Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet?

[Guest guest]

In Indian homes, we are taught from a very young age, never to touch papers,

books and people with our feet. Of the feet accidentally touch papers, books,

musical instruments or any other educational equipment, children are told to

reverentially touch what was stamped with their hands and then touch their eyes

as a mark of apology.

 

To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. So it must be given respect at all

times. Nowadays we separate subjects as sacred and secular. But in ancient India

every subject - academic or spiritual was considered divine and taught by the

guru in the gurukul.

 

The custom of not stepping on educational tools is a frequent reminder of the

high position accorded to knowledge in the Indian culture. From an early age

this wisdom fosters in us a deep reverence for books and education. This is also

the reason why we worship books, vehicles and instruments once a year on

Saraswathi Pooja or Ayudha Pooja day, dedicated to the Goddess of Learning.

 

Children are also strongly discouraged from touching people with their feet.

Even if this happens accidentally, we touch the person and bring the fingers to

our eyes as a mark of apology. Even when elders touch a younger person

inadvertently with their feet, they immediately apologize.

 

To touch another person with feet is considered an act of misdemeanor because :

man is regarded as the most beautiful, living, breathing temple of the lord!

Therefor touching another person with feet is akin to disrespecting the divinity

within him or her. This calls for an immediate apology, which is offered with

reverence and humility

 

Thus, many of our customs are designed to be simple but powerful reminders or

pointers of profound philosophical truths. This is one of the factors that has

kept Indian culture alive across centuries.