Prasanna

Every day we chant the mantra to Lord Ganesha, describing him as prasanna vadana - the serene faced One. Prasanna means, firstly, purity. What is purity? All that is wholesome, clean, clear and stainless. One who is pure is transparent - one who has attained balance and equanimity of mind. From purity arises serenity. Serenity is calmness and peace of the highest order. Swamiji often advises us summa iru - these famous Tamil words mean to 'be still.' He says, "Keep the body busy and the mind still." Then we can truly be described as prasanna.

Prasanna is also translated as gracious. One who is pure of heart and mind, who is still and peaceful will display the qualities of courtesy, kindness and mercy and will spread them to all who come into contact with them.

Om suklam baradharam vishnum
Sashi varnam chatur pujam
Prasanna vadanam dyayet
Sarva vignoba shantaye

"For the removal of all obstructions I meditate on the all-prevading Lord who is wearing clothes of white and who is the colour of moon. He has four arms and a calm, serene face. Let him destroy all difficulties and give us peace."