GANESHA (Skt., Ganeśa; Hindi, Ganesh) is that aspect of creative intelligence which removes obstacles to success, happiness, and fulfillment.

Here are some of the most important symbols associated with Ganesh.

• His broad crown is an invitation to think big.
• The tiny eyes speak of the importance of concentration and attention to detail for success in any foray.
• One chief form of concentration is to listen to others more, and talk less. This is symbolised by the huge elephantine ears and small mouth He sports.
• Ganesh has only one tusk, with the other broken off. This symbolises the importance of holding on only to the good and discarding the bad.
• The trunk of Ganesh symbolises the importance of being efficient and adaptable in order to be successful in one's ventures. The curvature is also said to represent the rising of the kundalini (spiritual energy that is believed to be coiled serpent-like at the base of the spine) powers.
• His large tummy points to the necessity of digesting all that life has to offer—the good, the bad, and the ugly.
• The abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness) of His lower right hand symbolises Ganesh's blessings and protection on a person's journey through life, especially the spiritual one.
• In His upper right hand, Ganesh usually holds an axe, with which He is said to cut of all attachments.
• He pulls the devotee nearer to the spiritual path by the rope that He carries in His upper left hand.
• He offers rewards for penances (sadhana) done with the modak (type of confection, usually made from rice flour and a stuffing of jaggery, coconut, etc.) He holds in His lower left hand.
• The bowls and baskets of offerings at Ganesh's feet are there to symbolise that the entire world, and all its choicest pleasures, are out there for the taking.
• Ganesh's tiny pet and vehicle, his mouse, bowing down close by, is there to indicate that though a little desire is good, it is essential for one to master it. You have to ride your desires and not vice versa.

For a tree to become tall it must grow tough roots among the rocks ~ Friedrich Nietzsche 1844 - 1900