Asian traditions drew much admiration during COVID times, such as bowing of heads and folding of hands, instead of handshakes. They are not doing it now, they have been doing this for centuries. It’s part of their culture, that’s what they do.
Japanese handshake (if it does transpire) is short (not prolonged and extended) and has little or no eye contact. Thai people greet one another with a wai – bow, elbows in, hands clasped as in prayer. The gesture is said to date from the 12th century. Indian namaste is a posture called Añjali Mudrā and means “I bow to the divine in you.” It effectively keeps safe distance, both physically and psychically, and prevents people’s subtler energies from invading yours, and safeguard of spiritual health in midst of busy materialistic pursuits.
Many Hindu deities, including Hanuman, are seen in this posture. Buddhist monks’ emphasis on sanga (or company) is essentially a forewarning of both physical and psychic contamination in proximity of people. It stresses on being around those who are more evolved than yourself. In his book Breaking the Death Habit, Leonard Orr speaks of the many Himalayan masters he encountered to learn the art of immortality. While you may not agree with Leonard when he says death is a “grave mistake”, and overall concept of physical immortality, the extended lifespans of these yogis is documented.
Social distancing (at least 50 ft away from other humans) was a key trick of Himalayan yogis to maintain physical health and spiritual purification. Social distancing is not just a potentially lifesaving tradition woven into Asian cultures. Certain sects of Jain monks (Muhapatti Waale Sadhus) habitually wear a cloth mask to not harm micro-organisms by inhaling them, and at the same time protect themselves from airborne infections. It’s a win-win, just as all ethical spiritual practices are.
Bowing of heads and folding of hands also quite naturally promotes humility, and a grateful fame of mind. Other noteworthy Asian habits (such as not bringing shoes inside living areas, not keeping shoes on tables) are common sense hygiene measures. Predominantly (if not strictly) vegetarian diets offer another layer of serious protection against recurrent “novel” animal viruses.
