge and dispassion develop naturally in the path of Bhagavata which is the path of Bhakti-yoga. The aspirant only needs to practice the three fold path of interest-listening-love.
As rivers, flowing down, become indistinguishable on reaching the sea, so also, merging in the Supreme, all beings lose their individuality. This is the highest state of Man. - Mundakopanishad
Once Brahma Ji visited Kailasa. He presented a divine fruit to Lord Shiva. Both Kartikeya and Ganesha started quarrelling for the fruit. Shiva asked Brahma - whom should I give it to? Brahma said - give it to Kartikeya. Shiva gave it to Kartikeya. Ganesha got angry. He assumed a horrifying form. Brahma got scared. At that time Chandra appeared and started laughing at Ganesha. Ganesha cursed him - hereafter whoever sees you, looks at you will be doomed. Chandra became remorseful and regretted his mistake. ....
Once Brahma Ji visited Kailasa.
He presented a divine fruit to Lord Shiva.
Both Kartikeya and Ganesha started quarrelling for the fruit.
Shiva asked Brahma - whom should I give it to?
Brahma said - give it to Kartikeya.
Shiva gave it to Kartikeya.
Ganesha got angry.
He assumed a horrifying form.
Brahma got scared.
At that time Chandra appeared and started laughing at Ganesha.
Ganesha cursed him - hereafter whoever sees you, looks at you will be doomed.
Chandra became remorseful and regretted his mistake.
The other Devas went to Lord Ganesha and pleaded for Chandra.
He only gives light in the night.
With your curse, all living beings will stop coming out in the night in fear.
The balance of the world will be lost.
After long pleading, Ganesha said - I cannot remove the curse, he will have to remain hidden for 6 months or at least 3 months in a year.
Devas went back disappointed.
They told Chandra himself to beg for Ganesha's mercy.
Chandra started tapas.
He chanted the ekakshara mantra of Lord Ganesha for 12 years without food and water.
Lord Ganesha became pleased.
He appeared before Chandra.
Chandra pleaded for pardon.
Ganesha said - Okay, I will still further reduce it.
Nobody should see you on the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi of Bhadrapada Masa.
Chandra's face was still gloomy.
Ganesha said - I will still make it lighter.
For anyone who observes vrata on that day, this curse will not apply.
You can understand a lot about Lord Ganesha's nature from this story.
When the conflict arises over the divine fruit, Ganesha initially gets angry but doesn't act impulsively. Instead, he transforms into a horrifying form, displaying his power, but he doesn't harm anyone. Despite his anger, Ganesha's curse on Chandra isn't vindictive. It stems from his hurt feelings but isn't meant to cause permanent harm. It's more of a lesson for Chandra to learn from his mistake. When the other Devas plead for Chandra's case, Ganesha listens to their concerns about the balance of the world being disrupted. He agrees to mitigate the severity of the curse, showing his compassion. Ganesha accepts Chandra's sincere prayer, demonstrating his willingness to forgive and show mercy when genuine remorse is shown. Ganesha's willingness to further reduce the curse demonstrates his compassionate nature. He understands Chandra's distress and tries to alleviate it gradually, showing his capacity for understanding and empathy.
That's why our Ganesha is so great.
He is so kind and forgiving.
Chandamama - July - 2001
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