Hinduism
is known as the oldest religion to have introduced and practiced 'Namaskar'
(or Pranama) a respectful salutation before deities or the elders. In
Indian culture the significance of these forms of pranama lies in demonstrating
humility, devotion and respect to the divine or revered personalities. It is
essential to recite prayers or mantras while offering salutations, as it
enhances the spiritual connection and reinforces one's reverence. Pranama is
derived from Sanskrit word 'Pra' as prefix meaning "forward, in front or
before", and 'Nama' means "bending or stretching". So, in
combined terms, it means 'reverentially bowing' before others, as a gesture of
respect.
Since
time known, Hinduism has been practicing the 6 forms of Pranam -
Ashtanga
- 8 body parts touching the ground. Knees,belly,chest,hands,elbows,chin,nose
and temple.
Sashtanga
- 6 body parts touching the ground. Toes,knee,hands,chin,nose and temple.
Panchanga
- 5 body parts touching the ground. Knees,chest,chin,temple and forehead.
Dandavat
- 2 body parts touching the ground. Knees and forehead.
Namaskar
- Revering with folded hands touching the forehead.
Abhinandana
- Greeting others with just head bow and folded hands, touching their chest. It
is the old Hindu mythological greeting.
With
changing times, people have changed their gesture of reverence, where people
back in ancient times performed Ashtanga and Sashtanga for their deities,
gurus, parents and elderly, now they resort to a comforting Namaskar.
Also, the
most interesting part when R asked me why women are forbidden in doing Ashtanga
or Shastanga pranam, nor he has ever seen a woman doing this kind of pranams,
and does only Dandvat. I was very delighted for his observation in day-to-day life. As it is mentioned in Upanishads, that
women were forbidden from doing Ashtanaga or Sashtanga which required
them not to touch the ground in reverence with their chest or womb, because a
women's womb and chest were considered very sensitive and slightest muscle pull
could disturb their maternity. Gradually, as they approach motherhood, they are
exempted from performing Sashtanga too and are allowed to follow Dandavat and
Namaskar.
We see
that greeting elders and deities is practised in all religions. Especially in Hinduism.
Some other communities practise it too. It is said that, when a person bows
down and touches the feet of their elders, their ego gets suppressed as this
gesture indicates respecting the age, experience, achievements and wisdom of
the person whose feet are being touched. As read in Mahabharata, Yudhistra
stated that touching the feet of the elders gives strength and feeling of
greatness. Even Rishis have observed four beneficial factors of touching the feet,
i.e. it gives strength, intellect, knowledge and fame.
But in
present times, it seems each one of us has found an escape in Abhinandana,
sometimes not even this. Barely bowing head in acknowledgment has become quite
common these days. I feel education begins the moment we see children as
innately wise and capable beings. While we try to teach our children all about
life, our children teach us what life is all about, and its learning, each and
every minute. Because wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong
attempt to acquire it.
I feel
the important thing is not to stop questioning, curiosity has its own reason
for existing. Because curiosity gives space for your kids mind to explore. It
is not what you do for your children, but what you taught them to do for
themselves, that will make them a successful human being. With this, I was
happy to answer my little boy, and he was convinced with the answer he got from
his Mumma.
Being a
mother is not about what you gave up to have a child, but what you have gained
from having one. For me it is a lifelong learning, I am embracing and
in love with it....