Blake

To see a world in a grain of sand, And a heaven in a wild flower, Hold infinity in the palm of your hand, And eternity in an hour. William Blake, from "Auguries of Innocence"

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Touching the Feet

Dear Daughter,

One of the things in India that is different from Belgium and America is that here, people will touch the feet of elders and respected people as a sign of humility and respect. Just like parents will touch the feet of their child out of love and wonder, I know I did with your feet!  Although this is more of a trait in Northern India where I soon will be, in the South, they revere the feet of the statues as well.

In the Meenakshi Temple, there are many statues with flowers and fruit placed at their feet as signs of reverence and devotion. Also, people in the Temple will smear colored paste on the feet as well as a symbol of purification, or pooja.

Here is a picture of a statue with three figures, all of them with their feet adorned with flowers and colors. Isn't it beautiful?



I Love You,

Papa

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