why do we..... an insight to indian culture

Indian culture is a plethora of custom and tradition. Almost every Indian custom and tradition has either a scientific, logical, historical, social or spiritual significance which many of us fail to understand or find it difficult to comprehend. Understanding this lends meaning to an otherwise mechanical following of the customs which are often misunderstood as mere superstitions that fade away in time. Here is a small insight on some of the commonly followed cultures the deep meaning of which is to be understood….

Why do we light a lamp??

Light symbolizes knowledge. Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness. Also knowledge is a lasting inner wealth by which all outer achievement can be accomplished. Hence we light the lamp to bow down to knowledge as the greatest of all forms of wealth.

The traditional oil lamp has a further spiritual significance. The oil or ghee in the lamp symbolizes our vasanas or negative tendencies and the wick, the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the vasanas get spiritually exhausted and the ego too finally perishes. As the flame of the lamp always burns upwards, we should acquire such knowledge as to take us towards higher ideas.

Why do we do Namaste?

In Sanskrit, namah +te = Namaste. It means – I bow to you – my greetings, salutations and prostrations to you. Namaste can also be literally interpreted as “na ma”(not mine). It has a spiritual significance of negating or reducing one’s ego in the presence of another.

The real meeting of the people is the meeting of their minds. When we greet another, we do so with Namaste, which means “may our minds meet”, indicated by the folded palms placed before the chest. The bowing down of the head is the gracious form of extending friendship in love and humility.

Why do we prostrate before parents and 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 is a way of humbly acknowledging the greatness of another.

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.

Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet?

In India, knowledge is sacred and divine, necessary to be given respect all the time. The custom of not stepping on educational tools is a frequent reminder of the high position accorded to knowledge in Indian cultures.

Children are also strongly discouraged from touching people with their feet. Even if this happens accidently, we touch the person and bring the fingers to our eyes as a mark of apology. Touching another with the feet is akin to disrespecting the divinity of man, regarded as the most beautiful, living breathing temple of the lord. This calls for an instant apology, which is offered with reverence and humility.

Why do we fast?

Fasting in Sanskrit is called upavaasa. Upa means “near” + vaasa means “to stay”. Upavaasa therefore means staying near (the Lord), meaning the attainment of close mental proximity with the Lord.

A lot of our time and energy is spent in procuring food items, preparing, cooking, eating and digesting food. Hence on certain days man decides to save time and conserve his energy by eating either simple, light food or totally abstain from eating so that his mind becomes alert and pure. Since it is a self imposed form of discipline it is usually adhered to with joy.

Why do we say shaanti thrice?

Shaanti meaning peace is a natural state of being. To invoke peace, we chant prayers. By chanting prayers, troubles end and peace is experienced internally, irrespective of external disturbance. All such prayers end by chanting shaanti thrice.

It is believed that trivaram shanti – that which is said thrice comes true. We chant shaanti thrice to emphasize our intense desire for peace. It is chanted aloud for the first time, addressing the unseen forces. It is chanted softer the second time, directed to our immediate surroundings and those around, and softest the last time as it is addressed to oneself.

Why do we chant om?

Om is the universal name of the Lord. It is made up of the letters A,U,M which symbolize the three states (waking, dream and deep sleep), the three deities (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva), the three Vedas (Rig, Yajur and Sama), the three worlds (Bhuh, Bhuvah, suvah), etc.

The formless, attribute less Lord (Brahman) is represented by the silence between two om chants. Om is also called pranava that means “that (symbol or sound) by which the Lord is praised”. The entire essence of the vedas is enshrined in the word om.

Many of our cultures are designed to be simple but powerful reminders or pointers of profound philosophical truths. This is one of the factors that have kept Indian culture alive through centuries.