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Pastimes : Ask God -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: grampa who wrote (33389)	12/25/2001 4:36:40 AM
From: 2MAR$	Respond to of 39621

Merry X-Mas Grandpa.... may you and yours find the light of your beloved Christ shining from every bough. The birth of grace & revelation of light everlasting , what you see in Jesus , others see in other forms in the same spirit of Christ . What you call "Christ" 1 Billion Hindus call Ganesha or Ganapati. So Hindus have their own December gift-giving holiday: Pancha Ganapati. Pancha Ganapati is a five-day festival usually celebrated between December 21 through December 25. The winter solstice has always been a festive time of year in all countries, religions and among Hindus especially, for it is a traditional season for the worship of Lord Ganesha the Son of God Shiva. Often called the remover of obstacles , bestows divine grace , light , power and wisdom. This time of year marks the end of the sun's southward movement and the beginning of its movement north. Since most Hindus do not celebrate Christmas, the five days of Pancha Ganapati offer a Hindu expression of this natural season of worship, gift-giving and celebration. During each of the five days, a special spiritual discipline is focused upon. Because of the festival's importance as a new beginning and mending of all past mistakes, a festive shrine is created in the main living room of the home. At the center is placed a large picture or statue of Lord Ganesha. Each morning the children dress or decorate Ganesha in a different color: golden yellow on December 21, then royal blue, ruby red, emerald green and finally brilliant orange. These are the colors of His five powers or shaktis. Each day a tray of sweets, fruits and incense is offered to Lord Ganapati, often prepared and presented by the children. Chants, songs and bhajans are sung in His praise. Afterwards, the abundant, diverse sweets are shared by one and all as prasada (food blessed by God). Each day gifts are given to the children, who place them before Pancha Ganapati to open only on the fifth day. Gifts need not be extravagant or expensive; they should be within the means of each family. Handmade presents are by far the most precious. Ganesha does not want gift-giving to promote commercialism but to further the great Hindu culture. Greeting cards, ideally made by the children, offer Hindu art and wisdom, such as verses from the Vedas. Each of the colors represent a different spiritual discipline. They are as follows: Golden Yellow: This represents love and harmony among family members. This first day of Pancha Ganapati is used to ease any strained relationships that have evolved in the last year. Family members make amends one with another for misdeeds performed, insults given, mental pain and injuries caused and suffered. When forgiveness is offered to all by one and all, they speak of each other's good qualities and resolve that in the days ahead they will remember the futility of trying to change others and the practicality of changing one's self to be the silent example for all to witness. Gifts are then exchanged and placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati. Royal Blue: Day two is devoted to creating a vibration of love and harmony among neighbors, relatives and close friends and presenting them with heartfelt. Relatives and friends in far-off places are written to or called, forgiveness is sought, apologies made and tensions released. Ruby Red: The third day is to create a vibration of love and harmony among business associates, the casual merchant and the public at large. This is the day for presenting gifts to fellow workers and customers and to honor employers and employees with gifts and appreciation. Emerald Green: Day four is to draw forth the vibration of joy and harmony that comes from music, art, drama and the dance. Family, relatives and friends gather for satsang to share and enjoy their artistic gifts. Then all sit together before Ganesha, Patron of Arts and Guardian of Culture, discussing Hindu Dharma and making plans to bring more cultural refinements into the home. Brilliant Orange: The final day is to bring forth love and harmony within all three worlds. On this day the entire family experiences an outpouring of love and tranquility from the great God Himself. His blessings fill the home and the hearts of everyone within it, inspiring them anew for the coming year.