How low can reverence get?

Almost all forms of greeting involve a gesture or movement of the body that expresses deference, homage or, in rare instances, even genuflection towards a person who, for whatever reason, is perceived to be higher in some complex pecking order. This can range from the removal of head gear, to a slight tipping of the forehead , a nod, curtsy, short bow, bending at the waist , kneeling, touching of feet and full-fledged prostration . It can take other forms of topdown ordering too. One doesn’t shake hands with the boss till he makes the first move, whereas in the armed forces the junior officer is always required to salute first.

Ethologists and others who study animal behaviour — especially as it occurs in a natural environment — have a nifty explanation for this. They trace it back to our roots and early evolutionary ancestry. A junior, weaker or younger ape for instance doesn’t monkey around in the presence of the alpha male or female. No, the greeting consists of lowering its height instantly, snivelling and generally exhibiting an appropriate subservient attitude.

That’s because otherwise the little beast could have its head bitten off, if not come close to getting seriously damaged all over. It’s also the reason a dog puts its tail between the legs in similar situations . In extreme cases it will roll over and expose the vulnerable underbelly in an act of surrender.

Okay, so perhaps some of this has to rub off or remain in us and thus condition the way we behave when we opt to live in societies that are also hierarchical in nature to a greater or lesser extent even though it may appear faintly ridiculous at times. Having said that, however, when it comes to our relationship with God, such behaviour sometimes can flip totally over the top. We starve ourselves , perform long and torturous penance, flagellate the body, skewer it and grovel by measuring its height along the ground over long distances. How much greater could this God be if He, She or It is also basically me?

The story goes that Ramakrishna Paramhansa would at times rave and rant at the stone image of Kali in front of him and then offer her food from his plate — an unthinkable reverse process of prasadas it were. Note that as a result he was not summarily smote dead. In fact, we are told that she would take the food out of his hand instead. Now there’s a healthy relationship we could live with.