by
Akshit Kapoor-
Akshit Kapoor-
Indians
prostrate to their parents, elders, teachers and noble souls by
touching their feet. The elder in turn blesses us by placing his or her
hand on or over our heads. Prostration is done daily, when we meet
elders and particularly on important occasions like the beginning of a
new task, birthdays, festivals etc, In certain
traditional circle, prostration is accompanied by abbivaadana which
serves to introduce one self, announce one’s family and social stature.
Man stands on his feet. Touching the feet in prostration is a sign of
respect for the age, maturity, nobility and divinity that our elders
personify. It symbolizes our recognition of their selfless love for us
and the sacrifices that they have done for our welfare. It is a way of
humbly acknowledging the greatness of another. This tradition reflects
the strong family ties, which has been one of Indian’s enduring
strengths. The good wishes (sankalpa) and blessing (aashirvaada) of
elders are highly valued in India We prostrate to seek them. Good
thoughts create positive vibrations.
Good wishes springing from a heart full of love, divinity and nobility have a tremendous strength. When we prostrate with humility and respect, we invoke the good wishes and blessings of elders, which flow in the form of positive energy to envelop us. This is why the posture assumed whether it is in the standing or prone position, enables the entire body to receive the energy thus received. The different forms of showing respect are :
* Pratuthana – rising to welcome a person.
* Namaskaara – paying homage in the form of namaste .
* Upasangrahan – touching the feet of elders or teachers.
* Shaastaanga – prostrating fully with the feet, knees, stomach, chest, forehead and arms touching the ground in front of elders.
* Pratyabivaadana – returning a greeting.
Rules are prescribed in our scriptures as to who should prostrate to whom. Wealth, family name, age, moral strength and spiritual knowledge in ascending order of importance qualified men to receive respect. This is why a king though the ruler of the land, would prostrate before a spiritual master. Epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata have many stories highlighting this aspect. This tradition thus creates an environment of mutual love and respect among people ensuring harmony in the family and society.
Good wishes springing from a heart full of love, divinity and nobility have a tremendous strength. When we prostrate with humility and respect, we invoke the good wishes and blessings of elders, which flow in the form of positive energy to envelop us. This is why the posture assumed whether it is in the standing or prone position, enables the entire body to receive the energy thus received. The different forms of showing respect are :
* Pratuthana – rising to welcome a person.
* Namaskaara – paying homage in the form of namaste .
* Upasangrahan – touching the feet of elders or teachers.
* Shaastaanga – prostrating fully with the feet, knees, stomach, chest, forehead and arms touching the ground in front of elders.
* Pratyabivaadana – returning a greeting.
Rules are prescribed in our scriptures as to who should prostrate to whom. Wealth, family name, age, moral strength and spiritual knowledge in ascending order of importance qualified men to receive respect. This is why a king though the ruler of the land, would prostrate before a spiritual master. Epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata have many stories highlighting this aspect. This tradition thus creates an environment of mutual love and respect among people ensuring harmony in the family and society.
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