What is the rationale behind worshipping the directions?

Bodhi Vriksha

Ashok Mishra

Mahatma Buddha was always rational; he is also considered an atheist. He endorsed only those ideas that withstood the test of logic. He steered clear of hypocrisy and futile argumentation. This is precisely why the number of his followers and disciples kept growing day by day. Once, while traveling along the path to Rajagriha with his disciples, he observed a householder—fresh from a bath and still in wet clothes—bowing in reverence to all the cardinal directions. 

This practice puzzled Buddha; he wondered what the actual rationale behind worshipping these directions could be. Eventually, he asked the householder, "Sir, what is the significance of worshipping these six directions? Why should they be worshipped?" The householder was taken aback by the question, unsure of how to respond. He admitted, "I have no knowledge regarding this." Buddha remarked, "What is the benefit of worshipping without understanding the rationale?" 

The man replied, "Bhante, please explain to me why these directions should be worshipped." Buddha smiled and said, "The directions for worship are different. The East is associated with parents and the head of the household. The South represents the teacher, while the West signifies the wife and son. The North represents friends and associates. The downward direction signifies the servant, and the upward direction represents the Brahmin and the Shramana." 

The householder asked, "Why worship the servant? It is they who serve us." Buddha explained, "Worshipping servants means treating them well and behaving towards them with affection. Simply folding one's hands in return for their service is not worship; treating them with love is true worship." Bowing to the Buddha, the householder said, "Today, you have bestowed true knowledge upon me."

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