Bowing
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bowing: (Represented by the principles of Lha, Nyen and Lu), "Bowing is giving away basic goodness and windhorse to others. So, in bowing, you are surrendering potential power and magic, and you do that with real, proper feeling. It is a three fold process: hold, feel, and give. (See Lha, nyen and lu below.) ... the idea is that the magic of the bow, the power of the bow actually confirms both people. ... as a mark of respect you do not rise from your bow until
the other person rises. The bow represents a complimentary exchange of energy,... a mark of decency, loyalty and surrender".... (pg 139) (See Lha, nyen and lu below.) "the bow is a symbol of surrendering to others, serving them, which is an attitude the warrior carries towards others of selfless service." "Lha, nyen and lu describe the protocol and the
decorum of the earth itself, and they show how human beings can weave themselves into that texture of basic reality. So the application of lha, nyen and lu principles is actually a further way to invoke the power of drala, or elemental magic." (135)
Lha: (hold) "...means 'Divine' or 'God'." ... "establishing your head and shoulders." "...refers to the highest points on earth ... peaks of snow mountains ... catches the light of the rising sun first." ...lha represents first wakefulness...reflects the Great Eastern Sun for the first time in your being." lha is the head...especially...eyes and forehead. ...it represents physical upliftedness and projecting out as well."
Nyen: (feel) means 'friend'. "you acknowledge the breadth and vastness of your shoulders." ... begins with the great shoulders of mountains...the forests mountains and plains." "Samurai: Nyen represents shoulders." ... "Western
military...epaulets..." represents the shoulders... torso...chest and rib cage." Nyen} is solidity, feeling solidly grounded in goodness,...grounded in the earth. ... nyen is connected with bravery and the gallantry of human beings. ...it is an enlightened version of friendship: being outrageous and helpful to others."
Lu: (give) means: 'water being' "It is the realm of water....oceans...rivers ...great lakes...water and wetness. ...quality of liquid jewel so wetness is connected with richness." it is also freshness...like the sunlight reflecting in a deep pool of water." Lu is everything below your waist, your legs and feet." "you complete your bow...Your completely surrender." (pg 135-140)
see also: Why do Buddhists bow? What purpose does it serve?