Touching Feet (Charan Sparsh) Transmits Tradition and Energy
Introduction: Our Indian culture has always been a reflection of diverse values (sanskars); it is one of the oldest cultures in the world and is considered the mother of all global cultures. In this culture, the tradition of elders blessing the young and youngsters respecting the elders has been practised for centuries.
This tradition is called ‘Charan Sparsh’, ‘Charan Vandana’, or ‘touching the feet’. Just as a magnet attracts iron towards itself, individuals with good conduct attract us towards them, and we instinctively bow down to touch their feet in reverence.
Today’s generation might find this a bit strange, but if we look at it through the lens of science and psychology, Charan Sparsh is a tradition through which we can attain mental peace.
The brain controls the energy in the body, and the hands and feet are the ultimate exchange centres of this energy. When we bend down to touch an elder’s feet, our fingertips come into contact with the toes of their feet. This creates a closed circuit. The positive energy flowing from their feet enters our body through our hands, creating an inner connection.
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Development of Humility
Bending down is a symbol of humility. When we bow down before someone, our ego diminishes. Reduced ego leads to a decrease in stress-inducing hormones in the brain, enhancing self-respect and mental peace. A person who knows how to bow down enjoys better mental health than those who remain constantly in stress and competition.
The Science of Blessings
When an elder places his hand on our head to bless us, that touch has a profound effect. The affectionate touch releases the hormone oxytocin in our brain, which is also known as the “love hormone”. This hormone evokes feelings of security, love, and belonging, helping to alleviate issues like depression and loneliness.
This tradition serves as a way to keep families connected. When children seek the blessings of elders, it instils a sense of usefulness in the elderly, which helps extend their longevity. At the same time, children gain experienced guidance and psychological security. This intergenerational bond prevents society from fracturing.
Bending down to touch feet is also a form of yoga that increases the flexibility of the spine and improves blood circulation. Positive words spoken during a blessing leave a deep impact on a person’s subconscious mind. Research shows that children who remain close to their grandparents develop greater strength to endure adverse situations. Seeking blessings from elders is not merely a formality, but a science of connecting with one’s roots and absorbing positive energy. It makes us humble and imparts an invisible mental strength to fight life’s challenges. The next time you touch an elder’s feet, feel a new flow of energy beginning within you.
This tradition of Charan Sparsh is extremely useful and important from the perspectives of religion, spirituality, and science. It has been observed that no matter how angry or harsh a person’s nature may be, if we touch his feet, his hand automatically rises to bless us in return. Therefore, Charan Sparsh, Charan Vandana, Charan Stuti, Charan Puja, or Charan Smriti never goes in vain; they always yield positive results.
