Why do we prostrate before parents and elders?

Indians prostrate before their parents, elders, teachers and noble souls by touching their
feet. The elder in turn blesses us by placing his or her hand on or over our heads.
Prostration is done daily, when we meet elders and particularly on important occasions like
the beginning of a new task, birthdays, festivals etc. In certain traditional circles,
prostration is accompanied by abhivaadana, which serves to introduce one-self, announce
one’s family and social stature.
Man stands on his feet. Touching the feet in prostration is a sign of respect for the age,
maturity, nobility and divinity that our elders personify. It symbolizes our recognition of
their selfless love for us and the sacrifices they have done for our welfare. It is a way of
humbly acknowledging the greatness of another. This tradition reflects the strong family
ties, which has been one of India’s enduring strengths.
The good wishes (Sankalpa) and blessings (aashirvaada) of elders are highly valued in India.
We prostrate to seek them. Good thoughts create positive vibrations. Good wishes springing
from a heart full of love, divinity and nobility have a tremendous strength. When we
prostrate with humility and respect, we invoke the good wishes and blessings of elders, which
flow in the form of positive energy to envelop us. This is why the posture assumed whether
it is in the standing or prone position, enables the entire body to receive the energy thus
received.
The different forms of showing respect are :
Pratuthana: Rising to welcome a person.
Namaskaara: Paying homage in the form of namaste
Upasangrahan: Touching the feet of elders or teachers.
Shaashtaanga: Prostrating fully with the feet, knees, stomach, chest, forehead and
arms touching the ground in front of the elder.
Pratyabivaadana: Returning a greeting.
Rules are prescribed in our scriptures as to who should prostrate to whom. Wealth, family
name, age, moral strength and spiritual knowledge in ascending order of importance
qualified men to receive respect. This is why a king though the ruler of the land, would
prostrate before a spiritual master. Epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata have many
stories highlighting this aspect.