Scientific reasons behind Indian customs

 

Traditions in Hinduism were considered mainly as superstitions, but with the advent of science, it is becoming evident that these traditions are based on some scientific knowledge and moved from generations to generations as traditions. Though the common people did not know science in it, they were following it very faithfully over the years. This write up is an attempt to bring forward the science involved in these traditions and rituals...

1.Throwing Coins into a River:

The general reasoning given for this act is that it brings Good Luck. However, scientifically speaking, in the ancient times, most of the currency used was made of copper unlike the stainless steel coins of today. Copper is a vital metal very useful to the human body. Throwing coins in the river was one way our fore-fathers ensured we intake sufficient copper as part of the water as rivers were the only source of drinking water. Making it a custom ensured that all of us follow the practice.

2. Joining Both Palms together to Greet:

 

In Hindu culture, people greet each other by joining their palms - termed as “Namaskar.” The general reason behind this tradition is that greeting by joining both the palms means respect. However, scientifically speaking, joining both hands ensures joining the tips of all the fingers together; which are denoted to the pressure points of eyes, ears, and mind. Pressing them together is said to activate the pressure points which helps us remember that person for a long time. And, no germs since we don’t make any physical contact!

3. Why do Indian Women wear Toe Ring:

Wearing toe rings is not just the significance of married women but there is science behind it. Normally toe rings are worn on the second toe. A

particular nerve from the second toe connects the uterus and passes to heart. Wearing toe ring on this finger strengthens the uterus. It will keep it healthy by regulating the blood flow to it and menstrual cycle will be regularized. As Silver is a good conductor, it also absorbs polar energies from the earth and passes it to the body.

4. Applying Tilak on the Forehead:

 

On the forehead, between the two eyebrows, is a spot that is considered as a major nerve point in human body since ancient times. The Tilak is believed to prevent the loss of "energy", the red 'kumkum' between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. While applying kumkum the points on the mid-brow region and Adnya-chakra are automatically pressed. This also facilitates the blood supply to the face muscles.

5. Why do Temples have Bells:

People who are visiting the temple should and will Ring the bell before entering the inner sanctum (Garbhagudi or Garbha Gruha or womb-chamber) where the main idol is placed. According to Agama Sastra, the bell is used to give sound for keeping evil forces away and the ring of the bell is pleasant to God. 

However, the scientific reason behind bells is that their ring clears our mind and helps us stay sharp and keep our full concentration on devotional purpose. These bells are made in such a way that when they produce a sound it creates a unity in the Left and Right parts of our brains. The moment we ring the bell, it produces a sharp and enduring sound which lasts for minimum of 7 seconds in echo mode. The duration of echo is good enough to activate all the seven healing centres in our body. This results in emptying our brain from all negative thoughts.

6. Why do we have Navratras:

 

Our living style has drastically changed if we compare it to the society hundreds & thousands of years ago. The traditions which we follow in present are not

establishments of today but of the past. Ever thought, why do we have Navratras twice a year unlike other festivals like Deepawali or Holi? Well, both these months are the months of changing seasons and the eating habits of both the seasons are quite different from each other. Navratras give enough time to the body to adjust and prepare itself for the changing season. These nine days were marked as a period when people would clean their body system by keeping fasts by avoiding excessive salt and sugar, meditate, gain a lot of positive energy, gain a lot of self confidence & increase the self determination power (fasts are a medium to improve our will power and self determination) and finally get ready for the challenges of the changed season.

7. Why do we worship Tulsi Plant:

 

Hindu religion has bestowed ‘Tulsi’, with the status of mother. Also known as ‘Sacred or Holy Basil’, Tulsi, has been recognized as a religious and spiritual devout in many parts of the world. 

The vedic sages knew the benefits of Tulsi and that is why they personified it as a Goddess and gave a clear message to  the entire community that it needs to be taken care of by the people, literate or illiterate. We try to protect it because it is like Sanjeevani for the mankind. Tulsi has great medicinal properties. It is a remarkable antibiotic. Taking Tulsi everyday in tea or otherwise increases immunity and help the drinker prevent diseases,  stabilize his or her health condition, balance his or her body system and most important of all, prolong his or her life. Keeping Tulsi plant at home prevents insects and  mosquitoes from entering the house. 

It is said that snakes do not dare to go near a Tulsi plant. Maybe that is why ancient people would grow lots of Tulsi near their houses.

8. Why do we worship Peepal Tree:

‘Peepal’ tree is almost useless for an ordinary person, except for its shadow. ‘Peepal’ does not a have a delicious fruit, its wood is not strong enough for any purpose then why should a common villager or person worship it or even care for it? Our ancestors knew that ‘Peepal’ is one of the very few trees (or probably the only tree) which produces oxygen even at night. So in order to save this tree because of its unique property they related it to God/religion.

9. Start with Spice & End with Sweet:

 

Our ancestors have stressed on the fact that our meals should be started off with somethingspicy and sweet dishes should be taken towards the end. The significance of this eating practice is that while spicy things activate the digestive juices and acids and ensure that the digestion process goes on smoothly and efficiently, sweets or carbohydrates pulls down the digestive process. Hence,sweets were always recommended to be taken as a last item.

10. Choti on the Male Head:

Sushrut rishi, the foremost surgeon of Ayurveda, describes the master sensitive spot on the head as Adhipati Marma, where there is a nexus of all nerves. The shikha protects this spot. Below, in the brain, occurs the Brahmarandhra, where the sushumnã (nerve) arrives from the lower part of the body. In Yog, Brahmarandhra is the highest, seventh chakra, with the thousand-petalled lotus. It is the centre of wisdom. The knotted shikhã helps boost this centre and conserve its subtle energy known as ojas.

11. Applying Mehendi/Henna on the Hand

 

 Besides lending color to the hands, mehndi is a very powerful medicinal herb. Weddings are stressful, and often, the stress causes headaches and fevers. As the wedding day approaches, the excitement mixed with nervous anticipation can take its toll on the bride and groom. Application of mehndi can prevent too much stress because it cools the body and keeps the nerves from becoming tense. This is the reason why mehndi is applied on the hands and feet, which house nerve endings in the body.

12. Celebration & Cleaning During Diwali:

Diwali usually falls in October or November which marks the start of winter season and end of rainy season. Rainy season wasn't a good time for everyone back then; many homes needed repair and renovation after a heavy fall. That is why time before diwali was considered the period during which everyone can indulge in cleaning and beautification of their home. And also take out their winter clothes and pack the summer ones.

13. Sitting on the Floor & Eating

This tradition is not just about sitting on floor and eating, it is regarding sitting in the “Sukhasan” position and then eating. Sukhasan is the position we normally use for Yoga asanas. Sitting in this position while eating helps in improving digestion as the circulatory system can focus solely upon digestion and not on our legs  dangling from a chair or supporting us while we are standing.

14. Why not to sleep with Your Head towards North

Myth is that it invites ghost or death but science says that it is because human body has its own magnetic field (Also known as hearts magnetic field, because the flow of blood) and Earth is agiant magnet. When we sleep with head towards north, our body's magnetic field become completely asymmetrical to the Earth's Magnetic field that cause problems related to blood pressure and our heart needs to work harder 

Tips to Make Your House Look Ready for Guests

It’s already 5pm and the guests are going to be over in a couple of hours, and your house is very far from clean. Have no fear, let me share my 12 secret steps to make your home look cleaner than it really is:

1. Begin by clean where your guests are most ly to see: Start in the doorway and work your way to the living-room (unless you’re taking them somewhere else). Clean the floors and surfaces, and unclutter these areas.

2. Next, clean the TV, people always check out the TV, even if it’s off. Follow up by cleaning table-tops and counters. If you have some extra time, spray the rooms with air-freshener or scented disinfectant to make it feel fresh.

3. Clutter is an eyesore, put remotes in one place (a basket, for example), books on shelves or stack them neatly in one place, and stash any other random objects into a laundry basket, then hide it in your bedroom. If you have time to put things back – it’ll be easier to clean once the guests are gone!

4. Bathroom! Flush, brush and flush again! Wipe any unsightly spots and such, close all the drawers, cupboards and closets, hang all your towels and give this room an air-freshener spritz as-well. Still got time? Get the windex and clean the mirror and taps!

5. When was the last time you replaced the dish-towels? Or the hand-towels in your bathroom? Get to it!

7. Head to the Kitchen, you got to do the dishes! And when I say “do”, I mean either hide them in your dishwasher, or if it’s full – use the oven as a quick storage. Alternatively, put them in a bucket with hot water and soap, and hide it in your bedroom, it’ll make it easier to wash them later.

8. Clean the window sills and turn the blinds up (to hide the dust), still have time – get the windex and do the windows!

9. A lit house looks cleaner – so open up the blinds/curtains and let the sunshine in! If it’s night time, consider candles or lamps instead of the main lights – it’ll make the place look cozier.

10. In case you didn’t have a chance before, grab that air-freshener and spray each room. A clean smell often makes people ignore minor dirty corners.

11. Didn’t get a chance to clean everything yet? Put something shiny close to a dirty area, it’ll draw people’s attention away from the eyesore and over to the nice, shiny object!

12. We’re practically done, but if you got some extra time to spare, just get the vacuum and take care of the floors (remember to start by the door and clean according to guest-ly-to-visit rooms first) and if they happen to arrive while you’re at it – they’ll excuse whatever small mess since they’ll feel they disturbed you in the middle of cleaning!

9 Things Successful People Never Do At Office

One thing our generation lacks is emotional intelligence..We might be extremely tech savvy, sarcastic, funny, intellectual and totally cool, but we just don’t know how to behave on most occasions. Particularly, in a professional environment. Because we don’t know how to deal with office politics. And we definitely don’t know when to shut up. To solve all these problems, we bring you a guide on how to be emotionally intelligent at your workplace. It’s simple - just get rid of the following 9 habits. 

1. Don't talk about finding a new job.
 
You just don’t talk about these things. It is a no-no. Whether you’re looking for a job or not, it is entirely your business. We don’t realise it, but talking about this highlights your disinterest in work. Don’t be surprised if this news reaches your boss (because sooner or later it will). He’ll probably stop giving you work and then you won’t know where to go.
 
2. Don't talk about your pay package. 

No matter what your intentions are, you come across as a show-off. On top of that, it gives your colleagues a reason to compare. The outcome of this is that people make direct contrasts between how you work and how much you get paid. And you don’t want that.  

3. Avoid sharing details of your sex life. 

Nobody wants to know what you do in your bedroom. Office is just not the place to discuss these intimate details. It makes people around you uncomfortable. Let’s just say some lines shouldn’t be crossed. 

4. Don't mock your team mates. 

You might not mean any harm, but other people are sensitive and can take your jokes to heart. Especially your juniors. Mocking is a way of bringing them down. So, before you decide to laugh at someone, take a step back and evaluate your intentions. 

5. Give up being curious about other people’s lives. 

There should be only one mantra at work - mind your own business. Being curious can come across as being intrusive. And nobody likes people who poke their noses. Why do you want to know who he’s dating or what she does on the weekend? Don’t ask them and keep your questions to yourself. 

6. Avoid sharing too much on social media. 

The best thing is to not have your co-workers on your Facebook. Have them on Linkedin instead. You cannot predict what other people might conclude from your social media feed and how it will be discussed in office. Besides, your actions on Facebook or Twitter speak volumes about your character and you don’t know what impression it will have on your boss.
  
7. Keep your competitive side in check. 

There’s nothing wrong in being competitive. But going overboard with it is certainly problematic. For instance, if you are targeting someone and saying that you are better than Mr. X and you want to replace them, you’re being highly unprofessional. That just shows how insecure you are. Think about it. 

8. Stop telling the world about your drinking/smoking up habits. 

You might think that people will consider how cool you are, but you’re wrong. Instead, they’ll doubt your credibility and think of you as the person who is ALWAYS high. Sharing all this won’t get you marks for coolness. In fact, you’ll get labelled as the indifferent, laid-back and non-serious employee. 

9. Drop the rant about how much you hate your job. 

Never do that, NEVER! You’re opening exit doors for yourself. It makes you a negative person instead of a team player. The boss will find out that you are the cause of bringing your team’s morale down and it won’t be hard for him to find someone better than you. You need to understand that no one is irreplaceable. There are better candidates out there with a better attitude and resume than yours. Get yourself a reality check next time you crib about being stuck in this job. 

Source:

http://www.indiatimes.com/lifestyle/self/9-things-successful-people-never-do-at-office-233243.html  

Author: 
Surabhi Nijhawan