Proskynesis

Proskynesis (proscynesis or proskinesis) is a solemn communicative gesture of respect, the act of bowing down before a Lord or Ruler, especially in ancient Persia, it referred to a man prostrating himself and kissing the earth, or the limbs of a respected person.

It has long been known that the Egyptian Pharaoh was revered as divine in Egyptian culture. Thus, Egyptians practiced proskynesis before Him. The exact posture of the Hittites proskynesis is still unclear.

Proskynesis was one of the religious rites of Romans. While, Xenophon, a Greek military leader, philosopher, and historian, cites the Greek refusal to perform proskynesis as a sign of their freedom distinguishing them from the Persians.

Similarly, 'bowing' (or stooping) is the act of lowering the torso and head as a social gesture in direction to another person or symbol. It is most prominent in Asian cultures, also typical of nobility and aristocracy in European court conduct. It is as well used in religious contexts, as a form of worship or veneration.

Whilst, a 'curtsy' (also spelled curtsey or incorrectly as courtsey) is a traditional gendered gesture of greeting, in which, a girl or woman bends her knees while bowing her head. In Western culture it is the feminine equivalent of bowing by males.

In Sinospheric culture, the 'kowtow' is the highest sign of reverence, it is the act of deep respect shown by prostration, that is, kneeling and bowing so low as to have one's head touching the ground. It was widely used to show reverence for one's elders, superiors, and especially the Emperor of China, as well as for religious and cultural objects of worship. In modern times, usage of the kowtow has been reduced.

In Japan, people greet each other by bowing. A bow can ranges from a small nod of the head to a deep bend at the waist. A deeper, longer bow indicates respect and conversely a small nod with the head is casual and informal. If the greeting takes place on tatami floor, people get on their knees to bow.

In rare instances, to express profound apology or gratitude, a person will bend beyond 45 degrees and hold it for a count of three. Long bows beyond 45 degrees are known as "saikeiri" and are only used to show deep sympathy, respect, apology, and in worship.

All traditional Japanese and other martial arts begin and end with the bow, as a sign of respect for the traditions, respect for the people you train with, and a show peaceful intentions.

Thais often greet one another with a “wai”, a person should bow their head with their palms pressed together to indicate respect. The depth of the bow and the level of the hands represents the level of respect. Whilst, this form of greeting is still widely used, the younger generation are not as rigid in their adherence to the customary wai.

The wai is also Thailand's prayer-like gesture with the hands together in front and head slightly bowed. To not return a wai is considered impolite; only the King and Monks do not have to. Try not to wai while holding something in your hands; a slight bow will suffice.

In Western protocols, there are no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting a Sovereign or a member of a Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms. For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy. Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way.

In Buddhism, there are three main kinds of bowing: Bowing toward shrines and statues, and even great Buddhist texts, is a sign of respect for the teachings, those who embody them, and the virtuous qualities, such as non-violence, they uphold.

Communicants of many Christian denominations bow at the mention of the name of Jesus, while, inside of a church and outside of one. Whereas, 'Genuflection' (or genuflexion) is the act of bending a knee to the ground, as distinguished from kneeling, which, more strictly involves both knees. From early times, it has been a gesture of deep respect for a superior.

In the Jewish setting, bowing, similar to in Christianity, is a sign of respect, and is done at certain points in Jewish services. There are two main types of bowing during the prayer services:?Bowing just from the waist (with and without taking steps), and.?Bowing with the knees, plus two variations on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur (hands and knees on floor).

In Islam, there are two types of bowing, "Sujud" and "Ruk'u". Whereby, Sujud is to prostrate oneself to Allah in the direction of the Kaaba at Mecca which, is done during prayers (salat); whereas, Ruku' is bowing down in the standing position during prayers.

In Islam, it is 'shirk' (major sin) to bow to a human being with the intention to worship, or if that person is considered Divine by the bower. Muslims are only supposed to bow, with the intention to worship Allah. Moreover, bowing as a greeting or sign of thanks or respect, without an intent to worship, is also forbidden according to a specific hadith in Sunan-at-Tirmidhi.

“When everything exists within your big mind, all dualistic relationships drop away. There is no distinction between heaven and earth, man and woman, teacher and disciple. Sometimes a man bows to a woman; sometimes a woman bows to a man. Sometimes the disciple bows to the master; sometimes the master bows to the disciple... In your big mind, everything has the same value.” Shunryu Suzuki

Food for thought!