1. Introduction
In some cultures and countries, for example in Japan, there is a custom of greeting each other by bowing. As a part of our series of articles about greeting, we will share here the spiritual research on bowing as a form of greeting.
2. Description of bowing as a form of greeting
Greeting by bowing is done when two people, standing across from each other, bend their bodies towards each other at the same time and at a certain angle, in order to greet one another.
As a form of greeting (particularly in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam), basic bows originate at the waist and are performed with the back straight and the hands at the sides (for men) or clasped in front (for women), and with the eyes down. Bows can be generally divided into three main types: informal, formal, and very formal. Informal bows are made at about a fifteen degree angle and more formal bows at about thirty degrees. Very formal bows are deeper. (Ref: Wikipedia)
The accuracy of the picture based on subtle-knowledge is expressed in percentages. Its accuracy is determined through advanced sixth sense by H.H. Dr. Athavale, who then corrects it for any inaccuracies in the science. Subtle-knowledge is beyond the scope of the five senses, mind and intellect. Hence, e.g. 80% represents a very high accuracy rate, compared to the sixth sense ability of the average person who cannot perceive the spiritual dimension at all.
3. Spiritual perspective on greeting by bowing
One of our seekers with an evolved sixth sense, Mrs. Yoya Vallee, has drawn a subtle-picture of this greeting along with the Divine Knowledge on what happens when two people greet each other in this manner. This has been verified and authenticated by H.H. Dr. Athavale. When checked through advanced sixth sense, the picture was found to be 80% accurate.
The picture below provides the details behind each of the subtle-aspects of bowing as a form of greeting. Refer to the article on chakras to acquire a better understanding of the picture below.
When two people greet each other by bowing, a protective sheath of Divine Energy (Shakti) is formed around each one of them. Particles of Divine Energy start emitting from them and fill the space between them. A sheath of the Energy of Creation that helps accelerate the mission of the spread of spirituality is formed next to their body and emits particles of this energy in the space between them.
Since nowadays the majority of people do not do spiritual practice, some amount of black energy in the form of subtle-covering around their bodies, is usually present around them continually. In this type of greeting, since there is no physical contact between people, this black energy covering is not transmitted from one to the other.
Although the two people are not touching each other, due to many thoughts, personality defects and emotions that they have in their mind, intellect and ego, spiritual rings of black energy at the level of the mid-brow chakra (Ādnyā-chakrā) and crown chakra (Sahasrār-chakrā) start emitting hazy waves of black energy along with particles of black energy in the form of thoughts. This occurs since they are not in communion with God but in contact with each other at the thought and emotion levels.
This greeting does not possess any Divine consciousness (Chaitanya), since there is no communion with God; however, particles of Divine Energy emit from both persons.
3.1 Spiritual benefits of bowing as a form of greeting
- Black energy is not transmitted between people engaged in this greeting.
- Divine Energy envelops the people in this greeting for some time.
- It enhances energy that provides momentum to actions (kārya-shakti), which can benefit the persons engaged in greeting.
- This method of greeting is respectful and reduces the ego. The amount of reduction of ego through this greeting will depend upon the spiritual emotion (bhāv) towards God of the person who is engaged in bowing.
3.2 Spiritual drawbacks of bowing
- There are no thoughts about God or communion with God.
- There is formality that decreases the feeling of closeness.
- Black energy in the form of thoughts and emotions is exchanged between two people engaged in this form of greeting.
4. In summary
From a spiritual point of view, greeting by bowing is more beneficial than some other common forms of greeting like hugging, kissing or handshakes. However bowing does not enhance the Sattva component in us, as is the case with greeting by namaskār.
