Gaṇeśa and
the Role of Endings in
the Beginnings of Change

In Indian life, with its rich resources for transformative teachings,
much emphasis is placed on an appropriate beginning for any
situation where the intention is a change towards a more
creative relationship within our life and its surroundings.

Here, this was popularly realised through the symbolism
inherent in the iconography of Gaṇapati or Gaṇeśa,
who was traditionally seen throughout India as the
‘Remover of Obstacles’ and ‘Lord of Beginnings’.

However, in order to successfully initiate an
appropriate beginning we may also need to have
successfully initiated an appropriate ending.

So, how do we as Yoga practitioners in the West,
with our own psychology, culture and attitudes,
appreciate and apply these teachings in our lives?

Especially with regard to the relationship
between the role and importance of apt endings
as a foundation for the rooting of new beginnings.

– Theme from an old flier for an Autumn Retreat held in November 1996