Chapter 10 - Vyasa’s Questions

Bhrgu said, “As I mentioned, there was a great sage known as Vyasadev, the literary incarnation of Vishnu, and the son of Parashara Muni. Vyasadev knew the inner meaning of the Vedas, as well as the past and future. In order to help us understand its meaning, he divided the Vedas into four parts. To make the Vedas easily understandable for the common person, he then compiled the Puranas. Due to pride, however, he had not properly worshipped Lord Ganesha before starting to compose them. Vyasa then became overwhelmed by the task and could not even understand the purpose of his undertaking. Although he was omniscient, and the guru of Vedas and Sastras, he became quite confused. Like a snake whose poison is neutralized by mantras and herbs, he became inactive, and could not understand the cause of his own condition.

He then went to Satyaloka to respectfully question Brahma. The sage, Parashara’s son, was shy, and his heart became overcome with wonder. He first paid obeisance to the host of demigods and divine sages, and finally to Brahma, whose seat is a lotus flower. He was in turn honored by Brahma, and offered a splendid sitting place. The great sage touched Brahma’s feet with both hands. Having bowed down reverently, Vyasa began questioning him”.

Vyasa said, “Brahma, circumstance has caused this bewildering condition of mine? My intention was to compose the Puranas which contain the meaning of the Vedas. This task began after observing that people in the age of Kali engage in nonsensical activities and are dull minded. They also lack faith, and are disrespectful of the Vedas, plus they are devoid of spiritual knowledge and goodness. They will only understand the principles and the prohibitions of what I teach. My knowledge has disappeared, and I ramble on as if I have become drunk. I can see no reason for it! How could this have begun so suddenly? I have come here to ask you about the cause and the reason for it. Four-faced Brahma, besides you, whom else can I turn to for help? You are omniscient and the creator of everything. Remove my confusion! As an expansion of Narayana, I am also omniscient and constantly engaged in good works, but please tell me the cause of my bewilderment Lord!”

Suta Gosvami said, “Having heard Vyasa’s speech, Brahma, astonished, smiling and pondering his difficulty, addressed the humbled sage.”

Brahma said, “Look here! Having carefully considered that activities, good or bad, must be performed, and that a man can do anything in one way or the other, I am going to explain to you the subtle path of action. A wise man should accomplish difficult or easy tasks with honesty, purpose and intelligence, but without pride and selfishness. Because of pride, Hanuman, Lord of monkeys, was captured by Ravana, and due to selfishness, Dhrtarastra, Ambika’s son, caused the destruction of his own dynasty. Due to selfishness, Parasurama Jamadagni destroyed the Kshatriya race.

There is a person who has neither beginning nor end, who is the source of the creator the universe, who contains the universe, who is the controller and sustainer of the universe, including those who exist and the non-existent, the manifest and the eternal. He can, at any time, create, destroy or change anything. The demigods, led by Indra, are always subject to his command, and have great faith in him. He removes obstacles for his devotees like Vishnu, Rudra, Surya, Agni, Varuna and the rest, but creates obstacles for others.

Relying on the power of your own wisdom, Vyasa, omniscient as you are, you have become arrogant, and because of your conceit, you have not worshipped Ganesha first, or even remembered him, or any other form of God, for that matter. If you do not think of Ganesha before any pursuit, be it a spiritual or worldly concern, or even when entering and leaving your home, he creates an obstacle. Those who explain the meaning of the Sastras and the Vedas speak of him as supreme bliss, as the supreme path, and as the supreme Brahman. Child! Go, and respectfully take shelter of Dviradanana. If the illustrious Lord is kindly disposed, he will do whatever you wish. If not, you will not obtain your desire in a thousand years”.

Vyasa said, “Who is Ganesha? How can I understand him and his real appearance? To whom has he been previously kind to, four-faced Lord? How many incarnations does he have and what pastimes does he perform? Who has worshipped him in the past, and why? I am asking all of this, though my mind feels confused. Great-grandfather, you are an ocean of compassion, so please tell me all of this in great detail”.

Thus ends the tenth chapter of Upasana Khanda of the glorious Ganesha Purana
called “Vyasa’s Questions”.