Tricycle | Awake in the World

[A devotee worshipping at Bodh Gaya, India, the site of the Buddha's enlightenment.]

Bowing is a common practice in Asia, both within and outside religious circles, a way of expressing respect and reverence, as well as a form of greeting. Tibetans bow and say tashi delek, meaning “excellent luck and auspicious good fortune to you.” Disciples and devotees bow to their teachers, to the gods, and to holy icons.

Buddhists commonly offer bows when entering or leaving a temple, shrine, pilgrimage site, or spiritual circle of any kind, as well as when entering the presence of spiritual masters and teachers, acknowledging the presence of an embodiment of the principle of enlightenment. Zen Buddhists use a short form of the bow, simply placing their palms together at the heart and inclining the torso; this is called gassho in Japanese. Bringing the two hands together at the heart represents the reunion of all polarities and duality in our spiritual center, the heart of enlightenment.

Bowing is a way of being, a way of giving, of offering up and opening oneself. Bowing helps us to be centered in the present moment and become more uncomplicated, vulnerable, and humble. The seventh-century Indian Buddhist master Shantideva said that just to raise one’s hand in a gesture of respect and reverence sows the seed of enlightenment. Since his time, bowing has become an intensive spiritual exercise for Buddhists. The devout get down on their hands and knees and then lower themselves face down and flat on the floor; this is a full bow, called a prostration. This gesture symbolizes yielding, surrender, reverence, and taking refuge in that which is good, true, and holy. In fact, this outer form of reverence simply reflects an inner gesture of awareness.