Conference hydra::dejavu

1668.0. "Hindu Symbolism" by TNPUBS::PAINTER (more than memories) Thu May 14 1992 17:32

From: "The Symbolism of Hindu Gods and Rituals", by Swami Parthasarathy. p.114

Tilaka and Namaskara

Tilaka is the mark of red powder or sandalwood paste that is applied on 
the forehead.  It is used by the Hindus.  It has become practically a
symbol of Hinduism.

To a Hindu the daily bath carries a lot of sanctity.  It is a part of his 
prayer and worship.  Immediately after bath the Hindu performs his daily 
prayer usually in his temple or in his own house.  After his prayer is 
over he takes a little red or sandal powder placed at the feet of the 
Lord and applies it to his forehead.  The ladies usually make a round 
mark and that is called 'tilaka' [or 'tilak'].  Men are more accustomed 
to use it in the form of a straight line.  Whatever way these marks are 
made the Hindu retains it throughout the day.

This practice has a significance.  The Hindu believes that the purpose of 
life is to realize the Infinite Reality.  This is achieved by reflection 
and contemplation which he practices in his prayer-room.  But he cannot 
continue his prayer all day long since his duties and obligations compel 
him to go into the world and work.  He therefore leaves his prayer room 
with the idea of coming back to it after fulfilling his obligations.  
While leaving he takes a little powder from the Lord and applies it to 
his forehead with an idea to remember that all his actions in the 
external world are dedicated to the achievement of this supreme goal of 
Realisation.  The forehead is the seat of memory.  Applying the tilaka on 
the forehead symbolises the retention of the memory of the Lord in all 
his activities.  That is to remember, to reflect, and contemplate upon 
the Reality in and through his activities throughout the day.

When a Hindu meets another Hindu the first thing that strikes them both 
is the mark on the forehead.  It constantly reminds each other of the 
purpose of their existence, their dedication to the realisation of the 
supreme Reality.  They confirm this understanding by greeting each other 
with folded arms.  This gesture is called 'namaskara'.  The gesture of 
'namaskara' is to join the two palms together in front of him and bow his
head to the joint palms.

Each palm represents the separate individuality.  Each palm supports the 
five fingers.  Similarly, each personality has the five sheaths called 
the five 'koshas'.  The five different parts of the personality are 
called 'pancha-koshas' literally meaning the five sheaths.  They are:

   1. the food sheath - annamaya-kosha
   2. the vital-air sheath - pranamaya-kosha
   3. the mental sheath - manomaya-kosha
   4. the intellectual sheath - vignana-maya kosha
   5. the bliss sheath - ananda-maya kosha

These five sheaths are supported by the Atman, the supreme Self which is 
the eternal Reality.  The five sheaths are different from individual to 
individual but the Reality that supports them all is one and the same in 
all individualities.  This truth is declared when the Hindus great each 
other with 'namaskara'.  The two palms joined together as one indicates 
that the Reality or Atman in both are one and the same.  To this unifying 
Infinite Atman the Hindu bows in reverence when he does 'namaskara'.