ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
Namaste
Namaste word has been derived from two Sanskrit words ‘nama’ meaning to bow and ‘te’ meaning you.
It is a beautiful way of greeting people in India.
Namaste is basically a way of saying hello what Englishmen usually do.
Namaste is wished by folding the palms together resembling the prayer position.
Well, in this article, we will give you the definition of Namaste, which is also known as Namaskar.
Namaste is a gesture of saying that “I honor the Spirit in you which is also in me.”
It is a way of expressing that you and I are equal.
While saying Namaste, the folded hands are usually kept close to the heart, thus indicating that I am glad to meet you and I am saying this from heart.
It also acts as a mark of respect for elders.
Namaste is the first thing that is taught to a child born in Indian families.
To know more about the meaning of Namaste, read on.
In this section, we will throw light on the following aspects of Namaste:
Namaste Significance
Namaste has a lot of significance for the people of India.
Well, Namaste is the folding of palms close to your heart, as a way of greeting the other person.
It is usually accompanied by slight bowing of head.
The hands that are held in unison represent the meeting of spirits.
It is often said that our right hand signifies our higher level divine nature and the left hand represents the lower level worldly nature.
The gesture of greeting is called Namaste and the act of greeting is referred to as Namaskaram or simply Namaskar.
Saying Namaste has become a veritable symbol of our Bhartiya Sanskriti.
It represents the hospitality and deeper veneration of Indians.
It is usually the younger ones, who wish Namaste to their elders.
Elders reply back in a similar manner.
To know more about the significance of Namaste gesture, read on.
The word Namaste signifies that:
- Your spirit is the same as mine and therefore there is no difference between you and me.
- I welcome the place where you and I meet.
- My energy salutes the energy lying within you.
- I recognize the power of divinity that dwells in your heart.
Namaste History
Namaste is a gesture that is used in various contexts, on one hand where it is used for greeting the elders, then on the other hand, it is brought to use in the practice of yoga as an important Mudra.
It is widely used in the culture of Buddhists.
In this article, we will give you information on the origin & history of Namaste.
The origin of Namaskar tradition still remains a mystery.
Namaste is indicative of obedience on the part of one person towards the other being.
It is a salutation that might have originated as a way to acknowledge the submission of one person to the other.
It can be perceived as the declaration of obedience and submission.
Namaste is a Hindi as well as Nepali word; therefore, it is used extensively in the Northern states of India and Nepal.
Gassho is a term used for hand shake in Japan, which is their usual way of greeting.
In the Punjabi speaking areas of India, Namaste word is used only for wishing the Hindus.
Among the Punjabis, people greet by saying ‘Sat Sri Akal’.
How to Say Namaste
The right way of saying Namaste requires you to fold your hands, touch your palms and take the clasped hands close to your heart, resembling the position of hands while performing prayers and then wish your elders ‘Namaste’.
Talking about how to pronounce Namaste, the correct way is to speak like this “Nam-a-stay”.
To know more on how to say Namaste, read on.
There can be different ways of saying Namaste.
Earlier, lot of importance was attached to the bowing of head.
In the rural areas, the old tradition of saying Namaste is still followed.
However, in the metropolitans, the style has undergone a major transformation.
In the contemporary times, most of the youngsters generally speak out the word Namaste, but don’t really bother to fold their hands.
There are many parts of India, where the old traditions are still kept alive.
In these places, Namaste is not just a way to greet, but it is a mark of respect that the younger
ones show their elders and in turn the elders bestow their blessings on them.
When we say Namaste, the right palm represents the feet of the divinity and the left palm signifies the head of the devotee.
The Namaste gesture, which involves the clasping of hands, is symbolic of unification of man and God.
Therefore, Namaste has a lot of reverence for Indians.
What is Namaste
‘Namaste‘ or ‘Namaskar‘ is the Indian way of greeting each other.
Wherever they are – on the street, in the house, in public transport, on vacation or on the phone – when Hindus meet people they know or strangers with whom they want to initiate a conversation, namaste is the customary courtesy greeting to begin with and often to end with.
It is not a superficial gesture or a mere word, and is for all people – young and old, friends and strangers.
Namaste According to the Scriptures:
Namaste and its common variants ‘namaskar’, ‘namaskaara’ or ‘namaskaram’; is one of the five forms of formal traditional greeting mentioned in the Vedas.
This is normally understood as prostration but it actually refers to paying homage or showing respect to one another, as is the practice today, when we greet each other.
The Meaning of Namaste:
In Sanskrit the word is namah + te = namaste which means ‘I bow to you’ – my greetings, salutations or prostration to you.
The word ‘namaha’ can also be literally interpreted as ‘na ma’ (not mine).
It has a spiritual significance of negating or reducing one’s ego in the presence of another.
How to Namaste?
Bend the arms from the elbow upwards and face the two palms of the hands.
Place the two palms together and keep the folded palms in front of the chest.
Utter the word namaste and while saying the word bow the head slightly.
Why Namaste?
Namaste could be just a casual or formal greeting, a cultural convention or an act of worship.
However, there is much more to it than meets the eye.
The real meeting between people is the meeting of their minds.
When we greet one another with namaste, it means, ‘may our minds meet’, indicated by the folded palms placed before the chest.
The bowing down of the head is a gracious form of extending friendship in love, respect and humility.
Spiritual Significance of Namaste:
The reason why we do namaste has a deeper spiritual significance.
It recognizes the belief that the life force, the divinity, the Self or the God in me is the same in all.
Acknowledging this oneness with the meeting of the palms, we honor the god in the person we meet.
Namaste in Prayers:
During prayers, Hindus not only do namaste but also bow and close their eyes, as it were, to look into the inner spirit.
This physical gesture is sometimes accompanied by names of gods like ‘Ram Ram’, ‘Jai Shri Krishna’, ‘Namo Narayana’, ‘Jai Siya Ram’ or just ‘Om Shanti’ – the common refrain in Hindu chants.
This is also quite common when two devout Hindus meet – indicating the recognition of the divinity within ourselves and extending a warm welcome to each other.
The Meaning Of Namaste And Its Spiritual Significance
Namaste, a gesture we can observe people living a Hindu way of life, showing to greet each other while meeting and leaving their place, as a goodbye, whenever and wherever they may be, since the ancient times.
Namaste is a form of greeting which in a sense means, “I bow down to the divinity within you”.
What Does Namaste Mean?
The meaning of namaste is to greet the divinity residing in everyone.
At the same time, it is also a form of gesture done during the time of prayer and performing certain yoga postures.
Why Do You Say Namaste?
In the world of diversified cultures and diversified processes of living life, people have love and acceptance for each other which maintains harmony in this planet.
People respect each other for their deeds and for what they are.
These emotions get certain expression and get carried out as an action and as a culture which influences one’s behavior.
In the Hindu way of living, people convey this cultural expression as “Namaste“.
Namaste is used in various contexts.
There are two aspects of doing ‘Namaste’, one is as a gesture and another is a gesture that is also along with the verbal greeting pronouncing it.
As an action, it is used as a form of gesture of prayer to the divine or even during various postures of Yoga as an important ‘Mudra’.
However, in the verbal context, namaste is said and performed to greet someone with respect.
It is not just a word, not just a common term, it is an outlet of one’s emotion to the other in a manner that makes them conscious about the connection they hold within themselves with each other.
It is a behavior that one practices to welcome somebody or something into relation with regards and integrity.
It is the way of bowing down to the divine energy residing as life within all of us, which connects everybody in one thread.
It shows a sense of acceptance, honor, and politeness of an individual being.
It is also used as an expression of gratitude and thankfulness to what we have got and achieved in our life, to all the blessings and all the experiences that help us grow in this life journey.
It is used during worship and while praying to God and even while asking for help to somebody.
Significance Of Doing Namaste
The essential nature of life prevailing within is all-inclusive and consciousness.
Spiritually, Namaste means that we devote ourselves to inclusiveness, awareness, and wholeness.
When we practice devotion to the divine, we surrender and let go all our identifications and feelings of separateness to that consciousness, with a Namaste.
The joining of both hands together represents unity and integrity and that we all are one family.
It resembles “The Divine and The Self is the same in you and me”.
Placing the hands in the heart region signifies that when we seek for our true nature and look in our hearts, we find the rays of inclusiveness that makes us realize that we are one with everybody and oneness is the ultimate reality.
Both hands come from a different direction but eventually, when they meet, they go in the same direction, together.
Pertinent to the hands, whatever paths we may choose we are ultimately in the realm of oneness.
While doing Namaste there are no physical contacts made between two individuals, as the physical contact may transfer negativities too.
The negativities can be both in the form of spiritually, as a form of individual energy or karmic energy.
And also in the form of physical negativity, in the form of germs and diseases.
Above all, in the Yogic tradition, it is not the physical contact that makes one realize about the connection between them.
It is believed that the true connection between individuals is much subtler in the form of emotions and spirit.
How Do You Do Namaste?
While doing Namaste, one should join their hands with palms open, facing and touching each other and finger pointed upwards to the sky.
The joined hands should be placed just where the heart is located in the body so that the hearty and the exuberant emotions get into it.
Then one needs to close their eyes, bow down and say Namaste filled with the feeling of fullness within one and can also touch the forehead with the tip of the palm.
Similar to most aspects of any culture, the way of doing ‘Namaste’ can differ to places. Earlier, a lot of importance was attached to the bowing of the head.
In rural areas, the old tradition of saying Namaste is still followed.
However, in the metropolitans, the style has undergone a major transformation.
In contemporary times, most of the youngsters generally speak out the word Namaste but don’t really bother to fold their hands.
The History Of Namaste
Namaste originally came from a Sanskrit word, “Namah”, which we can often see in Hindu scriptures and mantras and hear while chanting, which was first started as a practice in the Hindu regions like India and Nepal.
“Namah” means “I bow to”, or in other words “salutations or prostration to” and “te” means “You” similar to “twam’ in Sanskrit.
Namaste is a Hindi as well as Nepali word; therefore, it is used extensively in the Northern states of India and Nepal. Also, it is widely used in the culture of Buddhists as well.
Other words similar to Namaste are Namaskaar, Namaskaaram, and Pranam.
These are forms of traditional greetings, which also mean an act of bowing down with respect to something or someone, according to the ancient Hindu texts.
What is the meaning of Namaste?
Namaste has been an integral part of the Hindu heritage. Culturally, the Indian society generally greets one another, prays to the almighty Lord, asks permission to leave from the relatives, hosts or guests by doing Namaste.
While growing up, I remember saying Namaste to my surrounding neighbours in society. Eventually, as years passed, in some parts of the country, Namaste got replaced by a westernized form of greetings, also known as, Hello.
In this post, let’s answer specific questions concerning Namaste.
Question 1: How do we do Namaste?
Namaste involves the following sequence of activities:
- Join your palms together and bring them close to your chest, or the heart chakra, with fingers pointing upwards.
- Close your eyes.
- Bow down your head.
As per the Yoga Journal, there is yet another way of doing Namaste. In this, method, the individual performs the following sequence of activities:
- Placing your hands in front of your third eye.
- Bow down your head.
- Bring your hands down to your heart.
The second method is a way of expressing deep respect.
Question 2: What is its meaning?
The word Namaste has originated from the Sanskrit language.
To understand its meaning, the Namaste needs to be broken down into the following syllables:
- Namah means to bow down.
- as means I.
- te means You.
Thus the combined meaning — I bow down to you or Salutations to you.
While pronouncing, we say ‘Nama-as-te’.
The word Nama can further be broken down, literary, into the following syllables:
- Na meaning Not
2. mah meaning Me
What we mean is that we let go aside from our ego and bow down in front of your morality and the kind human you are.
Question 3: What is its significance?
Namaste is a way of telling a person that we bow down in front of the goodness in you irrespective of one’s background.
Thus, by bowing, we pay respect to the other person whom we are greeting with the beautiful message possessed by this word.
What is the Meaning of Namaste?
In India, many greet each other with the word “Namaste” – this is joined usually by a slight bow and palms touching in front, sort of like a prayer gesture.
Namaste means literally “I bow to you”.
What is definition of “you”? “I bow to God (Bhagavan) in the form of your body-mind” .
Analogy for understanding: All waves in the ocean are only water.
The water is appearing as an individual wave.
The essence of the wave is water alone.
Similarly, the essence of individual is God.
It’s actually written namaḥ te. With Sanskrit sandhi, it becomes “namaste“.
Many people in spiritual circles have adopted this expression. But to most, it’s just another spiritual identity status, along with beads, chants, clothes, etc.
The expression “Namaste” honors the individual (jiva), which is an expression of the Divinity (Brahman), or through which Divinity expresses.
It reminds the individual (who takes themselves to be a small, insignificant spec in creation) — is in fact NOT DIFFERENT from God.
Essentially it’s Divinity (in form of a limited person), acknowledging Divinity.
So this expression is to be used as a teaching, a reminder.
Don’t let it become another mechanical “hello”.
When grasped it can eradicate the idea of the false individuality (body-mind-intellect).
and point towards the fact that you are THAT ESSENCE (Brahman) right now.
Swami Dayananda (of Arsha Vidya) Definition:
Namaste or namaskara is a very beautiful way of greeting each other.
In every culture there is a way of greeting like ‘hi’ – ‘hi’ to greet and ‘bye’ to take leave.
And there is also a shake-hand culture in which you hold the other’s hand, which is nice. ‘Hi-bye’ is more simple and modern.
While shaking hands, camaraderie and friendship are exchanged.
It also signifies ‘how do you do’ and warmth in cold countries.
In this, as we shake hands the two become one.
We have namaste which is social, cultural, religious and spiritual.
Namaste is made up of two words, namaḥ and te.
Namaḥ means (my) salutation and te means to you.
So namaste means my salutation to you.
In yoga there is sūrya-namaskāra.
Namaskāra means doing namaḥ, offering your salutation, your namaskara to Sun.
In the word ‘namaste,’ the person is transcended, like when you say, ‘touch wood’ you touch the nearest wooden thing available.
Here the transcending is not physical because even though the table may have a tablecloth, still you touch it, transcending the tablecloth and the table to touch the wood.
So when you say ‘touch wood,’ you do not go out to touch a log of wood.
In this ‘touch wood,’ there is so much Vedanta.
You do namaste to the person in front of you without questioning his or her qualifications and so on.
You transcend the person.
Even if you know this person does not deserve your salutation, yet you offer salutation. To whom?
To Bhagavan, the Lord.
Remember, the Lord is the TOTAL.
And that person to whom you are saying ‘namaste‘ to is not away from the TOTAL.
From Book ‘Hindu Dharma’ by Bansi Pandit:
The traditional greeting of Hindus is namaste.
While doing namaste, the palms of both hands are held touching each other, in front of the chest, and the head bows while saying the words, “namaste.”
The word “namaste” means “I bow to you.”
Symbolically, placing palms together depicts humility and bowing the head reflects graciousness.
Thus, namaste is a gracious form of extending friendship in love and humility.
Hindus believe that every human being is potentially divine and eternally pure.
Thus, “namaste” also means “I bow to the divine in you.”
NAMASTE! LEARN 20 MORE WAYS TO GREET IN INDIA
The greeting is the first thing that you learn about a place.
It is the first thing that you get to hear in your flight, at the airport, in the taxi and of course at the travel destinations.
Greeting from your homeland is also something you carry with you.
Namaste is the most commonly used greeting in India.
Very often, when people realize you are an Indian, they fold hands and greet you with a Namaste.
However, when nothing in India is universal, how can our greetings be.
Here is a list of some of the commonly used greetings across India.
1. Namaste & its Variants
Namaste means ‘I bow to the divine in you’. Ask any Hippie and they would even say ‘The divine in me bows to the divine in you’.
The term has many variants – Namaskar, which is ideally used when you address more than one person.
In Kerala it becomes Namaskaram, in Karnataka it goes as Namaskara and in Andhra states Namaskaramu.
Nepal also uses the same term or Namaskar to greet.
They all mean the same – acknowledging the divine or good in you before any conversation or transaction begins.
2. Ram Ram & its variants
After the more popular Namaste greeting, Ram Ram and its various variants are used in most of the Hindi speaking belt to greet each other. In Awadh and Mithila you hear Sita Ram, Sita Ram. At areas of Bihar and Jharkhand, it becomes Jai Siya Ram. In Haryana, it is usually Ram Ram.
The idea behind this greeting to remember Sri Ram who is the 7th Avatar of Vishnu. Considered Maryada Purushottam, it is probably a way to remind each other and oneself to follow his conduct.
3. Jai Sri Krishna in Gujarat
If you have traveled in Gujarat, interacted with Gujarati families or even watched Gujarati content on TV, you know they all greet each other with ‘Jai Sri Krishna‘.
Krishna chose to make Dwarka his golden city, he ruled the world from here and continues to rule the hearts of the people of Gujarat.
In Dwarka, the greeting becomes more specific to – Jai Dwarkadhish.
4. Radhe Radhe in Braj Bhumi
In Braj, Radha rules. She is the queen and she is the Gopika. To reach Krishna too, you have to go through her. You don’t need to read or know anything about her. Just land anywhere in Braj and ‘Radhe Radhe‘ is not just a greeting but it means excuse me, leave my way, an exclamation and anything that does not need other words.
Jai Sri Radhe is a variant that you hear in temples of Braj sometimes.
5. Sat Sri Akaal in Punjab
A common greeting among Sikhs and Punjabis is Sat Sri Akaal. Sat means Truth, Sri is a respectful honorific and Akaal means timeless. So, you are essentially remembering the Timeless Truth or that Truth is Timeless and resides within all of us.
Sat Sri Akaal is a part of the clarion call given by Guru Gobind Singh – Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akaal.
Another longer greeting is ‘Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji ki Fateh‘ – it is a reminder that all of us come from that one supreme being which is pure and at the end that is what remains.
6. Vanakkam – Tamil Nadu
Vanakkam is used by Tamil people living anywhere in the world. Essentially it means the same as Namaste. It is bowing down to or respecting the divine inside you. It comes from the root word – Vanagu meaning to bow down. Some literature mentions that Vanakkam specifically refers to the divine at the third eye located between your brows.
7. Khamma Ghani – Rajasthan
I first heard Khamma Ghani in some Hindi films based in Rajasthan. Next, I heard it during my visit to Udaipur. In my mind, it got associated with Rajasthan, but no one could explain what it meant. Now, I have two theories for this:
First is simple – Khamma comes from Sanskrit Kshama meaning forgiveness. Ghani means ‘a lot’. So, the greeting Khamma Ghani simply means – seeking forgiveness for any inadvertent hurt that may have been done or any lapses in hospitality.
The second source one is more historical – in 8th CE AD, 3 successive Mewari Kings, sharing the common name Khumaan, averted many attacks by Arabs. Due to this, the people in their kingdom lived happily for the next 1000 years or so. So, people started greeting each other ‘Khamma Ghani’ meaning ‘May we be blessed with many Khumaans’.
Take your pick for the meaning but when people say it with folded hands – it is a sweet greeting to exchange.
When used with elders Sa is added at the end – Khamma Ghani Sa.
8. Jule – Ladakh
When you travel through the Lahaul Spiti Valley in Himachal or do road trips in Ladakh, you are bound to be greeted with ‘Jule’, pronounced as Joo-Lay. It is a greeting mostly used by Buddhist dominated areas of the Himalayan valleys. It probably means ‘Respect’. I am not sure what it means and what is the root word. If you know, please share.
Just like Radhe Radhe, Jule too can mean thank you, please, excuse me or just Hello.
Tashi Delek is also used in some places.
9. Jai Jinendra – Jains across India
Jai Jinendra is used by all Jains to greet each other. We do not hear it very much as the Jains are a very small minority even within India and they usually use it among themselves only.
Jai Jinendra means victory to Jinendra or the Tirthankar, the souls who have won over their all their senses and have realized the ultimate knowledge.
This greeting directly bows downs to those who have real knowledge.
10. Swami Sharanam by followers of Ayyappa
Swami Sharanam or Swami Sharnam Ayyappa is actually a chant that is also used as a greeting by followers of Ayyappa when they meet each other. They start and end the conversation with this chant. Ayyappa followers are found in Kerala and all other south Indian states.
11. Aadab – Muslims primarily
Aadab is used to greet by followers of Islam and in places where Urdu is spoken. Could not find the meaning or intent of the word. If you know, please share.
12. Dhaal Karu in Himachal
This is another greeting from Himachal, though I will be honest, I am yet to hear it. However, my Himachali friends confirm this is used in Kullu Manali region of the state. The meaning is most probably similar to Namaste.
13. Narmade Har – On banks of Narmada
When you walk with the Narmada, the most common greeting you would hear is ‘Narmade Har’ – may the Narmada take away all your sorrows and sufferings.
Har Har Gange is also heard at places like Rishikesh, Prayagraj, and Varanasi, but not so consistently.
14. Jai Jai – Bikaner
During a trip to Bikaner, I heard the hotel greet us with ‘Jai Jai’. When I inquired, they said, this is how Bikaner greets people. I have not heard it outside the hotel, but it sounds very sweet, royal and full of Veer Rasa or emotion of bravery.
15. Pranam – for the elders
This is an India wide greeting used by the younger people to greet the elders. More often than not, it is complemented by touching the feet.
It takes regional avatars like in Punjab it becomes – Pairi Paina or Matha Tekda, in Hindi belt it becomes – Pai Lagun. All of these mean – I touch your feet, bless me.
16. Region or Community-based Greetings
- Jai Bhole Nath – Varanasi. The city of Shiva has to have a greeting with his name
- Jai Jagannath in Puri and around Odisha
- Chinmaya Mission followers use – Hari Om
- Jai Shri Mahakal in Ujjain
- Jai Sri Radhe Govind in Jaipur
- Art of Living Followers use – Jai Gurudev
- Swaminarayan Followers use – Jai Swaminarayan
17. Hello
Hello is not really an Indian greeting but probably the most used, especially on phone and in urban areas. Before writing this post I had no idea about the origins of the word ‘Hello’, although we used it so many times every day. Apparently, it is not a greeting per se but a way of drawing attention. Another contender for this is Ahoy.
18. Good Morning
Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening or Good Night is the neutral or should I say secular ways to greet anyone. I think I picked it up in school and continued using it till my corporate life. The Good Morning though got reduced to just Morning 🙂
19. Jai Jhulelal
Jai Jhulelal is used by the Sindhi community. Jhulelal is supposed to be the incarnation of Varun, the lord of the seas.
20. Jai Mata Di
It is used by the followers of the Devi or the divine feminine. Mata here refers to Jagadamba or the mother who is the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of everything that exists in this universe.
21. Ayubowan in Sri Lanka
Ayubowan in Sri Lanka comes from Sanskrit – Ayushman Bhava which means ‘May you have a long life’.
22. Sawasdee in Thailand
Sawasdee, the ubiquitous greeting of Thailand, also said with folded hands from Swasti which means wishing well.
All the greetings that have an origin in India or Sanskrit are said with folded hands formally, although informally sometimes you just say them.
The Real Meaning and Significance of ‘Namaste’
Namaste is an Indian gesture of greeting one another.
Wherever they are, when Hindus meet people they know or strangers with whom they want to initiate a conversation, “namaste” is the customary courtesy greeting.
It is often used as a salutation to end an encounter as well.
Namaste is not a superficial gesture or a mere word, it is a way of showing respect and that you are equal to one another.
It is used with all people one meets, from young and old to friends and strangers.
Though it has its origins in India, Namaste is now known and used throughout the world. Much of this has been due to its use in yoga.
Students will often bow in respect to their teacher and say “Namaste” at the end of a class.
In Japan, the gesture is “Gassho” and used in similar fashion, typically in prayer and healing practice.
Because of its global usage, Namaste has many interpretations.
In general, the word tends to be defined as some derivation of,
“The divine in me bows to the divine in you.”
This spiritual connection comes from its Indian roots.
Namaste According to the Scriptures
Namaste—and its common variants namaskar, namaskaara, and namaskaram—is one of the various forms of formal traditional greeting mentioned in the Vedas. Although this is normally understood to mean prostration, it actually is the means of paying homage or showing respect to one another. This is the practice today when we greet each other.
The Meaning of Namaste
In Sanskrit, the word is namah (to bow) and te (you), meaning “I bow to you.” In, other words, “greetings, salutations, or prostration to you.” The word namaha can also be literally interpreted as “na ma” (not mine). It has a spiritual significance of negating or reducing one’s ego in the presence of another.
In Kannada, the same greeting is Namaskara and Namaskaragalu; in Tamil, Kumpiṭu; in Telugu, Dandamu, Dandaalu, Namaskaralu and Pranamamu; in Bengali, Nōmōshkar and Prōnäm; and in Assamese, Nômôskar.
How and Why to Use “Namaste”
Namaste is more than a word we say, it has its own hand gesture or mudra.
To use it properly:
- Bend your arms upwards at the elbow and face the two palms of your hands.
- Place the two palms together and in front of your chest.
- Utter the word namaste and bow your head slightly toward the tips of the fingers.
Namaste can be a casual or formal greeting, a cultural convention, or an act of worship. However, there is much more to it than meets the eye.
This simple gesture is related to the brow chakra, which is often referred to as the third eye or mind center.
Meeting another person, no matter how casual, is really a meeting of the minds.
When we greet one another with Namaste, it means, “may our minds meet.”
The bowing down of the head is a gracious form of extending friendship in love, respect, and humility.
The Spiritual Significance of “Namaste”
The reason we use Namaste has a deeper spiritual significance as well.
It recognizes the belief that the life force, the divinity, the Self, or the God in me is the same in all.
Acknowledging this oneness and equality with the meeting of the palms, we honor the god in the person we meet.
During prayers, Hindus not only do Namaste, they also bow and close their eyes, in effect to look into the inner spirit.
This physical gesture is sometimes accompanied by names of gods such as Ram Ram, Jai Shri Krishna, Namo Narayana, or Jai Siya Ram.
It may also be used with Om Shanti, a common refrain in Hindu chants.
Namaste is also quite common when two devout Hindus meet.
It indicates the recognition of the divinity within ourselves and extends a warm welcome to each other.
Difference Between “Namaskar” and “Pranama”
Pranama (Sanskrit ‘Pra’ and ‘Anama’) is a respectful salutation among Hindus.
It literally means “bowing forward” in reverence for a deity or an elder.
Namaskar is one of the six types of Pranamas:
- Ashtanga (Ashta=eight; Anga=body parts): Touching the ground with knees, belly, chest, hands, elbows, chin, nose, and temple.
- Shastanga (Shashta=six; Anga=body parts): Touching the ground with toes, knees, hands, chin, nose, and temple.
- Panchanga (Pancha=five; Anga=body parts): Touching the ground with knees, chest, chin, temple, and forehead.
- Dandavat (Dand=stick): Bowing the forehead down and touching the ground.
- Abhinandana (Congratulations to you): Bending forward with folded hands touching the chest.
- Namaskar (Bowing to you).
The same as doing a Namaste with folded hands and touching the forehead.
What does it mean to say namaste?
Namaste is a form of greeting which in a sense means, “I bow down to the divinity within you”.
In the Hindu culture, it is a gesture of great respect for greetings as well as for goodbyes since ancient times.
Why Do You Do Namaste?
In the world of diversified cultures and ways of living life, people have various means to communicate with each other.
While verbal and written communication has surpassed all others, there are more ways of communicating that are subtle yet equally or even more powerful.
Body gestures, including mudras, are one of those means of expressing ourselves beyond words.
People welcome, love, and respect each other and these emotions are expressed differently as per different cultures.
In the Hindu way of living, people convey this cultural expression as “Namaste“.
Is Namaste a Physical or a Verbal Gesture?
At the same time, there are two aspects of doing ‘Namaste’, the first one is done as a gesture placing both hands together and the other one is said along with the verbal greeting by pronouncing it.
Both as a physical and verbal gesture, ‘namaste’ can be performed as a prayer to the divine, while practicing Yoga poses, or to greet someone with respect.
The Significance of Namaste
The essential nature of life prevailing within is all-inclusive and conscious.
The meaning of Namaste is to devote ourselves to inclusiveness, awareness, and wholeness.
When we practice devotion to the divine, we surrender and let go of all our identifications and feelings of separateness to that consciousness, with a Namaste.
The joining of both hands together represents unity and integrity and that we all are one family.
It resembles “The Divine and The Self is the same in you and me”.
Placing the hands in the heart region signifies that when we seek our true nature and look in our hearts, we find the rays of inclusiveness that make us realize that we are one with everybody and oneness is the ultimate reality.
Both hands come from a different direction but eventually, when they meet, they go in the same direction, together.
Pertinent to the hands, whatever paths we may choose we are ultimately in the realm of oneness.
The Power of A Contactless Connection
While doing Namaste there are no physical contacts made between two individuals, as the physical contact may transfer negativities too.
The negativities can be both in the form of spirituality, as a form of individual energy or karmic energy.
And also in the form of physical negativity, in the form of germs and diseases.
Above all, in the Yogic tradition, it is not the physical contact that makes one realize the connection between them.
It is believed that the true connection between individuals is much subtler in the form of emotions and spirit.
There are Various Meanings of Expressions In ‘Namaste’
Namaste is not just a word, not just a common term, it is an outlet of one’s emotion to the other in a manner that makes them conscious about the connection they hold within themselves with each other.
It is a behaviour that one practice to welcome somebody or something into relation with regard and integrity.
It is the way of bowing down to the divine energy residing as life within all of us, which connects everybody in one thread.
It shows a sense of acceptance, honour, and politeness of an individual being.
It is also used as an expression of gratitude and thankfulness to what we have got and achieved in our life, to all the blessings and all the experiences that help us grow in this life journey.
It is used during worship and while praying to God and even while asking for help from somebody.
Namaste is truly an amazing, as this one gesture has the capability to deliver multiple forms of powerful expressions.
How Do You Say Namaste?
While doing Namaste, one should join their hands with palms open, facing and touching each other and finger pointed upwards to the sky.
The joined hands should be placed just where the heart is located in the body so that the hearty and the exuberant emotions get into it.
Then one needs to close their eyes, bow down and say Namaste filled with the feeling of fullness within one and can also touch the forehead with the tip of the palm.
The Origin of Namaste
Namaste comes from a Sanskrit word, “Namah”, and “te” which we can often see in ancient Hindu scriptures and mantras.
“Namah” means “I bow to”, and “te” means “You” in Sanskrit, as a whole it means, “I bow to you”
The roots of origin to ‘Namaste’ dates back to ancient Sanskrit tradition, which is found in the Vedas.
Today Namaste is a Hindi as well as Nepali word; therefore, it is used extensively in Nepal and India.
Also, it is widely used in the culture of Buddhists as well.
Other words similar to Namaste are Namaskaar, Namaskaaram, and Pranam.
These are forms of traditional greetings, which also mean an act of bowing down concerning something or someone, according to the ancient Hindu texts.
The Spiritual Meaning of Namaste
The spiritual meaning of Namaste essentially is the pouring of the sense of togetherness, oneness, and love, acceptance, and gratitude from one mind to the other mind or the environment.
From youngsters to elders and friends, relatives to a stranger, people say Namaste to each other.
It is used to show respect to the elders, parents, and teachers, love and connectedness to friends and relatives, and to start a conversation with a stranger.
The Power Of Namaste And How To Use It
Namaste is a popular term that is commonly used in Hindu, Buddhist, and even western cultures.
The correct and only spelling of the word is “N-A-M-A-S-T-E”.
The American English pronunciation is ‘nah-mah-STAY’ where the ‘a’ sound is shorter, and the stress is placed on the last syllable.
However, the original pronunciation of Namaste is ‘nuh-MUH-stheh’.
In southeastern Asia, they emphasize the second syllable, and the letters ‘a’ are pronounced with the short ‘u’ sound.
The literal interpretation of the word Namaste is ‘I Bow To You,’ but it has a deeper spiritual application in Hinduism.
What Is The Origin Of The Word Namaste?
The origins of “Namaste” can be traced down to old Indian culture from the traditional Hindu and Buddhist belief systems.
Although it is commonly used in European culture, Namaste does not have a western background.
It is an old Sanskrit word from the Vedas (ancient religious texts that influenced Hinduism and Buddhism) and is relevant to Indian culture.
Top of Form
Namaste Meaning
While many people assume that it is merely a form of greeting, Namaste is a special expression that means ‘the divine in me honors the divine in you.’
You have to know what Namaste means so you can understand the true purpose of the word.
The literal translation of Namaste
In Sanskrit, ‘Namas’ means bow, while ‘te’ means to you.
Thus, the literal translation of Namaste is ‘I Bow To You.’
And the saying is often accompanied by the Namaste gesture.
However, the use of the word varies depending on the context used.
In some translations, ‘Te’ means your soul, which changes the translation to ‘I bow to your soul.’
Namaste definition in English
In casual English settings, Namaste is used as a form of greeting.
For instance, in hotels or holiday resorts, workers might greet you Namaste to welcome you.
Here, there is no spiritual connotation, and it doesn’t show the true cultural heritage of Namaste.
In addition, it is popularly associated with yoga in non-Asian-speaking countries. Namaste is not an official English language word, and its uses are reserved for unconventional settings.
Also, some people can sometimes abuse it and disrespect its Hindu origins.
Namaste meaning in Hindi
The Hindus in India interpret Namaste as ‘Divine in You’.
It teaches that the spirit of God dwells in every head.
So, the understanding according to Hindu belief is:
The Divine light in me bows to the divine light within you.
It is meant to acknowledge the divinity of all human souls.
Other translations of Namaste
Besides ‘I bow to you’ or ‘the divine in me honors the divine in you,’ Namaste could also mean;
- My spirit bows to your spirit
- I honor the place in you that’s the same as it is in me
- I honor the place in you that’s love, light, and joy
- I honor the place in you that the whole universe abides
- I am paying obeisance (respect/submission) to the divine deity in you
What Is The Spiritual Meaning Of Namaste?
While the word ‘Namaste’ is casually used in secular expressions, it is mainly used to represent divine adoration and worship in Hindu.
The spiritual practice of Namaste is also relevant in Buddhism and several urban spiritual practices.
It represents the idea that we are all connected beneath our outer appearance.
It shows that although we appear differently, we belong in one Divine consciousness.
Deepen your meditation with Namaste and crystal energy to connect to the Divine.
The meaning of Namaste in yoga practice?
In many yoga classes, the teacher says and gestures Namaste to signal the class has ended.
Also, in many yoga studios, the owners decorate their walls and buildings with Namaste artwork.
Some yogis even name their studios Namaste.
As yoga is evolving, so is the use of Namaste.
The Power Of Namaste And How To Use It
Namaste is a popular term that is commonly used in Hindu, Buddhist, and even western cultures.
The correct and only spelling of the word is “N-A-M-A-S-T-E”.
The American English pronunciation is ‘nah-mah-STAY’ where the ‘a’ sound is shorter, and the stress is placed on the last syllable.
However, the original pronunciation of Namaste is ‘nuh-MUH-stheh’.
In southeastern Asia, they emphasize the second syllable, and the letters ‘a’ are pronounced with the short ‘u’ sound.
The literal interpretation of the word Namaste is ‘I Bow To You,’ but it has a deeper spiritual application in Hinduism.
Keep reading to learn more about Namaste’s definitions and its significance in yoga!
Sanskrit Greetings: What We’re Saying When We Say Namaste
There are several ways to greet someone in Sanskrit.
Three in particular are equivalent to “hello” or “bonjour.”
All imply an obeisance to the divine inner light within the person receiving the greeting.
All are said with the hands in Anjali mudra (palms joined together and held before the heart or raised to the level of the forehead).
If only one hand is available, then it touches the greeter’s heart.
This mudra is a devotional gesture made before a temple deity, holy person, friend, or acquaintance.
The hands held together connects the right side of the body with the left, and brings the nerve and nadi currents into poised balance, into a consciousness of the central meridian (sushumna), awakening the third eye within the greeter to worship God in the greeted.
“Namaste” is the most commonly known Sanskrit greeting.
Literally, “namah” means “salutations” and “te” means “to you,” so namaste means “salutations to you” and implies an honoring of the universal light of awareness that resides in each one of us.
The “te” form of “to you” is actually the least polite form; therefore, this greeting is traditionally most appropriate for greeting someone younger than you or a student of yours.
Culturally, “namaste” would never be used to greet ones’ teacher, parent, or boss, for instance.
“Namaskara” is more polite, and is appropriate for greeting a teacher, parent, or boss. “Kara” means “making or doing,” so combined with “namah,” this phrase means “making reverence.”
The most polite and honorific greeting is reserved for spiritual teachers or very highly respected individuals.
It is “pranama,” which means “bowing forth” and implies the equivalent dynamic of a full prostration.
A verse to a revered deity, sage, or scholar might end with “pranamami,” meaning
“I prostrate to,” using the same basic verb root (“nam”) and prefix (“pra”).
Other greetings include “suprabhatam” (good morning), “subharatri” (good evening), and “sudinam” (good day).
Vedic Mantra Namaste Astu Bhagavan | Lord shiva mantra
The Om Namaste Asatu mantra is an intense Shiva chant that instills an immense sense of peace and clarity in the mind.
Through this mantra, we learn to surrender our mind to our true reality and gain the power to face any obstacle.
Namaste Astu Bhagavan
Vishveshvaraaya Mahaadevaaya
Trayambakaaya Tripurantakaaya
Trikaalaagni – Kaalaaya
Kaalaagni – Rudraaya Nilakantaaya Mrityunjayaaya
Sarveshvaraaya Sadaashivaaya
Sriman Mahadevaaya Namah.
Namaskar
What does Namaskar mean?
Namaskar is a respectful greeting or parting salutation in Hindu and yogic traditions. The word is derived from the Sanskrit base namaha, which means “not me” and refers to bowing in reverence.
It is sometimes considered a synonym of namaste, but there are subtle differences in their meanings.
Namaste is the more popular and informal term, meaning “salutations to you” or “I bow to you with respect,” while namaskar is more formal and translates as “I pay my salutations.”
When using either greeting, one typically places the hands in prayer position in front of the chest and bows the head slightly.
Explains Namaskar
Spiritually, another difference is the intended object of the greeting or departing salutation.
With namaskar, the object of the greeting is the supreme consciousness within the other person.
Namaste, however, is typically used to bow to a divine entity, so on a spiritual level, the “you” to whom the salutation is directed is the divine.
The meanings of these two words vary by region and tradition.
Namaskar is composed of three Sanskrit words:
- Nam, which means “to bow to”
- As, which means “to be” or “to exist”
- Kar, which means “doing” or “one who does”
Namaskar, therefore, is sometimes translated as “I do the act of bowing with reverence.”
Why Namaskar, not hand shake?
There are several ways in which people pay obeisance (namaskar or salutation) to the divine.
Various types of hand actions or postures accompany prayers or obeisance.
Some people hold up their hands as in asking, while others bring their fists together, while yet others may pray with hands folded, as seen above.
Hindu Dharma recommends the above shown posture for prayer or paying obeisance (namaskaar) to the divine; for the simple reason that it is the most scientific way to attract the divine consciousness (chaitanya) from God towards oneself.
This article discusses the spiritual significance and benefits of namaskaar.
Meaning of Namaskar
Origin and the meaning of the word ‘Namaskar’ : The word ‘namaskar’ is derived from the root ‘namaha,’ which means paying obeisance or salutation.
In the Hindu Science of Justice (Nyaayashaastra), ‘namaha’ is a physical action, expressing that ‘you are superior to me in all qualities and in every way.’
The main objective of doing namaskaar to someone is to derive spiritual as well as worldly benefits.
Worldly benefits : By doing namaskar to a Deity or a Saint, unknowingly, their virtues and capabilities are impressed upon our mind.
Consequently, we start emulating them, thus changing ourselves for the better.
Spiritual Benefits of Namaskar
• Increase in humility and the reduction of ego : While doing namaskar, if one thinks, ‘You are superior to me; I am the subordinate; I do not know anything; You are Omniscient,’ it helps in reducing the ego and increasing humility.
• Enhancement in surrender and gratitude : While doing namaskar, when thoughts like ‘I do not know anything; You alone get everything done; Grant me a place at Your Holy Feet’ come to mind, they help in increasing ones surrender and gratitude.
• Gaining the sattva component and making faster spiritual progress
• Among the various postures used for paying obeisance, we receive the highest amount of sattva component from the posture (mudraa) of namaskar, recommended by Hindu Dharma.
• By doing namaskar to Deities or Saints we receive the subtle frequencies they emit, for example, the frequencies of sattva or Bliss.
• By doing namaskar to Deities or Saints we also receive their blessings in a subtle form. This helps in expediting our spiritual progress.
Nowadays, it is common to greet each other with a handshake, especially in the West.
It is considered a gesture indicating formality or even warmth.
However, some Hindus greet each other by paying obeisance through the namaskar mudra.
Here we have explained why namaskar is beneficial spiritually and how the handshake can be detrimental.
Some spiritual benefits of namaskar : While visiting places of worship and viewing (taking darshan of) the Deities, or while meeting an elderly or respected person, Hindus’ hands automatically join in obeisance (namaskaar).
Namaskar is a sattva predominant gesture befitting the rich heritage of the Hindu culture.
Namaskaar is a simple and beautiful expression of divine qualities like devotion, love, respect and humility that endows one with Divine energy.
Understanding the spiritual science behind a religious act (Dhaarmik kruti) like namaskar helps in further strengthening the faith in this religious act.
Why is it spiritually detrimental to shake hands?
Nowadays, perhaps due to ignorance about the science of Spirituality underlying Hindu Dharma, or due to the increasing influence of Western culture, people often shake hands to greet each other.
In a handshake, the spiritually impure raja-tama components in one person can be transferred to the other person, thereby reducing the latter’s spiritual purity (sattvikta).
In addition, if any of the two persons, greeting each other is affected by distressing energies, their distress can affect the other person through the handshake.
In comparison, every action and concept in the Hindu Dhaarmik way of life, such as greeting with a namaskar, facilitates an increase in our spiritual purity.
Lately very few people realize the spiritual significance of namaskar.
If at all they do namaskar by joining their palms, it is done just as a formality.
As the act is not based on faith, the benefit derived from it is minimal.
Hindu Dharma recommends that along with faith, every religious act be performed according to the science of Spirituality, so that it gives complete spiritual benefit – power of mantra.
Benefits of Namaskar Mudra – Atmanjali Mudra
Namaskar Mudra, also known as Atmanjali Mudra, is one of the important mudras.
Practicing mudras have numerous benefits especially health related.
They are good for both body and mind.
Namaskar Mudra is performed by joining the two palms and bringing them close to the chest.
This mudra is also a popular symbol associated with Hinduism.
It symbolically expresses reverence and gratitude.
Hindus pray and greet using this mudra.
It also symbolically represents the merging of the individual soul with the universal soul.
When we do Namaskar to another individual, we symbolically state that we both are one.
Again, it means am one with Brahman.
The most important health benefit of the Namaskar Mudra is that it activates and harmonizes the left and right brain hemispheres.
It assures in peace and stability.
What does Namaste really mean?
Where does Namaste come from?
Namaste is a Sanskrit word – Sanskrit is a classical language of South Asia mostly used now by Hindu priests for religious ceremonies, but still quite common within yoga.
The word Namaste is still widely used today as a gesture or greeting, traditionally to an elder or senior, but as with other Sanskrit words it is still found during yoga classes today.
Generally the word Namaste comes with an action of placing the palms of the hands together and bringing the thumbs towards the sternum, closing down the eyes, and bowing the head.
It can also be done again by placing the palms of the hands together and bringing the thumbs in between the eyebrows and bowing the head.
Namaste in Yoga
Cultural practices naturally change over time as they are borrowed and adapted, and this is no different for Namaste and the way it is used in Western yoga today.
When you say, “Namaste” in yoga, you are recognising and paying homage to that divine spark which lives within all of us.
The teacher will call Namaste as a symbol of gratitude and respect for the students at the end of the class, and most students will repeat Namaste back as a means to thank the teacher, rather than using it as a greeting.
In this context, Namaste takes on a more spiritual meaning – “The divine in me honours the divine in you.”
We see that we are all equal and one, and attempt to connect to one another through a shared sense of love and gratitude.
Namaste translated literally means ‘I bow to you’ – however other meanings have been adapted over time:
- The light in me, honours the light in you
- The divine light in my soul, honours and bows to the divine light in your soul
- My soul recognises your soul
- We are the same, we are one
- I honour the place in you, that is the same as it is in me
Namaste in life
By saying Namaste and really meaning it, you are performing an affirmation.
It is an active choice to take the spiritual lessons within a yoga practice or meditation, and take it out of the class and in to your life.
A Namaste between two people is almost like a pact made to honour each other as equals.
The Recognition Sutras by Christopher Wallis describes how this understanding might affect your approach to life:
‘Once you become aware of the true nature of reality, everything you do becomes an act of reverence.
Simply living your ordinary daily life with full awareness becomes a complete practice of meditation, a perfect form of worship, an offering to all beings and to being itself.
Tantra teaches that because there is only one in the universe, all actions are in truth the divine exploring itself, reverencing itself, worshipping itself.’
Want to know more?
If you’re interested in learning more about Namaste or a little more about yoga and the meaning behind what you hear and do in a yoga class, why not try our online ‘Yoga Basics’ course.
You can find out more about this course and have a look over the core modules within the courses section of our website.
What Does Namaste Mean?
If we take a literal view on the word, then the translation from Sanskrit breaks down into ‘Nama’, which means ‘bow’, and ‘te’, which means ‘you’. So Namaste means ‘I bow to you’.
However, if you ask anyone who practices yoga what the word means, they will probably reply with ‘the Divine in me honours the Divine in you’, or some variation on that.
This is a common interpretation, and it originally comes from the Hindu belief that God resides in everyone, and so any person you greet deserves the same respect you would give to God.
It’s an acknowledgement of the soul in you of the soul in another.
In both yoga practices South Asian cultures, Namaste is used as a greeting.
But it’s more formal than a ‘hey there’ or even a simple ‘hello’.
It’s a sign of respect and reverence that goes across the generations.
In India, you will also find the praying hands position (known as Anjali Mudra) is a part of the greeting, just as important as the word itself.
So when a yoga teacher and their class exchange Namaste at the beginning of a class, it’s a sign of respect and honour for both student and teacher, and symbolic of the spiritual connection the practice can bring.
How To Pronounce Namaste
There’s always a bit of a disagreement on how to actually pronounce Namaste, but we will always refer to the South Asian cultures for the correct pronunciation.
Typically English and American speakers will use a much shorter ‘a’ sound to the vowels, as well as putting too much emphasis on the final syllable of the word, so it ends up sounding like: nah-mah-STAY.
But if you want to pronounce it correctly, then you need to shift the emphasis to the middle syllable and replace those ‘a’ sounds with a ‘u’.
The result should sound lie: nuh-MUH-stheh.
The reason it’s so common to pronounce it the first way is simple – the sounds of the language aren’t as familiar to native English speakers.
Particularly that final syllable, which is very familiar to speakers from South Asia, can feel a strange on the English tongue, so it can be difficult to get the hang of.
Instead of the hard ‘st’ sound we are used to, it’s a softer ‘th’ sound, with.
Try touching your tongue to the back of your front teeth as you say it and you’ll be a lot closer to correct.
The other reason we tend to pronounce it incorrectly is that we’ve only ever heard it that way – TV and Film often depict the western pronunciation, so unless you seek it out or visited South Asia you likely wouldn’t ever hear it.
Other Meanings Of Namaste
We’ve already explained the literal and Hindu translations for Namaste, but it is a word with a slightly flexible meaning.
So there have been many translations of the word, all of which centre around the same idea, but are all beautiful in their own way.
These are some of our favourites:
- I honour the place in you where the entire universe dwells
- I bow to the place in you that is love, light and joy
- When you and I bow to our true nature, we are one
- My soul recognises your soul
- We are the same, we are one
- I honour the place in you that is the same as it is in me
All of these transitions bring the same image to mind – I honour and respect myself, and you.
That is the true essence of Namaste.