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PHRASES IN THE GITA - 39

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PHRASES IN THE GITA - 39

प्रणिपादेन .... (अध्याय ४ - श्लोक ३४)
ப்ரணி பாதேன .... (அத்யாயம் 4 - ஶ்லோகம் 34)
PraNi Paadena .... (Chapter 4 - Shloka 34)

MEANING :  Bowing down at the feet ....

Namaskar, Namaste, Vanakkam, Namaskaaraa, Namaskaaramandi, Namaskarikkunnu, Paay Laagoo, Charan Choo,, Jay Shri Krishna, Raam Raam, are all words used by people in different parts of Bharat, to greet each other when they meet.  All these words mean the same. I bow to you.  You are manifestation of Divinity.  I bow to the Divinity in you.  Words used may be different in various languages, but the intent is same.  Man is essentially Divine and should be worshipped as such.  This Vision is unique contribution of Bharat to Humanity.

 Actions accompanying these words of Greeting are also numerous.  Some bow down the head, some others join the two palms and bow down the head.  There are many who bow down and touch the feet, while some fall flat on ground and touch the feet reverently..  Communities in Europe, the US and Afrika regions do not have this practice of worshipping other humans.  Obviously, the languages spoken in those regions do not have suitable words to express this sentiment.  Asian countries where Buddhism is being followed do have this practice of worshipping humans and the languages too have words to express worship.  Falling at feet is Unique only to Bharat.  This practice is deep rooted in Bharat.  When I say Bharat, I mean Akhanda Bharat, Bharat of our dreams, Bharat which existed a few decades back, Bharat which includes the truncated region called India, and Nepal, Tibet, Shri Lanka, Pakistan, BanglaDesh, BrahmaDesh, etc.

Falling at feet demands humility.  If one's mind remains rigidly arrogant, falling at feet by him will be sheer and lifeless ritualistic act.

World over, there prevail many common symbolic acts.  One of those is wanting to place one's shoe or feet on other's head.  मेरी जूति तेरे सर पर |  they say in Hindi.. My shoe on your head.  These words or the act symbolizes desire to insult,  to put down the 'Me' in the other.  The opposite act, placing one's head voluntarily at other's feet should obviously reveal an intention to put down one's own 'Me'.

 There is one more aspect to 'bowing down to fall at feet'.  Complete Surrender ...  "My efforts are none.  Your wish shall prevail.." is the spirit enshrined in this outward act of falling at feet ..  It is easier to surrender at the feet of some one with greater power, potential, wealth and strength.  Fear and / or selfish expectations rule in these types of surrender.  To surrender at the feet of an Acharya, with No power, no strength, no wealth, but only Character and Knowledge, ...that is difficult and that is what is being suggested by Shri Krishna in this phrase.

 Prani Paadena ... I should gradually diminish and finally vanish.  Complete surrender should happen.

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