with Sri Ganesh

pilgrimage to Sabarimalai (obviously his superior in status); they do their pranams and burn camphor, and the pilgrim fellow, who smartly wears a cloth belt on his waist, pulls out and casually lights a cigarette on their way out… Frequently enough I see people come here to do a ritual step as a convenient measure, as they do not have to part with any money unless they really wish to – it is a cheap way of assuaging their conscience. I see that, basically, they do not hold much respect for me – a foreigner in this position, what does he know, what can he know -, but are somehow obliged to acknowledge that the service to Lord Ganesh is done rather well and the place has a character and an atmosphere that have quality, even if it is not congenial to their habitual temperaments. This situation and this view would altogether change if either I was formally consecrated or recognized by some kind of Indian authority, or if I took the trouble of posturing and compromising and learning to practice the motions they are used to… And this place could get rich and gain a little fame…

Sri Ganesh, Wide and Bountiful Is your Welcome As you stand at the head Of the journey along The path of increase – Rich with promise Is the light you provide As one halts and offers One’s prayers In your auspicious presence – And your very blessings Are living tokens of the true wealth To be met As one learns step after step To let Her Reign…

Aum.

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