Aacharagala Vichara.

Sashtanga Namaskara to whom and Why???
(steping towards to know simple reasons behind our tradition)

Meaning

• Most superior way of saluting someone.

• Involves Heart, Head, Eyes, Mind, Words (tongue), Legs, Hands and Knees – since namaskara (prostration) is done with these eight parts, it is known as “Ashtanga Namaskara”
  

•  Two hands, Two legs, Two arms, Chest and Forehead, touch the ground while saluting.
  For ladies its just a Panchanga namaskara (Two hands, Two legs and Forehead). 
   

To Whom:

1. Supreme God
2. Parents
3. Gurus (Teachers)

Concept Behind It:

• Mentally,It is an act of being extremely thankful to them, since whatever we are now is all because of them.
• Phisically, It is an act of showing "I am no way greater than you, so I am grounding before you"
• There are other ways to salute someone, but sashatanga refers to the most important contributors for our life.

Why,

• To the God, Since he is the creator of this Universe & Providing every need of our life.
• Parents, Doesnt need a reason to give I guess :-)
• Finally Guru, Ppl say Knowledge is power. A teacher empowers us by sharing valueable knowledge, in every step of our life. Induces the thirst to more and be knowledgeable.

Note: There is a must and should rule that for above 3, the salutation must be always "Sashtanga Namaskara". For other it can be panchanga or just abhivadana.


Intention of this post is to bring it to action. Its not just for Information!!!!

Reference: Krishnamruta maharnava.