Hindu Culture

The younger ones never speak the names of their elders, although the elder may use the names of the young ones. The children are taught to call all adults uncle or aunt. Only people of the same age group will address each other by their first names. A Hindu wife never utters the name of her spouse.

People touch the feet of holy men and women in respect to their inner attainment and great humility. A dancer touches the feet of her teacher before and after each class. Children touch the feet of their father and mother at special times and festivals or before setting forth on a journey.

A Hindu must respectfully visit divine places, seeing with outer and inner vision the image of a temple, deity, or holy place. The Darshan (encounter with a guru) is generally done with the intention to receive the grace and blessings of the holy being.

Dakshina is the traditional provision of a gift to a priest or a monetary fee at the completion of any ritual. It is also given to the gurus (teachers) as a token of humility and respect for their blessings.