comment on hindu philosophy behind touching feet of elders and teachers
Answers
Touching the feet of elders as a mark of respect is an age old practice in Indian tradition. Often this practice is looked upon with derision by some people as feet are generally considered unclean and such people argue that there could be other better ways of conveying the respect. However, there are a number of reasons behind the practice of touching the elders' feet that indicate how wonderfully beneficial and meaningful this practice is.Foundations for Buildings
Feet are for the body as the foundations are for buildings. The entire weight of a person is borne by the feet when he stands and moves about. Except birds and some rare cases of mammals, humans are endowed with the gift of being able to walk erect in two feet. When we bend down and touch the feet of our elders, our ego is also automatically subdued and we indicate that we respect their age, wisdom, achievements and experience. Being pleased of our humility, they in turn bless us.
Padasparshan
Usually, those that command padasparshan (touching the feet) include spiritual masters, teachers, grand parents, parents, elder brothers and senior citizens. Usually, these people have accumulated a lot of virtues, knowledge and experience. Their maturity shall have enabled them with a good insight into the truths and realities of life. The thoughts, vibrations and the words emanating from them shall be so powerful in immensely benefiting those who seek their blessings.Way of Touching the feet of Elders
There is a particular way of touching the feet of elders. The person touching their feet must bend down in front of them with the back hunched and hands stretching forward. Usually, when the hands are stretched to touch their feet, it is advised that the hands are crossed in a way the right hand touches their right foot and the left hand touches their left foot. Yet another prescription states that the left hand should touch their right foot and the right hand should touch their left foot.Positive Energy
In either case, when the hands touch the feet, there is a closed circuit establish between those seeking the blessings and those blessing them. The result is a highly positive energy flowing from their feet to the other person transferring a lot of good will and healing energy. Also, the person whose feet are touched usually stretches his or her hands to touch the upper head of the person with a gesture of blessing. This connection forms yet another circuit again transferring energy and blessings.Benefits
It is matter of fact that only elders who seek your well being and those who are noble in their attitude and conduct are to be touched thus. Generally one's grand parents, teachers, parents, elder brothers and noble people would naturally bless from their heart genuinely seeking the welfare of those who touch their feet. Therefore, this act shall confer incomparable benefits. Psychologically this act confers humility and cultivates a sense of respect enjoining people in the right path.Hindu Tradition
The Hindu tradition states that by touching the feet of elders, people are blessed with strength, intellect, Knowledge and fame. The underlying symbolism of this act is that the elders have walked on this earth longer than you and have accumulated a great amount of wisdom. You can in fact immensely benefit even from the dust that their feet have gathered all along the way.