Hindu Rituals and Routines.

Why do we follow them?

Hinduism is not a religion but a way of life. Unlike other religions, Hindu dharma has many specialities. This is not known as a religion, it is known as the dharma; Sanaathana Dharma. Sanaathana means, according to Bhagavad Gita, which cannot be destroyed by fire, weapons, water, air and which is present in all living and non living being. Dharma means, the way of life which is the 'total of all aachaaraas or customs and rituals'.

So, for starters, let's visit this interesting ritual.

Why do we prostrate before parents and elders?

Indians prostrate before their parents, elders, teachers and noble souls by touching their feet. The elderin 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 oneself, 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 the 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 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. 

Tailpiece.

Got up about 40' later than our usual time to a massive power failure that was carried through the night, the chores and was ready by 10 o'clock.

Mithun, from the National Supermarket delivered grocery and vegetables on order and Edison had come by to correct the signal reception of the TataSky dish on the first floor.

It was a thoroughly wet day.