From Namaste to Aadab to Salute to Handshake. There are various ways of greeting people. In India, the most common way to greet someone is with "Namaste". While #handshakes are becoming more common, especially in formal settings, "Namaste" remains a widely used and culturally significant greeting. "Namaste" translates to "I bow to you" in Sanskrit and is a respectful way to greet, welcome, and bid farewell. Greetings signal that we see and acknowledge the other person's presence, making them feel noticed and valued. But do we get anything in return ? The ancient Sanskrit has elaborated the deep meaning of greeting someone with due respect. It says :
अभिवादनशीलस्य नित्यं वृद्धोपिसेविनः |
चत्वारि तस्य वर्द्धन्ते आयुर्विद्या यशो बलम् ||
Abhivaadansheelasya nityam vruddhopasevinah. Chatvaari tasya varddhante aayurvidya yasho balam.
Abhivaadanasheelasya = a person who respects and salutes other persons,
Nityam = always.
Vruddhopasevinah = Vrudddha + upasevinah.
Vruddha = aged persons.
Upasevinah = serving devotedly.
Chatvaari = four.
Tasya = his.
Varddhante = increase.
Aayurvidyaa = Aayuh + vidyaa.
Aayuh = life
Vidyaa = knowledge.
Yasho = fame.
Balam = strength, power.
i.e. Those people who show friendship and respect to others by greeting them and always serve the elders, their age, knowledge, fame and strength keep on increasing continuously.
The verses highlights that by regularly saluting with respect and serving the aged person, helps an individual in getting a good life. These simple act of greeting may result in enhanced fame, age, knowledge and strength of the individuals due to the blessing receive in return. Respecting others reflects our own morality, nature and thinking, which gives us a positive identity in the society. A person who respects others, his words are given more importance in the society and he has a positive influence on others.
Greeting elders is a fundamental aspect of showing respect, rooted in cultural and societal values. It acknowledges their experience, wisdom, and the contributions they have made. Greeting elders can help bridge the gap between generations, fostering understanding and positive relationships between younger and older individuals. Greeting elders also reflects humility and can lead to positive interactions, blessings, and a stronger sense of community.