In an Indian household, our parents teach us from a very young age to never touch papers, books and people with our feet.
If our feet accidentally touch them, they tell us to intentionally touch it again with our hands and then the eyes as a mark of apology.
But, Why Is It Inappropriate To Touch Papers and Books With Our Feet?
Knowledge is wealth. And for Indians, just like the trees and plants, it is sacred and divine as well. Hence, it must be respected at all times and under any given circumstance.
Following the basic ground rule, the ritual or custom of not touching educational tools with the feet is a frequent reminder of the pedestal we put knowledge on in Indian culture.
Thus, knowledge, knowledgeable people, learning tools and any source of knowledge are considered divine.
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This notion makes it unethical to touch them with our feet.
This is in direct correlation with the pooja (devotion) done, usually during Diwali.
We worship books, vehicles, and instruments on that day, dedicated to Lakshmi and Saraswati, goddesses of wealth and learning.
The act of touching books and papers with feet is not acceptable. Digested. But why is touching another person with the feet considered as a fault too?
Why Are People Not Supposed To Be Touched With Feet?
Human Being is God’s most beautiful creation. Not only that, a human being is a Whole temple of the Almighty Himself.
Would you touch someone’s creation with your feet?
Not at all! Similarly, touching another person with your feet is an act of disrespecting the divinity within that person. When done accidentally, we touch the person with hands intentionally and then our eyes, as an act of apology.
Our traditions & customs are not rocket science. They are based on simple facts. Some of which were experienced, some of which are just felt.
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