In this exciting new class rotation, we explore stories and new ways of relating to the Deities of our lineage, followed by kirtan and meditation. A deeper connection to our Deities - these powerful, loving spiritual forces - is always available, and our relationship to them is ever-changing. (Text continues below video). Today’s class is all about the jolly, elephant-headed remover of obstacles Deity, Ganesh. Sangha member Chaitanya offers insights into approaching Ganesh simultaneously as a sweet, innocent child as well as an unimaginably powerful force of the universe. Ganesh being the child of Shiva and Parvati/Shakti, Chaitanya explains how befriending a child and gaining their trust is a guaranteed way to win over the affections of the mother. In this way, reaching out to Ganesh sincerely and directly (as a child would reach out to their mother) is one way to connect to Shiva/Shakti, our Inner Self, Universal Consciousness. We can also think of Ganesh as representing the wish to grow, what lineage teacher Rudi called “the most powerful force in the universe.” Like Ganesh, the wish to grow sits right in our hearts, and is a pure, innocent and unwavering longing of the heart. When we reach out to Ganesh before starting any puja or practice, we can do so with our sincere desire to grow, asking for his guidance and support. Building this connection with Ganesh will strengthen us on our journey of spiritual growth, and ultimately has the power to take us directly to union with our Inner Self.