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Sunday, December 06, 2009

Why do we prostrate before parents and elders ?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Radhekrishna to our readers,

We concluded the third question of our series in the previous post. The question was “Why do we do Namaste”. Henceforth do keep in mind the significance and meaning of saying Namaste when you say it to anyone. It feels great to know a thing and do it rather than doing it for the sake of doing or doing it because everyone does it. Isn’t it?

Well coming to this week’s post, the question which we will discuss is “Why do we prostrate before our parents and elders?”

So let us know the reason behind it in this post.

4. Why do we prostrate before parents and elders?

Indians prostrate before 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 circles, prostration is accompanied by abhivaadana, which serves to introduce one-self, announce one’s family and social stature.

This practice was prevalent in all Indian houses in those “Good old days” but nowadays the same has reduced to a great extent. The children of today need logical reasons for doing anything and everything. And the irony is that nowadays even some parents do not have the answers to some questions asked by their children! How can one then expect the child to learn the customs and traditions prevalent in our rich Hindu culture?

So for such children, here is the logical answer to the reason behind why we prostrate before the elders:

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.

… to be continued

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this section, let us know about a herb called as Giloy (tinospora cardifolia) in Latin.

1. It is a creeper with large leaves which resemble betel leaves
2. All parts of the plant are bitter
3. If creeping up a neem tree, it is found to be more bitter than usual
4. It is a very good remedy for chronic fevers
5. It also cures many disorders of the liver and stomach
6. It is a good blood purifier and is also recommender in diabetes

That is all we have for you in this post. Till the next posting keep doing Namajapam. Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

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