Discussion Questions§
Parvati’s friends criticize her belief in Lord Ganesha, causing her to doubt Him herself. After a turbulent month, her faith in Ganesha is finally restored. This story shows how one’s belief in Ganesha must be strong enough to withstand mocking by non-believers and how faith is strengthened by spiritual experience.§
- Why did Jennifer mock Parvati’s picture of Ganesha? What is an atheist? Why would an atheist insult someone’s religious beliefs?
- How did Parvati react to Jennifer’s attack? How do you think you would have reacted? What are some other ways Parvati could have responded at the time?
- What happened at school the next day? Who took whose side and for what reasons? How did Parvati handle this? How might you have handled it?
- What was her experience with Xian, and how did that relate to her current situation?
- Why did Parvati go to the temple with her parents the next time they went? How did her friends there help her? Why was she so impressed with the blonde lady at the temple?
- What was Parvati’s experience of Ganesha at the temple? Have you ever had such an experience? How is it possible?
- In the story, Parvati was influenced for good or bad by different friends—Erin, Jennifer, the kids at the temple. Discuss how friends impact how we feel about ourselves, and why choice of friends is important.
- Why do many Hindus keep a small murti or picture of Ganesha in their car?
- How do you view your relationship with Ganesha? Friend? Father? Mother? Older brother? Divine protector? A combination of all of these?
- Do you also have relationships with other Gods? Compared to your relationship with Ganesha, how are those similar or different?