Why do we prostrate before parents and elders?

[Guest guest]

We prostrate before our 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 circles, prostration is

accompanied by abhivaadana, 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 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 India’s

enduring strengths.

 

The good wishes (Sankalpa) and blessings (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.

Shaashtaanga: Prostrating fully with the feet, knees,

stomach, chest, forehead and arms touching the ground

in front of the elder.

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.

 

Best Regards,

Sripathi

 

 

 

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