6 Jun 2013

OUR LEGS

Our legs r most important part of our body. Then why we say sorry when v touch anything with our legs
 it has got more to do with Hindu religious practices than sentimental value. The answer to this question has to do with one of the most fundamental features of Hinduism, namely personification. Hinduism personifies virtually every aspect of life. The wind is not just air blowing from high pressure to low pressure. It is a God, Vayudeva. The sun is not just a great nuclear reaction in space. It is the sun God, Suryadeva. Similarly, the rain is a God, the moon is a God, all the planets are Gods and every other aspect of reality is subject to personification. Therefore, all things of learning: papers, books, musical instruments, pens, typewriters and even computers can be seen as aspects of the Goddess of learning ), Sarasvati. And we since already know the symbolism of feet in Hindu culture, it is obvious why we do not touch these items with our feet. Similarly, we do not blow a flame with our breath because it would be impolite. The flame is Agni, the fire God, and to blow in his face is impolite! To the Western mind this may seem difficult to understand, but there is great power in personification. Personification gives one the ability to communicate with the God and therefore perhaps control or at least get favors from the Deity. Personification is the basis of Puja.

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