Each of the religions of the world has its own culture, with many customs, traditions and refined qualities. The Hindu culture is a culture of love, respect, honoring others and humbling one's own ego so that the inner nature, which is naturally pure and modest, will shine forth. From my interview with Mr Mogan Shanmugam, an Indian man who was born in 1952, I discovered some of the important aspects of of Hindu community.
Respect
Mr Mogan highlighted that in his culture, respect for elders is very important. This genuine acknowledgment of seniority is demonstrated through endearing customs, such as sitting to the left of elders, bringing gifts on special occasions, not sitting while they are standing, not speaking excessively, not yawning or stretching, not putting one's opinions forward strongly, not contradicting or arguing, seeking their advice and blessings, giving them first choice in all matters, even serving their food first. Therefore he would always wait for his elders to eat first. Even his mother has to wait for his father and grandfather to eat before she could. This according to Mr Mogan, was as a sign of respect for the males, who are seen as symbols of God.
Mr Mogan shared how in their culture, respect is very important. In his family, they are taught to touch the feet of holy men and women in recognition of their great humility and inner attainment. The children prostrate and touch the feet of their mother and father at festivals and at special times, such as birthdays and before departing on a journey. If one were to give an offering, such as an archana basket, flowers or garlands, they must be carried with both hands on the right side of the body, so as to not be breathed on. All items are washed in preparation and, if carried more than a short distance, wrapped or covered.
Purity
Purity and its opposite, pollution, are vitally important in Hindu culture. Purity is of three forms -- purity in mind, speech and body, or thought, word and deed. Purity is the pristine and natural state of the soul
In Hindu culture the left hand is considered impure because it is used (with water) in the place of toilet paper for personal hygiene after answering the call of nature. Handing another person anything with the left hand may be considered a subtle insult.
Shoes are also considered impure. The cultured Hindu never wears shoes or sandals inside a temple or shrine, nor in his home or the homes of other Hindus. According to Mr Mogan, carrying shoes in the hands from one part of the premises to another is also avoided. An ultimate insult is to be struck with a shoe. Therefore he was constantly reminded to respect his family members by removing the shoes as they entered their homes. It is also very important to apologize immediately if one touches someone with his or her shoe or sandal. This is done by touching the right hand to where the foot touched the other person and then touching one's right hand lightly to his own left eye and then the right.
The role of women
In his description of women, Mr Mogan stresses that in traditional Hindu culture, women are held in the highest regard -- far more respected, in truth, than in the West. But he says that it is different from the equality or participation in public interactions that are common in the West.
The qualities traditionally most admired in a Hindu woman are modesty of manner and shyness. Self-assertive or bold tendencies are regarded with caution.
Feminine refinements are expressed and protected in many customs, including the following:
1. WOMANLY RESERVE: In mixed company especially in the presence of strangers, a Hindu woman will keep modestly in the background and not participate freely in conversation. This, of course, does not apply to situations among family and close associates.
2. WALKING BEHIND ONE'S HUSBAND: The wife walks a step or two behind her husband, or if walking by his side, a step or two back, always giving him the lead. In the West, the reverse of this is often true. A woman also looks upon her spouse as a god, who waits upon and serves him as if he is a god, who surrenders her own will completely to that of her lord, who is cheerful, who observes excellent vows, who is endued with good features, and whose heart is completely devoted to her husband so much that she never thinks even of any other man, is regarded as truly righteous in conduct.
3. SERVING AT MEALS: At meals women follow the custom of serving the men first before enjoying their own meal.
4. CHAPERONING: It is customary for a woman to always be accompanied when she leaves the home. Living alone, too, is unusual.
From the interview, I have learnt more about the significance of the Hindu culture.
Adapted from http://mailerindia.com/hindu/veda/index.php?hculture
