We as Indians, prostrate before our parents, elders, teachers and noble souls by touching their feet. Our elders bless us back by placing his or her hand on or over our heads. It is done daily, especially when we meet elders and particularly on important occasions like the beginning of a new task, birthdays, festivals etc. Abhivandana is served to introduce one-self and to announce one’s family and social culture along with prostration in certain traditional circles.
To touch the feet in prostration is a sign of respect for maturity, nobility, age and divinity that our elders personify. It is a symbol of the sacrifices they have done for our welfare and our recognition of their selfless love for us. It’s a way of acknowledging the greatness of another humbly. It reflects the strong family ties, which has been one of India’s enduring strengths as well as our social security.
The aashirvada (blessings) and sankalpa (good wishes) of elders are highly valued in India and which we seek during prostration. Positive vibrations are created by good thoughts. There is tremendous strength in good wishes springing from a heart full of love, divinity and nobility. We invoke the good wishes and blessings of elders which flow in the form of positive energy to envelop us, when we prostrate with humility and respect. That’s why the posture assumed whether it is in the standing or prone position, enables the entire body to receive the energy thus received.
There are different forms of showing respect:
Pratuthana : Rising to welcome person
Namaskaara: Paying homes in form of namaste
Upasangrahan: Touching the feet of elders or teachers
Pratyabivaadana: Returning a greeting
Shaashtaanga: Prostrating fully with the feet, knees, stomach, chest, forehead and arms touching the ground in front of the elder.
Well, i think there are even more than that but nobody does the easiest namaste. What do you think?
Vedic Learnings 
Jinan said,
August 7, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Well-written article!!
I should be agree that nobody does the easiest namaste that obviously than before, but it is not completely gone from our culture. Still, Person leaving India, or starting big thing, or starting new life with wife touches the feet of elder (Upasangrahan). Still Namaste is quite common in festivals like Diwali and New Year. I wish that such a wonderful culture, on which every one of us should proud, will never get destroy, in the process of imitating western culture.