Why should we do salutations to elders: Chinnakatha from Mahabharatha

What is the head? The head resembles the comprehensive intelligence. It is also said as ‘pragnyanam brahma” meaning awareness is brahma. The head is one of spiritual awareness as long as there is life in the body. Pragnyana ceases to exist the moment the body becomes lifeless. War broke out between Pandavas and the Kauravas. Duryodhana fell in the battle field. Bhima was coming angrily towards Duryodhana to settle the past accounts of his heinous acts. Duryodhana was not yet dead for there was still life left in him. Bhima approached Duryodhana and started kicking with his legs the head of Duryodhana. Then Duryodhana said, “O Bhima, had you kicked when I had life in me, then I would have retaliated. Is it greatness to kick me when I lie on the battle field? It’s not only you but the vultures and crows too, would kick me with their legs after a while.” Therefore, one must protect one’s head so long as there if life. One must create value to one’s head while alive. Hence, one must add value and sanctify one’s head by putting it at the feet of noble souls. This called as “sa ashta angam”. Therefore, one must develop good thoughts, sanctify the heart and lead a life filled with divine love.