Previous

Next

Ask a Question

Summary of Question:	Touching Feet - Why Is It Expected
Category:	Other
Date Posted:	Monday, 6/25/2001 5:33 PM MDT

WJKK

WJKF

I've just read some views on 'touching elders feet'. I spoke to a few ladies who after getting married were expected to touch their 'In-laws' feet in respect and they did and also continue to do so. What I found is that almost all of them don't really want to touch anybody's feet. What I want to ask is 'If most women don't really want to do it, why is it expected from them? I mean respect comes from within ones heart and touching feet is just a formality. I didn't and still don't touch anybody's feet but I have been living with my In-law's for 4 years now and I respect my In-laws a lot as my parents are both dead. I see my In-laws as my own parents and never had any problems with them. They have accepted my choice, so If elders are getting due respect why show it in a manner which one may find uncomfortable. I must admit I get criticism from other relatives though for not touching feet. The second question is:- mostly I've noticed only women are expected to touch elders feet and not men! why? The thir
d question is: I often notice when I go to the temple that ladies who are attending the temple with their daughter in laws ask them to touch other ladies' feet even before they've paid their respect to the Guru Granth Sahib. Is it not disrespectful honouring humans before our Guru Granth Sahib?

I feel very strong about this issue and if its down to personal choice why are ladies being told to touch feet when they get married? Should it not be left upto them to decide how they want to show respect. I'm quite religious and very strongly feel that bowing in front of a human being is highly disrespectful to our Guru.
Please answer my questions asap and I would also like to hear from other readers what they think. Your comments would be most appreciated!!!!!!!!!

My email address is: [email protected] if anybody wants to comment.
Thank You.

********
REPLY
*******
Waheguru ji ka khalsa, Waheguru ji ki fateh!
Dear One:

Touching feet is an old Indian custom meant to show respect to one's elders, including spiritual teachers. In the time of our 10 Gurus, it would not have been uncommon to have a devotee touch the feet of Baba Nanak or Guru Gobind Singh or any Gurus in between.

In answer to your first question: if you show respect by your manner I don't see why it is necessary to touch feet of your elders. I admire your courage for honoring your feelings about this.
2. I do not know the specific answer although Indian culture can be very sexist about what is expected of men vs. women, etc. Next time you get hassled for not touching feet, you could ask your women relatives why the men don't do the same thing.
3. Without question, it is disrespectful to Guru to touch ANYONE's feet in honor when in front of Siri Guru Granth ANYWHERE. This practice should end immediately.
You have, by your question, reminded us that the only one a Sikh bows to is Siri Guru Granth, not another person. There are many ways to show respect for elders without going to the lengths of touching feet.
Guru rakha,
-DKK