Since childhood we all have seen and learnt to greet one another with a Namaste. Do you know why we join our palms, bow the head and say “namaste”?
Namaste can be a formal or informal greeting, a cultural habit, or an act of worship. However, there is much more to it than what meets the eye. In this blog, we will explore the true significance and power of this gesture.
In the Hindu culture Namaste or Namaskara is not a mere gesture or a word, it is a way of showing respect. The gesture is performed by joining both the palms in front of the chest and bowing the head. By doing this both the people bow to the divine power in one another. Read about the importance of Puja in our lives.
Originated in India, today Namaste is known and used globally. Yoga is the primary reason behind its popularity. In yoga classes, students bow to their teacher and say “Namaste” at the end. In Japan, “Gassho” is used during prayer and for healing sessions. Different cultures have different interpretations of the same gesture.
Meaning of Namaste
In Sanskrit, the word is namah means ‘to bow’ and te means ‘to you’, i.e. “I bow to you.” It also means “greetings, salutations, or prostration to you.” The joined palms signify a hope that meeting with each other will be a communion of minds with love and respect.
In Kannada, it is connoted as Namaskara and Namaskaragalu; in Tamil, Kumpiṭu; in Telugu, Dandamu, Namaskaralu, Dandaalu, and Pranamamu; and in Bengali, Nōmōshkar and Prōnäm.
Namaha can also be interpreted as “na ma” that means ‘not mine’. Spiritually it signifies negating the ego and building a healthy relationship.
Namaste according to Vedic Scriptures
In the Vedas Namaste, Namaskar, Namaskaara, or namaskaram—are one of the several forms of formal traditional greeting. Though it signifies prostration, it actually is a way of showing respect or paying homage to each other.
Spiritual Significance
The divine power in me is same in others too. Namaste is a way of recognizing this oneness. By joining the palms and bowing the head we honor the god in the person we meet. During prayers, not only Namaste is done, the head is bowed and eyes are closed too. This is done to connect with the inner spirit. To indicate the recognition of this divine power, the same gesture is accompanied by words like “Ram Ram,” “Jai Shri Krishna”, “Namo Narayana”, etc.
How and why should one perform Namaste
Namaste is related to the brow chakra, which is referred to as the third eye or mind center. Meeting another person, is really meeting of two minds. When people greet each other with Namaste, they mean, “may our minds meet.” The bowing down of the head is a way of extending a warm welcome.
Namaste is also a mudra used in Yoga. To perform it properly:
- Bend your arms upwards towards the elbow and face the two palms of your hands.
- Place the both the palms together and in front of the chest.
- Utter the word namaste and bow the head towards the fingertips.
What is the key difference between “NAMASKAR” and “PRANAAM“
Namaskar is one of the six types of Pranaams. In Sanskrit, Pranaam means “bowing forward” in reverence for a deity or an elder.
Namaste!