Hindu Traditions

08/27/2004

Brahmanyaadhhaaya Karmaani
Sangam thyakthwaa karoathi yaha
Lipyatheh na sa paapena
Padma pathram imaambhasa.
(Bhagavad Geetha)


( He who performs activities as an offering to the Supreme Brahman,
renouncing all attachment, is not tainted by sin, just as the playful
water-drop on a lotus leaf)


Hello Everyone ! Sukravaaram
Suprabhaath !

People normally brand some of our age-old customs, traditions and
rituals
as either superstitions or religious impositions. But if only their
scientific,
logical, social or spiritual significance is properly understood, one would
not
only not look down upon them, but also likely to implement them with
reverence. Towards this objective, a small booklet entitled 'Why do we ---'
was published by Central Chinmaya Mission. Extracts from this are given
below
to explain the significance of some of our routine customs and traditions,
especially to members of the younger generation:

WHY WE LIGHT A LAMP IN FRONT OF DEITY : Lighting the lamp is
symbolic of dispelling ignorance, as light signifies knowledge. The oil or
ghee
lamp has added significance. The oil or ghee symbolise 'vaasanas' (negative
undesirable under-currents of thought). The wick stands for ego. Thus the
vaasanas are exhausted, and the ego finally perishes. Also as one lamp can
light many, without losing its brilliance, knowledge when imparted to
others,
does not get reduced.

MEANING OF 'NAMASTE' (the greeting gesture) : 'Namaha + Te' in Sanskrit
implies 'I bow to thee'. The two palms to become one, spiritually imply that
'the 'I' in you, and the 'I' in me, are just 'One' '.

WHY WE PROSTRATE to elders, teachers etc. : We prostrate by
touching their feet. It is a sign of respect for age, maturity, learning,
status etc.
In return, we invoke their good wishes and blessings, which impart to us
positive vibrations and strength. It is a tradition in creating an
environment of
mutual love and respect.

WHY WE AVOID TOUCHING BOOKS, PEOPLE etc., WITH FEET: Even when
the above happens inadvertantly, we let our palms touch what our foot
touched,
and then touch our eyes, as a mark of apology. Touching with feet indicates
disrespect and misdemeanour, lack of reverence and humility, whereas we
consider as sacred all books, papers, musical instruments, educational
equipment.

WHY WE OFFER 'NYVEDYA' TO GOD : The Supreme Lord is the Master and
Totality, whereas man is only a tiny part. What we receive in life, is
really His alone.
We acknowledge this by offering "Nyvedya' (offering of food) to Him, and
then
eat with cheerful acceptance, as His 'prasaada' (sacred gift). Even
westerners
have their dinner after a formal thanksgiving prayer. It is a good
tradition.

WHY WE DO 'PRADAKSHINA' IN A TEMPLE : We do that circumambulation
around the 'Sanctum Sanctorum' as the Lord is the Center, Source and Essence
of our lives, and He be recognised as the Focal point. It is done clockwise
so that
our rightside (auspicious) is towards Him. We do pradakshina around elders
as also
self-gyrate, implying Divinity within one and all.

WHY WE FAST : The obvious reason is that every system needs a break and
overhaul to work at its best. Total abstention or simplified diet is good
for digestive
system. Also it induces self-discipline, as self-control is said to begin
with palate.

WHY WE RING BELLS IN A TEMPLE : Basically it is to prevent distraction
of mind
and drown unwanted noises. It also produces auspicious vibrations that help
one's
concentration on the Deity.

WHY WE SAY 'SANTHI' THRICE: Where there is peace, there is happiness.
Hence at end of all prayers, we chant 'Santhi' thrice. Apart from emphasis,
the
deeper reason is, disturbances to peace are caused in three ways, and God is
invoked to prevent all those three:
1. Aadi Daivika: From unseen Divine agencies like natural calamities
etc.
2. Aadi bhouthika: From physical causes around us
3. Aadhyaathmika: From our own bodily causes and mental agitations

WHY WE OFFER COCONUT TO GOD : Breaking coconut symbolises breaking
of ego. The fluid within representing 'vaasanas' is offered to God. The
kernel
representing purified mind is offered as prasaad. Also, coconut is symbolic
of
selfless service as all parts of the tree are useful one way or the other.

WHY WE PERFORM 'AARATHI' : At end of prayer or bhajan, we wave the
camphor flame clockwise before the Deity. It has three aspects. The flame
lights up the entire image of the Deity. Camphor emits a pleasant fragrance.
Also,
camphor burns up without leaving any residue, signifying a total burning
away of
all our vaasanas, without leaving any ego.

The booklet referred in the beginning, deals with many more of our
traditions, but the more important and frequently observed customs
and traditions, have been covered here.

Now, one of my poems from the book 'Random Musings' :

ALL FOR GOOD

Believe in Him
And everything happens
For thy good;
You cannot foresee
His Divine strategy !

For thy part,
Do the right thing
At the right time
In the right spirit;
The rest to Him leave !