Respect should be done to our Older

Meaning: The line of Yajurved 16/32 says us that — "The higher and the lower, the older and the young, all when meeting should greet each other and say 'namaste' (I bow down to you) and thus honor each other. With it mutual pleasantness and harmony is maintained."

Message: The character of a man is known by the way he deals with others. A person with wickedness, ego and bad tendencies will behave discourteously with others. His speech will be dripping with harshness and rudeness. He will speak with others in a way to show them as inferior, to tease, condemn and prove them foolish. Such persons are not able to impress others about their greatness; on the contrary they become despicable because of their malice. Harsh words penetrate the heart and the affected person is shaken up because of it and becomes a permanent enemy. A person with bitter tone increases his enemies and reduces his friends.

We have to live in the society, and then we must also learn to deal with others properly. Excellent, generous and gentlemanly people always respect others and speak sweetly with them. With politeness we can get respect from others, make them our own and can also expect the same polite behavior from them. Man's real greatness lies in his gentlemanliness and its proof can be found in sweet speech and courteous behavior.

Politeness is the other name for humanness. One who lacks it must be called a human animal. Gentlemanliness begins with courteous behaviour with all, whether high or low. Whenever we meet others or when someone meets us, we should greet him by expressing pleasantness. Proper greeting is a part of common courtesy. By keeping both hands folded near the heart and saying 'namaste' (I bow to you) with bowed head, we declare that we are greeting the person with our mind, intelligence and heart. In this way mutual love, trust and friendliness increases. By addressing the youngsters with 'aap' or 'tum' and greeting them with love, increases their confidence. Without taking into consideration the age, education, wealth or status of others, the dealing or behaviour should always be polity and respectful.

In the great battle of mahabharat prince yudhishthir first went into the enemy camp, greeted with all respect his elderly relative Bhishmapeetamaha, his Guru Dronacharya and Krupacharya, the senior advisors in the enemy camp and then only commenced the battle. We must always honour those who are elder to us. The mahabharat says,"Abhivadanashilasya nityavruddhopasevinaha, chatvar tasva vardhante aayurvidya yashobalum", which means the longevity, learning, fame and strength of the person increases when he honour the elders.