Ganesha
In Shakti Ganapathi form, Lord Ganesh appears in tantric seated position with 4 hands and embracing Shakti Devi seated on his left knee, who gives power to all. His lower right hand posture Abhya Mudra bestow’s blessing, both the left and right upper hands hold noose and goad and his left lower hand holds around Shakti Devi. Shakti Ganapathi is the last form representing the primordial element – Space (Akash). Worshipping this form is believed to help the devotee to take control of the five senses, so to concentrate and achieve objectives without any trouble.
First, it is seen as the image of his rhythmic play which is the source of all movement within the universe. This is represented by the circular or elliptical frame surrounding the Lord. Secondly, the purpose of his dance is to release the souls of all men from the snare of illusion. Lastly, the place of the dance, Chidambaram, which is portrayed as the center of the universe, is actually within the heart. Dancing is seen as an art in which the artist and the art s/he creates are one and the same, thought to evoke the oneness of God and creation.
Surya
The Surya Namaskara are of ancient origin and serve as the foundation stone upon which the science of yoga rests. The Surya Namaskara, or sun salutations, are necessary to the practice of yoga, as they help gather the strength of the mind in one direction and aid in the attainment of mental focus. Surya Namaskara is believed to bestow lasting health and peace of mind upon the doer.
From: Suryanamaskara, author, K. Pattabhi Jois
Published by, Ashtanga Yoga New York
Prajnaparamita
Luminous Mother of Perfect Wisdom She is the Perfect Wisdom that never comes into being and there fore never goes out of being, She is known as the Great Mother… She is the Perfect Wisdom who gives birthless birth to all the Buddhas, And through these sublimely Awakened Ones, It is Mother Prajnaparamita alone who turns the wheel of true teaching -8000 line Perfect Wisdom Scripture
From: Buddhist Goddesses of India, author, Miranda Shaw
Published by, Princeton University Press
