Gideon Rosen beautifully articulates the role that culture plays in presenting values and that by recognizing and integrating those values, it gives meaning to our lives. I believe culture does fill our lives with wonderful things while integration of cultural values is not always by choice or by recognition of its value. Most often, values are integrated into our lives without recognition by following customs that give meaning to our actions and behavior. Moreover, the recognition of these complex values is an evolutionary process that is better appreciated in retrospect and by doing so, it substantially enriches us socially, intellectually and culturally.
I was in the midst of a cultural tornado after 1st grade when I was forced to move …show more content…
It seemed odd to place hands together, close the eyes and bow the head instead of a simple hello or even a handshake. I was told not to address people by their names. Instead, I had to call out the relationship – Mavayya for mother's brother, Thathayya for grandfather – did not matter which side of the family, Nana-Amma or Amma-Amma for grandmother, depending on which side of the family, Mardhalu for those I could marry, and the list goes on. It is confusing, and I still have not mastered all the names given to various relationships, but I try to follow these customs. Over time, I realized that the Namaste was a mark of showing respect, reminding me to stay humble and to treat everyone the same. Even addressing relatives by their relationship signified affection and created a special bonding because of which I could count on the unconditional support of my Mavayya and Thathayya, and on the whimsical pranks played by my "Mardhalu" who were hell bent on teasing …show more content…
For example, I learned that the Janaeu or Yagyopaveet – a sacred thread worn across the chest – symbolizes a "sacred vision" that allows you to discern ‘right' from ‘wrong.' The lighting of an oil lamp everyday signifies removing darkness that stands for ignorance. The oil represents our "Vaasanas" or negative tendencies and the wick, the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the Vaasanas get exhausted, and the ego too vanishes. By wearing the Janaeu, I now see the world through this moral compass, and when lighting the lamp daily, it reminds me to get rid of negativity and
I was in the midst of a cultural tornado after 1st grade when I was forced to move …show more content…
It seemed odd to place hands together, close the eyes and bow the head instead of a simple hello or even a handshake. I was told not to address people by their names. Instead, I had to call out the relationship – Mavayya for mother's brother, Thathayya for grandfather – did not matter which side of the family, Nana-Amma or Amma-Amma for grandmother, depending on which side of the family, Mardhalu for those I could marry, and the list goes on. It is confusing, and I still have not mastered all the names given to various relationships, but I try to follow these customs. Over time, I realized that the Namaste was a mark of showing respect, reminding me to stay humble and to treat everyone the same. Even addressing relatives by their relationship signified affection and created a special bonding because of which I could count on the unconditional support of my Mavayya and Thathayya, and on the whimsical pranks played by my "Mardhalu" who were hell bent on teasing …show more content…
For example, I learned that the Janaeu or Yagyopaveet – a sacred thread worn across the chest – symbolizes a "sacred vision" that allows you to discern ‘right' from ‘wrong.' The lighting of an oil lamp everyday signifies removing darkness that stands for ignorance. The oil represents our "Vaasanas" or negative tendencies and the wick, the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the Vaasanas get exhausted, and the ego too vanishes. By wearing the Janaeu, I now see the world through this moral compass, and when lighting the lamp daily, it reminds me to get rid of negativity and