GANESHA Speaks- 8 Lessons for Managers

Ganesha Speaks- 8 Lessons for Managers

Lord Ganesha symbolizes the victors that are vital to excelling in professional as well as personal life. While in our own lives we often resort to Lord Ganesha for guidance and offer him prayers, even in our professional lives, in the corporate world, this revered hindu deity has a unique role to play.

Stories from Ganesha’s life teach us and guide us  through our professional as well as personal life. Let’s  read a few that can enlighten us.                          

Story of Ganesha’s Creation

Shiva’s Anger

Ma Parvati asked Lord Ganesha to guard the entrance while she takes a bath. Lord Shiva returned home at the same time but was restricted from entering the house. Due to this Ganesha lost his head to Shiva’s divine fury yet neither did he break the trust of his mother nor breach his duty. When Parvati learnt of this, she was enraged and decided to destroy the world. She was stopped by Shiva who realized his mistake and gave Ganesha a new head of an elephant and the status of being foremost among the gods.

Learning: Anger shall lead to repentance.

All of us are in such a hurry to prove that that we are always right, that we use our might before actually analyzing the true situation. In most cases, anger leads to disappointments rather than quicker success. Being calm and level headed are the stepping stones to corporate success.

The Story of Kartikeya and Ganesha

Ganesha Wins the Race

Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, thought of getting Ganesha and his brother Lord Kartikeya (also known as Subramanya and Murugan) married and gave them a challenge that whosoever travels around Mother Earth and returns home first will be the first one to get married. Listening to this, Lord Kartikeya immediately boarded his peacock and embarked on his venture.

On the other hand, the pot-bellied, elephant-headed Lord Ganesha, though over a devised a smarter plan. He rode on his rat and circulated his parents seven times, paid obeisance to them seven times and worshiped them with complete devotion. And then it is said that he explained to Lord Shiva and Ma Parvati that his parents are his world and one who devotes himself to his parents, it is equivalent to going round the world.

Learning: Think and Act, Utilize your Resources

In this tough and competitive world, one has to smart and intelligent enough to be able to solve problems. Utilize available resources to make the best out of the worst. Intelligence goes a long way rather than expressing physical strength.

The Ganesha and Kubera story

Ganesha Eating

Kubera, God of Wealth, was quit proud of the fact that he was the richest God. One day, he held a lavish dinner and invited many popular guests, among them were Lord Shiva and Ma Parvati. As the Divine couple could not attend the dinner, they sent their son, Ganesha who was a small child.

Ganesha began to devour all the food and soon there was no food available in the venue.He then began to eat all the vessels, dishes, furniture and other things at Alakapuri, Kubera’s city.

Ganesha then proceeded to swallow the host of the dinner and the terrified Kubera ran to Lord Shiva’s abode and sought his help. Lord Shiva handed a cup of roasted cereals to Ganesha and his hunger for food ceased immediately. Lord Kubera realized his mistake and sought forgiveness for his pride from Lord Shiva.

Learning: Pride Comes Before the Fall

Do not be proud of what you possess. Instead, concentrate on how you can make use of your possession for good things. Confidence is silent and insecurities are loud. Humility is a very endearing quality which is becoming hard to find. No one appreciates people who keep boasting about their achievements. Humbleness can help you build genuine and richer relationships with people you work with.

Lord Shiva and Ganesha

Shiva and Ganesha

When Lord Ganesha was born, Lord Shiva made a rule that Lord Ganesha must be worshiped first to ensure success in any endeavor.However, Lord Shiva forgot about his own rule and left for a war with the demons in Tripura. He did not worship Lord Ganesha before doing so!While he was on his way in his carriage, the wheel peg got damaged.It was only then Lord Shiva remembered that he forgot to offer prayers to Lord Ganesh before departing for the war.He offered his prayers to Ganesha and proceeded to the battle ground. Lord Shiva won the war!

Learning: Follow the Rules

Being a leader you must lead by example. there can never be separate rules for two different classes. You must follow certain rules, even if you feel you are exempt from doing so.

Ganesha and His Mouse

Ganesha and His Mouse

In the court of Lord Indra, there was a musician named Krauncha. One day, Krauncha accidentally stepped on the foot of Vamadeva, who cursed Krauncha to become a mouse. However, Krauncha grew multiple times his size and started destroying everything that came his way. To teach Krauncha a lesson, Lord Ganesha mounted him. The mouse could not bear the weight of Lord Ganesha and pleaded him to become light-weight. Since then Lord Ganesha is using the mouse as his vehicle.

Learning: Humility and Modesty are Virtues one should possess.

Try not to become too big for your boots, as circumstances might force you to eat the humble pie. Modesty coupled with humility avoids unnecessary conflicts and ill-feeling.

Modesty brings best wishes. It costs nothing and can literally open doors at times. Modesty from great people can inspire some aspiring struggler too. So, it’s better to be humble yourself in the first place.

Ganesha and River Kaveri 

Rishi Agatsya and The Kaveri Story

Once upon a time, Rishi Agastya sought the blessings of Lord Brahma and Shiva. The sage wished to create flowing river in a suitable location to offer water to the southern lands. The Gods, listening to his prayers, had his kamandalu filled with sacred water. The Sage then reached the Coorg Mountains. On his way, he spotted a small boy and requested him to take good care of his pot containing water as he needed to go to get fresh.

The small boy was none other than Ganesha and he placed the small pot on the ground as he felt that location was perfect for a river. Then a crow landed on this pot and Sage Agastya shooed off the bird. The crow flew off tipping the pot to the ground and spilled off some water.

Learning: Be Positive

It can be distressing to think that bad things happen merely through chance or accident. But they do. The saying that everything happens for a reason is the modern, New Age version of the old religious saying: “It’s God’s will”. Every action happens for a good cause. So do not be worried even if something bad happens in your life, eventually there will be a good ending.

Ganesha and The Moon Curse

Ganesha Curses The Moon

One night Lord Ganesha went for a ride on his mouse. The tiny mouse could not bear his weight and tripped. The moon started laughing at the funny sight. Ganesha got angry and cursed the moon saying that anyone who looks at the moon on the night of the Ganesh Chaturthi will be falsely accused. The moon begged Ganesha to remove the curse and Ganesha also realized that he had overreacted but he could not take the curse back.

Learning: Don’t Act Always on Impulse

In Seneca’s words, “Be not too hasty either with praise or blame; speak always as though you were giving evidence before the judgement-seat of the Gods.” Always think before you react because anger passes on but actions remain. So next time you feel the blood rushing down your veins a tad faster, take your emotional temperature and allow yourself to cool down. You will be amazed by the change in your perspective regarding the situation and how to deal with it.

Vakratunda Avatar and Matsaryasur

Vakratunda Avatar

Matsaryasur was a ferocious demon who worshiped Lord Shiva and asked him for the boon of immortality. Shiva blessed Matsayasur and said that he will not be destroyed by any human, god or demon. Enraged with power, the demon started crushing the three worlds. Lord Ganesha transformed into Vakratunda and captured Matsaryasur. However, when Matsara begged for forgiveness, the Vakratunda set him free and peace was restored.

Learning: Forgive and Move On

Forgiveness in the words of Swartz, “It is an active process in which you make a conscious decision to let go of negative feelings whether the person deserves it or not.” Keeping scores, trying to get even and pulling-down always make you less than what you are. Moreover, the energy you invest into holding a grudge steals energy from other important things.

Studies have found that the act of forgiveness can reap huge rewards for your health, lowering the risk of heart attack; improving cholesterol levels and sleep; and reducing pain, blood pressure , and levels of anxiety, depression and stress.

Disclaimer: The author of this post informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong to the author. The author respects the religious sentiments, thoughts and feelings of every individual, caste, sect, cult, group etc. and does not intend to hurt or humiliate any religious feeling of any individual, group, caste, cult, sect, faith etc. This Blog Post is created and solely to guide and impart knowledge and co-relate the learning from the stories mentioned in this blog post.

Inspiring Story of Hollywood Super Star- Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone is one of the most famous American Movie stars.. With characters like Rocky and Rambo he is a household name in the hearts of millions.

During birth, a wrong gynecological procedure caused Stallone to have one sided paralysis. At school, his middle class being and his facial paralysis became a thing for others to make fun of.

He started body-building because he wanted to frighten those who bullied him. Slowly he started thinking of a career in movies.

Around 1974, he had a pregnant wife, a dog that he loved a lot, a lot of bills to pay and no success in his movie career. What he still had was a belief in his dream that he will make it big.

Soon a time came when he went broke. He was heavily under debt.

Restless, anxious, stressed and still loaded with hope that he WILL make it big.

 Things got so bad that he had to sell his wife’s jewelry and ended up homeless. Sleeping at the New Jersey Bus station for 3 days.

The cold American winter forced him to choose between electricity and his dog. He sold his dog, his best friend for $25.

Two weeks later, on TV he watched a boxing match between Mohammed Ali and Chuck Wepner. That match was like a flash of divine inspiration… For the next 20 hours he sat and wrote the script of what today is a cult movie, ROCKY.

In the words of Stallone himself, “After nearly 1500 rejections”,  he got a production house to offer $125,000 for the script.

Despite the poverty, pains, pregnant wife and lost dog… His dream was to STAR in the movie  as the MAIN LEAD.

In an era when heroes were super handsome men and spoke fluently, a body builder with a facial paralysis that made him stammer while speaking, made Stallone the wrong choice for any role.

The studio bluntly rejected his offer… And Stallone went back home with another failure.

A few weeks later, the studio offered him  $250,000 for the just the script, and not him.

-He refused.

Soon they offered  $350,000 for the script but not him.

At that time everyone was pushing him to accept.. It would be MAD not to do so.. He was making a fortune.

-He still refused.

 Someone in the studio really loved his script, and as fortune favors the brave.. They finally accepted to give $35,000 for the script and have him as the lead star.

The rest as they say is history!

The movie was made for $1 million and went to make around $200 million. It won the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Direction and Best Film Editing. Stallone was a

“bankable” hero for the next 20yrs, till the late 90s… with his movies making billions of dollars.

And what did he do with the first $35,000?

He stood outside the liquor store, where he sold his dog, for 3 days. Identified the man who had bought it, and finally got him back for $15,000.

 AND IN THE WORDS OF ROCKY BALBOA -

“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!”

Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that! I'm always gonna love you, no matter what. No matter what happens. You're my son and you're my blood. You're the best thing in my life. But until you start believing in yourself, you ain't gonna have a life.

― Sylvester Stallone, Rocky Balboa

The Inspirational journey of Refugee Swimmer Yusra Mardini

On Saturday, Yusra Mardini swam to victory during her first heat for the women's 100-meter butterfly swimming competition at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. It was a historic first win for the Refugee Olympic Team, the first-ever team of its kind to compete in an Olympic Games. But the victory also marks a sharp contrast from Mardini's life just one year earlier, when the stakes for swimming long distances looked less like gold, silver and bronze and more like life and death.

In 2015, Mardini fled Syria in the midst of a civil war that was being waged in the streets and suburbs of Damascus, where she had grown up. 

 

 

From the time that she was 3 years old, her father, a swimming instructor, trained her personally in a pool near their home in Syria. Then the war began in 2011, when Mardini was 13. 

 

 

In the beginning of the war, she told the New York Times, everyone was worried, but as the years passed and the violence intensified, friends and neighbors became resolved to the idea that they might not survive the rebellion, and tried to carry on normal lives.

 

 

"...after a few years, we were like: 'O.K., if I'm going to die, I'm going to die! But let me live my life. I want to see my friends!'" Mardini told the Times.

 

 

After the roof of the swimming center where she had once trained was destroyed by a bomb, she begged her parents to let her try to escape the country. Eventually they relented, and she and her sister set off for Europe with two family members and a friend. At every step of the way, terror and heartbreak plagued them.

 

 

When the engine cut out on the small boat they were using to cross the Mediterranean Sea, Mardini and her sister lept into the water to try to push it to shore. Two young men attempted to help them but grew tired quickly, so the Mardini sisters swam for three-and-a-half hours on their own and eventually the boat reached the shore.

 

 

"I'm thinking, what? I'm a swimmer, and I'm going to die in the water in the end?" she said.

 

 

Eventually, the girls made it to their final destination, Germany, where they have been granted temporary asylum. Their parents and two younger sisters have since joined them, and Mardini is competing on the elite squad of refugees in the 2016 Olympics.

 

 

She told the Times that she is "...expecting personal best," at Rio, since two years without training have left her well behind the official Olympic qualifying times for the 100-meter freestyle and 100-meter butterfly.

 

 

But her real victory at the Rio Olympics, she says, will be having the chance to share her story in Syria, where she hopes to return someday to help out other refugees like herself.

 

Inspiration...

Until one is committed
There is hesitancy, the chance to draw back,
Always ineffectiveness.
Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation),
There is one elementary truth,
The ignorance of which kills countless ideas
And splendid plans: That the moment one definitely commits oneself,
Then Providence moves too.
All sorts of things occur to help one
That would never otherwise have occurred.
A whole stream of events issues from the decision
Raising in one's favor all manner
Of unforeseen incidents and meetings
And material assistance,
Which no man could have dreamt
Would have come his way.
I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets:
"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."
-- W.H. Murray, from The Scottish Himalayan Expedition

Motivational Story- 2 Frogs

Two FROGS:

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them
fell into a deep pit. When the other frogs saw how deep the pit
was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The
two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit
with all their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop,
that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took
heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down
and died.

The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again,
the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He
jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the
other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?" The frog explained to
them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the
entire time.

This story teaches two lessons:

1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging
word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it
through the day.

2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes
to kill them.

Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your
path. The power of words... it is sometimes hard to understand
that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak
words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in
difficult times. Special is the individual who will take the time
to encourage another.