Veritas said:

The idea is that you're not worthy, that you are lesser than the ideas or gods you bow down to.

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Paradigm said:

Bowing is symbolic of the humility involved in recognizing this higher self, and I find that while prostrating myself, I feel this surge of energy. Paradoxically, it seems as though there is power in humbling oneself.

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Deviate said:

Paradigm said:

Bowing is symbolic of the humility involved in recognizing this higher self, and I find that while prostrating myself, I feel this surge of energy.  Paradoxically, it seems as though there is power in humbling oneself.

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yes, when you bow down the ego before your higher self you gain power. you realize how silly your egos anxieties and insecurities are and see that you don't need them. bowing down is necessary because the ego, being built of a fear, can never fully see past its own fears.  bowing down is tremendously effective ego loosener. watch as anger, hate and jealously melt away.

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Exactly! Prostrating is important for burninng away the defilements of self-centeredness. Giving up your small mind to the big mind. Surrendering your delusions to the ultimate. Only through humility can compassion arise. The realization of the interconnectedness of all beings, rests in a heart purified through acts of devotion and loving kindness. 

Deviate said:

Paradigm said:

Bowing is symbolic of the humility involved in recognizing this higher self, and I find that while prostrating myself, I feel this surge of energy.  Paradoxically, it seems as though there is power in humbling oneself.

---

yes, when you bow down the ego before your higher self you gain power. you realize how silly your egos anxieties and insecurities are and see that you don't need them. bowing down is necessary because the ego, being built of a fear, can never fully see past its own fears.  bowing down is tremendously effective ego loosener. watch as anger, hate and jealously melt away.

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Yup to all of that!

We do a lot of bowing at my dojo. At first, I felt silly doing it. And now, I enjoy the moments of pause where respect for a higher power is shown. There is no room for any of my ego pride when I feel the force of their kicks when holding pads. They've earned their bows and master titles from me.

We bow walking in, to the masters, to each other, when handing over equipment, and its all to show respect for the power being raised, disciplined and channeled through us.


At first , I felt embarrassed (ego pride) walking in with a white belt on. Soon, I loved the lowly humble place of walking in with it on. There were no expectations on me, no belt rank status to uphold, NOTHING. I was more free then the rest of them.

I enjoy being a part of something that has been teaching me how to check my ego pride at the door before entering. ( I need help in that department  )


I also used to get turned off when I would read channeling's with spiritual hierarchy talk thinking it was all dualistic elitist bullshit. That was ego pride getting in the way once again. The spirits out there know we are all the same and equated in Essenes. Like with the martial arts belt rankings, some have just achieved increased self control and thoughtful, constructive direction with their power adding to their wealth of ability and wisdom. If its used in good will for all, it deserves my respect.

It feels good to get your ego pride out of the way and show some healthy and HONEST, admiration, reverence and respect for the power that breaths life into things and can take it. It's easy once you give it some whirls and see how liberating and powerful it can be to experience.

      it'seaaaaaasy like Sunday morning.


Now, even though I can afford to pay someone to do my tedious, hard sweaty exhaustive laboring gardening work, I am going to go do it myself because I love the humble feeling of being natures servant working down in the dirt.  I worship my gardens.

Mother Nature is a powerful force that can bring such beauty when balance and harmony is in play and such ugliness, when balance and harmony gets upset. I respect her power and its a privilege to be her humble servant and learn from the Master.

The best feeling in the world is getting over your self sense of importance or being above things. Feeling humbled is like being a child again discovering life for the first time, packed with curiosity, openess to discover the new and a sense of awe and wonderment for simple things.

It's a no wonder Jesus said something to effect of being like a child is the ticket to heaven.

What some see negative in the word worship is often nothing more then admiration, reverence or respect being shown for something that has probably earned it.