Customs and Traditions
hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~
Namaste
Customs and traditions - I thought those new to sanātana dharma might have some questions about various things that are done. And those that have been practicing a bit may also have a question or two on some of the traditional things done.
There are many customs. Perhaps those that wish to participate may want to offer their knowledge of why a particular custom is done, or may want to add to the list.
Let me suggest a few below - I ask all those that wish to participate to please join in so others can have an appreciation of why these things are done and perhaps may take-up one or two of them themselves - or better understand the significance behind what they are doing today.
I know one custom I do but have not found the root meaning of why.
I have a lamp lit at home. I understand the significance of the flame yet if I wish to extinguish the flame ( upon leaving the home) it is custom to not blow it out with one's breath. So I fan the flame with my hand and put it out with wind (vāyu). So why is it that the breath ( which is prāṇa/vāyu and some would call it apāna) is not acceptable?
I could surmise the following:
- The flame is agni and the physical expression of the Supreme. One's breath could be considered impure and blowing on the pure ( agni) is inappropriate.
- Another view is that of the mahābhūta-s ( space, air or wind ~gas~, fire, water earth). This vāyu is subtler then agni and is not considered 'superior' to it, and hence putting it out via wind is not appropriate.
- Many put out a flame with their fingers, pressing the flame out. This would be considered 'earth' or the phyical make-up of our body. Yet touch is a function of vāyu, and we once again are back to the air principle ( vāyu mahābhūta ).
Those are just few ideas, but perhaps I can learn from others on this matter. Please offer your insights as you wish on the spiritual significance of these customs.
I will do lamp (dīpa दीप) on the next post and give my views and learning - please join in.
- Why light a lamp (dīpa दीप) ?
- Why bow (namaskāra नमस्कार) or namas by word or gesture to another ?
- Why do many wear a mark ( tilaka तिलक) on the forehead i.e. vibhūtiḥ (sacred ash) , kuṁkum (power for red dot) etc.
- Why do we offer food (naivedya नैवेद्य) to the Supreme first, before eating?
- Why do many circumambulate ( pradākṣiṇā प्रदाक्शिणा) i.e. walk clockwise around a temple, holy place, or even turn-round the axis of of selves?
- Why is it traditional to say peace ( śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ शान्तिः ) 3 times?
- Why do we ring a bell (ghaṇtā घण्ता) ?
- Why meditate at the junctions (sandhyā or saṁdhyā संधि) of the day i.e. dawn, dusk , etc?
pranams
Last edited by yajvan; 17 December 2008 at 12:54 PM.
यतस्त्वं शिवसमोऽसि
yatastvaṁ śivasamo'si
because you are identical with śiva
_
Bookmarks