Thread by @VandanaJayrajan

#IndianCulture
#Traditions #Customs
Hinduism is not a religion but a way of life. It is known as the Dharma ; Sanatan Dharma. According to Bhagavath Gita, Sanatan means - which cannot be destroyed by fire, weapons, water, air, and is present in all living/non living beings.

Dharma means, the way of life which is the total of all aachaaraas or customs and rituals. In the entire ancient Hindu literature we can see that science and spirituality are integrated. In each and every aachaaraa there'll be a component of spirituality in it.

Aachaaraas are followed for psychological/physiological health & long life; for prosperity & wealth; for strong family & social bondage. You need to understand scientifically and logically, the meaning of each and every Aachaaraas and follow the same in your life systematically.

1 Why do we light a lamp?

In almost every Hindu's home, a lamp is lit daily. All auspicious functions commence with lighting of the lamp. Light symbolizes knowledge, and darkness - ignorance. Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness.

The Lord is the "Knowledge Principle" (Chaitanya) who is the source and the illuminator of all knowledge. Hence light is worshiped as the Lord himself. We light the lamp to bow down to knowledge as the greatest of all forms of wealth.

The oil or ghee in the lamp symbolizes our negative tendencies and the wick, the ego. When lit, vasanas get slowly exhausted and ego too perishes. The flame of a lamp always burns upwards. Similarly, we should acquire such knowledge as to take us towards higher ideals.

2 Why do we do Namaste?

Indians greet each other with namaste. The two palms are placed together in front and the head bows whilst saying the word namaste. The bowing down of the head is a gracious form of extending friendship with
love and humility.

The spiritual meaning is even deeper. The life force, the divinity, the Self or the Lord in me is the same in all. Recognizing this oneness with the meeting of the palms, we salute with head bowed, the divinity in the person we meet.

Read more about Namaste in this thread.

https://twitter.com/VandanaJayrajan/status/1235246227656028161?s=19

3 Why do we put Tilak on the forehead?

The tilak invokes a feeling of sanctity in the wearer and others. It's recognized as a religious mark. Vishnu worshippers apply a chandan tilak, Shiva worshippers a tripundra of bhasma and Devi worshippers a red dot of kumkum.

The tilak covers the spot between the eyebrows, which is the seat of memory and thinking. It is known as the Aajna Chakra. The tilak is applied with the prayer - "May I remember the Lord and may I be righteous in my deeds.”

4 Why do we touch feet of our parents & elders?

Blessings(Ashirvad) of elders is highly valued in our culture. Touching feet of parents, elders, teachers, noble souls, symbolizes our respect, recognition of their selfless love for us and the sacrifices they made for our welfare.

The blessings of elders flow in the form of positive energy to envelop us. This tradition reflects the strong family ties, which has been one of India’s enduring strengths.

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

To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine so it must be given respect at all times. In ancient India every subject - academic or spiritual - was considered divine and taught by the Guru in the Gurukul.

The custom of not stepping on educational tools is a frequent reminder of the high position accorded to knowledge in our culture. We worship books, vehicles and instruments once a year on Saraswathi Pooja dedicated to the Goddess of Learning.

In the Gurukulas, each day before starting studies, they prayed:
ॐ सरस्वति नमस्तुभ्यं वरदे कामरूपिणि ।

विद्यारम्भं करिष्यामि सिद्धिर्भवतु मे सदा ।।
Saraswati namasthubhyam
Varade kaama roopini
Vidyaarambham karishyaami
Sidhirbhavatu me sadaa

6 Why do offer food to the Lord before eating it?

We make an offering of food to the Lord and later partake of it as prasaada. This is because all that we do is by HIS strength and what we receive in life as a result of our actions is really HIS alone.

We acknowledge this through the act of offering food to Him. This is exemplified by the words "tera tujko arpan.."– I offer what is Yours to You. Thereafter, it is akin to His gift to us, graced by His divine touch.

Before we partake of our daily meals, we 1st sprinkle water around the Thali for purification. Five morsels of food are placed on the side of the Thali acknowledging the debt owed by us to the Divine forces, our
ancestors, the sages, our fellow beings and other living beings.

7 Why do we regard trees and plants as sacred?

Human life on earth depends on plants & trees. They give us the vital factors that make life possible on earth: food, oxygen, clothing, shelter, medicines etc so we regard trees & plants as sacred. Tulsi, Peepal etc are worshipped.

Our scriptures tell us to plant 10 trees if, for any reason, we've to cut one. We are advised to use parts of trees/plants only as much as is needed for food, fuel, shelter etc. We have to apologise to a plant/tree before cutting it, to avoid incurring a specific sin named सूना.

8 Why do we ring the bell in a temple?

The ringing of the bell produces what is regarded as an auspicious sound. It produces the sound Om, the universal name of the Lord. There should be auspiciousness within and without to gain the vision of the Lord who is all-auspiciousness.

To know more about it, read this thread.

https://twitter.com/VandanaJayrajan/status/1231028661781979136?s=19

9. To touch another with the feet is considered an act of misdemeanor. Why?

Man is regarded as living breathing temple of the Lord. Touching another with the feet is akin to disrespecting the divinity within him or her. This calls for an immediate apology.
👇 ❌(disrespectful)