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Thread: Should I totally avoid shaking hands?

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  1. #1
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    Should I totally avoid shaking hands?

    Namaste all.

    I am a white westerner who lives in Europe and apologise for my low english.

    I used to be a gaudiya-vaishnava until about a week ago...now,although I still worship only Lord Krishna and still recite Hare Krishna maha-mantra,I am an advaitin-smarta and consider my-self a "generic hindu" instead of a vaishnava.

    Since I am not anymore interested in the "saving souls business"(unlike gaudiya-vaishnavas,for example ISKCON's followers),I am not anymore interested even in making a good impression for the sake of preaching.

    Hence I would not care if someone found strange the fact that I do not shake hands with him/her.

    Now my question: as a hindu,should I never shaking hands with others?

    Pranama,
    Orlando

  2. #2
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    Re: Should I totally avoid shaking hands?

    Dear Orlando


    Shaking right hands is an age-old welcome and farewell ritual. It has its origin in presenting the empty weapon hand to the opponent.


    Other terms are ‘to lend a hand’ - ‘to give a helping hand’ - ‘hand of friendship’ - ‘hand of brotherhood’.


    I am also a Westerner from Europe … with all the love to India, I respect our traditions too.


    There was a time when I enjoyed to attract attention by being different, acting like a Hindu, trying to be like an Indian … meanwhile I got over it. When I am with Europeans, I am European.


    And don’t forget - to refuse the handshake is an offence. Especially towards women!


    What should Krishna have against it? There are so many pictures where He is hugging someone. Amma is hugging the world. Can there a handshake be wrong?


    Pranam
    Dance with Shiva - live with Shiva - merge with Shiva

  3. #3
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    Re: Should I totally avoid shaking hands?

    Namaste,

    Sorry to barge in on this conversation between European White Hindus; but it is painful to watch.
    When the purpose/meaning/aim of life is spiritual development; why let ourselves be bogged down with trivial things?
    I would think that we should be focused on the ultimate goal and not be sidetracked by meaningless distractions.
    If you want to hug people when you meet them, go ahead and hug them; if you want to shake hands with them, do it; if you want to greet them with a namaste and hands clasped together, do it. But as you must have already noticed, going against the cultural norms of where you are, makes you stand out and sometimes you are considered odd and are disliked by others. Why make a big fuss about it? Let it go and stay focused on your 'sadhana' for the ultimate prize.

    Pranam.

  4. #4
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    Re: Should I totally avoid shaking hands?

    Namaste,
    I stand by what Believer said above. Focus on your goal of God Realization / Self Realisation.
    Stop wasting time over non-issues like this one.

    OM
    Last edited by devotee; 06 August 2018 at 03:13 AM.
    "Om Namo Bhagvate Vaasudevaye"

  5. #5
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    Re: Should I totally avoid shaking hands?

    Namaste

    I apologize for causing pain to a high evolved soul that is no longer touched by everyday trivialities.

    Hinduism is, like every religion, full of do’s and dont’s. And, as in every religion, it threatens punishment of a God in case of noncompliance.

    Gaudiya and ISCKON brought it to perfection. If you get in touch with this community your life is completely bound by instructions, rites, dietary rules and so on - all to please Krishna.

    For some Europeans, like me and may be Orlando, coming in contact with Hinduism creates an excitement. One wants to become the perfect Hindu. I have overcome this phase.

    Orlando seems to be on the way reconsidering stupid regulations in the name of God.

    Good luck Orlando! Keep on and become free!

    Pranam
    Dance with Shiva - live with Shiva - merge with Shiva

  6. #6

    Re: Should I totally avoid shaking hands?

    Namaste

    Conventions should be respected but not fixed. There will always be some issues in cross cultural synthesis, as long as the motive is synthesis then the unconventional consciousness will manifest. We learn we grow, we let go we expand.

    Harih Om

  7. #7
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    Re: Should I totally avoid shaking hands?

    Namaste,

    Quote Originally Posted by Indialover View Post
    I apologize for.....
    No apologies were expected/needed and none should be offered. We have seen Orlando many times in the forum over the years. I don't know about others, but my concern was about his slow progress which in many cases makes the aspirant get frustrated and quit the path. He is a fine young man who is not getting proper guidance and getting sidetracked with issues that really don't matter. Orlando, as always, best of luck and good wishes for your spiritual progress.

    Pranam.

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