Why do Hindus wear a dot near the middle of their forehead? Nisha Pillay Grade- 9
A person who wears a dot on the middle of her forehead is a sign that she is a
proud Hindu. This dot is called a Bindi. In the olden days, all men and women
both wore the Bindi. Today, it is the women who are most faithful in wearing the
Bindi. The Bindi has a mystical meaning. It represents the third eye of the
spiritual sight, which the regular eye cannot see.
The Bindi is made up of red powder or sandal paste. The red powder is called
sindur, traditionally made from powdered turmeric juice and fresh lime juice.
A woman who wears a red Bindi shows that she is a married woman. Black Bindis
are usually worn by babies and young children to ward off the evil eye. As an
exotic fashion statement, the color of the Bindi sometimes compliments the color
of the woman's sari.
In different parts of the world, different symbols are worn to identify their
religion. The Christians have the cross, the Jewish boys have small leather
cases to hold spiritual passages, the Muslim women wears a scarf on their head
called hijab and the Hindu women wears the Bindi on their forehead.
I believe that if you are a Hindu, you should not be ashamed to wear the Bindi.
No matter where you are, whether in the United States, Canada, Europe or any other
places in the world, one should wear the Bindi proudly. The Bindi will distinguish
you from others and you will never be mistaken for a different nationality or
religion.
Never be intimidated when someone ask you what the dot means because you now have
enough information to give a good answer, which will probably lead to more
questions about your religion.
Hri - Remorse
Allow yourself the expression of remorse, being modest and showing shame for misdeeds.
Recognize your errors, confess and make amends. Seek out and correct your faults and
bad habits. Do not boast. Shun pride and pretensions. Santosha - Contentment
To remain content whatever circumstances may bring us, good or bad fortune, flattery or
insult. Be happy, smile and uplift others. Be helpful to others. Live in constraint
gratitude for your health, your friends and your belongings. Don't complaint about what
you don't possess. Dana - Charity or Giving
To be charitable in our actions and to share our possessions with those less fortunate.
To support dharmic activities with our own resources, including temples, schools, and
service organizations. Dana should be performed without seeking praise. Astikya - Faith
Cultivate an unshakable faith. Believe firmly in God, Gods, guru and your path to enlightenment.
Shun those who try to break your faith by argument and accusation. Avoid doubt and despair. Ishwar Pujana - Worship
Cultivate devotion through daily worship and meditation. Learn a simple puja and the chants.
Worship in heartfelt devotion, clearing the inner channels to God, Gods and guru so that their
grace flows towards you. Siddhant Shravana - Scriptural Listening
Eagerly hear the scriptures, study the teachings and listen to the wise of your lineage.
Read, study and, above all, listen to readings and dissertations by which wisdom flows from
knower to seeker. Mati - Cognition
Develop a spiritual will with your satguru's guidance. Strive for knowledge of God, to awaken
the light within. Discover the hidden lesson in each experience to develop a profound
understanding of life and yourself. Japa - Recitation
Chant your holy mantra daily, reciting the sacred sound, word or phrase given by your guru.
Live free of anger so that japa strengthens your higher nature. Let japa quell emotions and
quiet the rivers of thoughts. Tapas - Austerity
Practice austerity, serious disciplines, penance and sacrifice. Be ardent in worship,
meditation and pilgrimage. Saucha - Purity
To practice purity and cleanliness in body, speech and mind. Maintain a clean and healthy body.
Never use harsh, angered or indecent language
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