Exchange of Prana

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Exchange of Prana

 

1. GIVING AND RECEIVING WITH BOTH HANDS: Giving and accepting things

from one to another, presenting offerings to the Deity, etc., is most

properly done with both hands. The reason for this is that with the

gift, prana is also given through both hands, thus endowing more

energy to the object. The recipient of the gift receives it with both

hands along with the prana from the gracious giver. It is known that

this exchange of energies is vital for friendship, harmony and the

total release of the gift to the recipient.

 

2. NOT POINTING THE FINGER: Pointing with the forefinger of the right

hand or shaking the forefinger in emphasis while talking is never

done. This is because the right hand possesses a powerful, aggressive

pranic force, an energy that moves the forces of the world. Pointing

the index finger channels that force into a single stream. The

harshness of this energy would be severely felt in the nerve system

of the recipient. More properly, rather than pointing or shaking the

index finger to give direction or emphasize a verbal statement, the

entire hand is used as a pointer, with the palm up and the thumb held

alongside the forefinger.

 

3. SHAKING HANDS: The traditional way that Hindu men greet one

another is with the aNjali mudra, then, with palms still held

together, extending their hands to one another, in a two-handed

handshake, in a deliberate transfer of prana. The hands of one man,

usually the less senior, are gently clasped between the other's. Each

looks smilingly into the other's face while bowing slightly in

humility. This handshake is not firm, but relaxed and gentle.

 

4.GREETING WOMEN: However, Hindu men never shake hands with women in

the above manner or in any other way. Women are greeted by placing

hands in aNjali mudra, the prayerful gesture.

 

5.NOT THROWING THINGS: Throwing any object to another person is

considered extremely improper, even if the persons know each other

very well. Cultured Hindus consider this crude and even mildly

violent, even if done in efficiency or jest.

 

6. CARE IN SITTING: It is improper to sit with one's legs

outstretched toward a temple, shrine or altar, or even toward another

person. This is a grave insult. Crossing one leg over the knee when

sitting in a chair should be avoided, though crossing at the ankles

is permitted. One must always try to follow the example of

traditional elders. Worshiping, meditating or sitting in the kneeling

pose is not acceptable among Hindus.

 

7.DOORWAYS: Conversations are not held inside or through doorways.

This is considered inauspicious. Similarly, to exchange or give or

lend an object, one steps inside the room first, or the recipient

steps out of the room so that both parties are in the same room.

 

 

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