Exchange of Greetings

Living in a civil society we are expected to behave in a certain way.
When we meet a person we know, we usually greet him/her with a hello, good morning, namaste, hi, according to our own position vis-a-vis that person's.

Even animals greet each other in their own ways. Reminds me of the chimps Jane Goodall studied in the jungles of Africa many decades ago and how chimps would shake hands just like humans when they met for the first time of the day.

I recall an incident from my teens. I had got home my new friend, Krishnaveni. My father was busy with his work so I pointed out to him and told her that he was my father.
She immediately said, 'Namaste uncle' but my father being too busy with work din't hear/notice it, hence din't greet her back which was very unusual for him. I knew he was such a loving soul and would never ignore another human at all anytime and that he may not have heard or seen her.
My friend moved on from there but I could see how upset she was. So I drew his attention by whispering to him that my friend had greeted him and he had not responded.
For his age, he could have just looked blankly or better still ignored me and my friend.
Instead he put aside his work, got up and immediately went up to her and said, 'Sorry, I missed greeting you back as I din't hear you, so what's your name ...'. That was enough to put my new friend at ease.
Seeing him behave in such a humble manner sure made an impact in my mind. To this day I remember to respond to anyone greeting me anywhere. I see no person as high or lowly. A gardener wishing me deserves to be wished back is all I know and acknowledge it with a 'Good morning, how are you?'

I see all around me so much of contrite behaviour. People ignoring others even when they greet them! It is as if they mean to say, 'I consider your greeting not fit enough to acknowledge'!

I have also noticed how the higher a person gets on the ladder of success, he is a natural at greeting others back without a second thought.
It is mostly those people who are not confident about themselves or in some way feel they are too superior to acknowledge ordinary mortals' greetings who see-through others as if they din't exist at all!! I find this behavior so very funny.
Those who have such attitude never ever rise to the very top. They stagnate at one level until they free their restrictive minds from such misconceived notions of superiority and inferiority.

After all everyone of us are humans first and then only the titles or the post we hold in our public lives. It sure is important to be dignified when one holds a high post yet one need not ignore others totally especially when one is being greeted.

To be humble is really very difficult. It has to be cultivated as a habit. It is the same case as that of a young tree which will be upright for many years. When it has weathered many a storm or drought does it bend benignly as though with wisdom.
Remember the one who is sincerely humble reaches the top so very easily due to the goodwill and blessings of one's superiors.

May we be remembered more for our humility and culture than for our riches or position in life. After all to dust, we shall all return one day without exception.

Cheers!
Mahalakshmi.