Why do we prostrate before parents and elders?

[Vediclearnings]

We as Indians, prostrate before our parents, elders, teachers and noble souls by touching their feet. Our elders bless us back by placing his or her hand on or over our heads. It is done daily, especially when we meet elders and particularly on important occasions like the beginning of a new task, birthdays, festivals etc. Abhivandana is served to introduce one-self and to announce one’s family and social culture along with prostration in certain traditional circles.

 

To touch the feet in prostration is a sign of respect for maturity, nobility, age and divinity that our elders personify. It is a symbol of the sacrifices they have done for our welfare and our recognition of their selfless love for us. It’s a way of acknowledging the greatness of another humbly. It reflects the strong family ties, which has been one of India’s enduring strengths as well as our social security.

 

The aashirvada (blessings) and sankalpa (good wishes) of elders are highly valued in India and which we seek during prostration. Positive vibrations are created by good thoughts. There is tremendous strength in good wishes springing from a heart full of love, divinity and nobility. We invoke the good wishes and blessings of elders which flow in the form of positive energy to envelop us, when we prostrate with humility and respect. That’s why the posture assumed whether it is in the standing or prone position, enables the entire body to receive the energy thus received.

 

There are different forms of showing respect:

Pratuthana : Rising to welcome person

Namaskaara: Paying homes in form of namaste

Upasangrahan: Touching the feet of elders or teachers

Pratyabivaadana: Returning a greeting

 

Shaashtaanga: Prostrating fully with the feet, knees, stomach, chest, forehead and arms touching the ground in front of the elder.

 

Well, i think there are even more than that but nobody does the easiest namaste. What do you think?

 

~ Proud Vedic Learner

www[dot]vediclearnings[dot]com

[suchandra]

Thanks vediclearnings, I posted article above some weels ago,

http://www.indiadivine.org/audarya/vedic-culture/448439-vedic-learnings-why-do-we-prostrate-before-parents-elders.html but it is alway good to have a repetition in order to internalize wisdom.

[bija]

What should be the mood when the parents have no interest in spiritual culture, and try to talk their grown children out of such a spiritual way of life?

 

There is much to be grateful for always, but should they be offered obiesances still? (if they are very hostile to simple spiritual life)

 

For many in the west such tradition as you have described does not seem to exist.

[Hari Bhakta dasa]

 

What should be the mood when the parents have no interest in spiritual culture, and try to talk their grown children out of such a spiritual way of life?

 

There is much to be grateful for always, but should they be offered obiesances still? (if they are very hostile to simple spiritual life)

 

For many in the west such tradition as you have described does not seem to exist.

 

Perhaps just simple respect as our parents and elders is in order.

[bija]

Yes thank you Hari Bhakta dasa. It is most difficult (but very necessary to offer respects), when parents are in full body consciousness.

 

If hostility is strong, the devotee will keep a distance so offences to all involved do not accumulate. It is very sad. The sincere devotee will humble herself, see all fault within, but still choose the way of the heart.

 

Infact if faith is deep, such a choice made in love, will assist the forefathers - that is full honor and maybe another form of respects.

 

Why I bring this up is to stress the importance of Vedic Learnings post, other wise society and culture has unlimited problems.

 

 

Well, i think there are even more than that but nobody does the easiest namaste. What do you think?

[PureIndian]

Also, when an elder blesses us back, they place their two hands above the ears and attempt to click their fingers against the head, if clicked, this symbolises something good in the future.

[Amlesh]

 

Also, when an elder blesses us back, they place their two hands above the ears and attempt to click their fingers against the head, if clicked, this symbolises something good in the future.

 

In Mauritius, it is said that each click signifies the number of bad omen removed which was inputted by jealous people.

[srikanthdk71]

Anything goes, a great culture to be with.

[Ravindran Kesavan]

Respect to parents and elders is not conditional. It is not to be based on what they give us materially (or even spiritually). Offering respect is a spiritual quality and is unconditional like pure bakti, (which is not based on what gos has given us, but just on our pure love). Conditional respect is a sign of our selfish and materialistic needs. In unconditional respect we see god in those we respect. Even if a person is develish in a material sense , the indweler is god and hence he or she is an instrument of god. Seeing this is spiritual, and if we are thus spiritual respect flows spontaniously without conditions and selfish expectations.

It is not what others do to us, that is important it is what we do to others that define our spirituality.

 

Regards,

K.Ravindran

[bija]

Thank you Ravindran for raising these important truths, so clearly presented. Sometimes we forget, thx.

 

y.s.

[Vediclearnings]

Thanks to all for joinning this thread. We always respect your comments or opinions on this or every other topic. thats why i invite you all to our website : www[dot]vediclearnings[dot]com

 

Me and 2 of my colleagues will be waiting for you over there.

 

Once again thanks.