Note 59

59. Amongst the people is he who seateth himself amid the sandals by the door whilst coveting in his heart the seat of honour. # 36

Traditionally in the East it has been the practice to remove sandals and shoes before entering a gathering. The part of a room farthest from the entrance is regarded as the head of the room and a place of honour where the most prominent among those present are seated. Others sit in descending order towards the door, by which the shoes and sandals have been left and where the most lowly would sit.