{"id":329,"date":"2018-05-21T05:49:16","date_gmt":"2018-05-21T05:49:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.chinmayaupahar.in\/blog\/?p=329"},"modified":"2018-05-21T05:49:16","modified_gmt":"2018-05-21T05:49:16","slug":"why-do-we-prostrate-before-parents-and-elders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/index.php\/2018\/05\/21\/why-do-we-prostrate-before-parents-and-elders\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do We Prostrate Before Parents and Elders?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Prostration is considered as the greatest sanskara<\/u><\/span><\/a> in the Indian culture. Indians prostrate to their parents, elders, teachers and noble souls by touching their feet. <\/span>The elder, in turn, blesses them by placing their hand on or over our heads. Prostration is done daily; when we meet elders and particularly on important occasions like a beginning of a new task, birthdays, festivals etc.<\/span><\/p>\n

In particular traditional circles, prostration is accompanied by <\/span>abhivandaana <\/span><\/i>which serves to introduce oneself, announce one\u2019s family and social stature.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why do we offer prostrations?<\/h2>\n

A 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. <\/span>It symbolizes our recognition of their selfless love and the sacrifices that they have done for our welfare. It is a way of humbly acknowledging the greatness of another. <\/span><\/p>\n

The tradition reflects the strong family ties which have been one of India\u2019s enduring strengths.<\/span><\/p>\n

The good wishes (<\/span>sankalpa<\/span><\/i>) and blessings (<\/span>ashirvaada<\/span><\/i>) of elders are highly valued in India. We prostrate to seek them. <\/span><\/p>\n

Good thoughts create positive vibrations<\/u><\/span><\/a>. Good wishes springing from a heart full of love, divinity and nobility have tremendous strength. <\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"indian<\/p>\n

The different forms of showing respect are:<\/h3>\n