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Ganesha Gita Teachings

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Ganesha Gita is the conversation between Ganesha and Varenya in the Uttara khanda of the Ganesha Purana. This is a collection of teachings from Ganesha Gita.

Not desiring the results of one’s activities, whether they be termed transcendent or ritualistic, the yogi is recommended to perform his duties, not by ceasing action, but from a reliance on yoga.

Devotional service alone is the cause for attaining yoga.


Peacefulness and restraining the senses are considered the causes for success in siddha-yoga.

Focusing on the objects of the senses is considered the enemy of oneself. The yogi who ignores the craving of the senses gains success.

One’s own self exists only through the self. We do not exist as separate from the self.

The person who has conquered the self, who has discriminating knowledge, intuitive knowledge and continually has control over the senses, maintains the same equanimity in friendship, or enmity, in freedom or imprisonment, in honor, disgrace, unhappiness and happiness, or with a close friend or amongst the good, in a friend and in an enemy.

Explanation - Additional Teachings

The Person Who Has Conquered the Self: Symbolism, Relevance, and Modern-Day Application

The quote reflects the essence of self-mastery and balance in life, a concept deeply ingrained in Hindu philosophy. The ability to remain unaffected by external circumstances—whether they involve friendship or enmity, honor or disgrace, happiness or suffering—points to a high level of spiritual maturity, often referred to as sthitaprajna in Hindu scriptures.

Symbolism and Importance in Hinduism

In Hinduism, the self-conquered individual (atmajayi) symbolizes the ultimate goal of life, which is moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The state of equanimity, as highlighted in the quote, is not merely an ideal but a practical manifestation of spiritual enlightenment.

  • Equanimity in the Bhagavad Gita: The Bhagavad Gita extensively discusses this virtue of equanimity. Lord Krishna tells Arjuna:
    • Samatvam yoga uchyate (BG 2.48): "Equanimity is yoga."
    • Sukh-duhkhe same kritva labhalabhau jayajayau (BG 2.38): "Treat pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat alike, and engage in battle."

This teaching signifies that true spiritual progress is marked not by the avoidance of challenges, but by facing them without attachment or aversion. The sanyasi, or renounced one, represents this balanced state. They are unaffected by the dualities of life because they have transcended the ego.

Similar Examples from Hindu Texts

  1. Bhagavad Gita - Arjuna's Transformation: The entire Bhagavad Gita is a dialogue on how Arjuna overcomes his attachment, fear, and doubt to reach a state of equanimity through discriminative knowledge (viveka), intuitive understanding (jnana), and control of senses (indriya nigraha). His internal struggle is symbolic of the battle everyone faces within themselves when confronting the pressures of the external world.

  2. Rishi Vashistha's Calmness: In the Yoga Vashistha, Sage Vashistha displays equanimity even in times of crisis. When faced with the tragedy of his son's death, he remains serene and unattached, teaching that wisdom leads to freedom from suffering, and control over emotions and mind.

  3. Lord Shiva's Meditative State: The image of Lord Shiva, sitting in deep meditation on Mount Kailash, symbolizes the ultimate control over the senses and the mind. He represents the yogi who is unaffected by the chaos around him, embodying perfect equanimity.

Practicality in Daily Life

In our modern, fast-paced world, the idea of remaining unaffected by praise or criticism, success or failure, is more relevant than ever. Social media, professional life, and personal relationships often sway our moods and actions based on external validation or rejection. Developing a steady mind, one that is rooted in self-awareness and detachment from external outcomes, is essential for mental peace and clarity.

Here are ways this concept can be applied to daily life:

  1. Mindfulness in Relationships: Whether it's friendship or enmity, we often react emotionally. The teaching encourages a sense of vairagya (detachment) where we treat every interaction as neutral, not becoming overly attached to praise nor disturbed by criticism. For instance, in a work environment, if one receives both accolades and criticism, maintaining a balanced mind ensures that performance isn't hampered by mood swings.

  2. Handling Success and Failure: Many people derive their self-worth from external achievements, be it a promotion or recognition. However, by cultivating an attitude of equanimity, individuals can navigate life’s ups and downs with grace. For example, a student who receives both high and low grades should not be overly elated by the former or demoralized by the latter.

  3. Dealing with Life’s Challenges: In situations of loss, disgrace, or failure, maintaining mental stability can be one of the toughest challenges. The quote encourages us to see these difficulties as temporary and part of the larger divine plan. This idea is echoed in the story of the Ramayana, where Lord Rama accepted his exile with grace, knowing that life’s circumstances do not define the soul's eternal nature.

Stories from Hinduism

  1. Story of King Janaka: King Janaka, often regarded as a raja yogi, ruled his kingdom with wisdom and detachment. When his palace caught fire, he remained unmoved, stating, "I have lost nothing." This attitude illustrates how one can be deeply involved in worldly responsibilities without being attached to material possessions or outcomes.

  2. Story of Prahlada: The story of Prahlada, the young devotee of Lord Vishnu, exemplifies unwavering equanimity. Despite enduring severe persecution from his father, Hiranyakashipu, Prahlada remained calm and full of devotion. His ability to maintain peace in the face of adversity is a reflection of true spiritual wisdom.

Quotes from Hindu Scriptures

  • Yogasthah kuru karmani sangam tyaktva dhananjaya (BG 2.47): "Perform your duties with detachment, abandoning attachment to success and failure."
  • Vasudeva sarvam iti (BG 7.19): "For the wise, everything is Vasudeva (the Divine)."

These verses remind us that when one sees divinity in all beings and circumstances, there is no reason for attachment or aversion, as everything is part of the same cosmic reality.

Modern-Day Relevance

In a world of constant comparison, where we measure ourselves against others in terms of wealth, success, and happiness, the teaching of equanimity becomes a spiritual antidote. It encourages us to:

  • Focus on our own inner journey rather than external validations.
  • Cultivate contentment (santosha) irrespective of circumstances.
  • Develop resilience to handle life’s inevitable highs and lows.

This is especially relevant in mental health, where cultivating an inner sense of peace and acceptance of the self, independent of external outcomes, can lead to greater well-being.

The mastery of the self, as explained in the quote, is not about renouncing the world but about transcending its control over our minds and emotions. It’s a reminder that true power comes from within, from controlling one’s senses, and from understanding the impermanent nature of external realities.

Ultimately, this teaching can lead us to a life of balance, where we contribute to the world but remain anchored in the realization that we are not defined by the world. It is about cultivating an inner stillness amid life’s inevitable storms.