What Does “Namaste” Actually Mean?

Namaste is a sacred Hindu greeting meant to acknowledge the divine spark inside all people. In addition to being a gesture used during prayer and several yoga poses, it is also a method of physical expression.
Namaste, why do you say it?
People’s unconditional love and acceptance of one another is what keeps the peace on Earth despite its many different cultures and ways of life. When people respect one another, it’s because of their actions and who they are. One’s actions and cultural norms can be influenced by the ways in which these feelings are expressed. This greeting is known as “Namaste” in the Hindu religion and culture.

Many different situations call for the employment of Namaste. Namaste is a greeting that has two parts: a physical gesture and a corresponding verbal welcome. During prayer to the gods or other spiritual beings, or even during certain Yoga asanas, this mudra is often performed. In the linguistic context, however, namaste is a respectful greeting.

It’s not simply a phrase or a common term; it’s a means by which two people may express their feelings to one another in a way that draws attention to the profound inner bond they share. It’s the action of treating someone or something with respect and honesty in the start of a new relationship. It’s a sign of respect for the holy spirit that exists as life in each of us and binds us all together. It demonstrates respect for the other person as a unique and worthy entity, as well as civility and deference.

It’s a way to demonstrate appreciation for everything we’ve been given and accomplished in this life, as well as for the many blessings we’ve received and the learning experiences we’ve had. It’s a common part of religious services, prayers, and even pleas for aid.
Why It’s Important to Say “Namaste”

The fundamental nature of life that predominates within is holistic and self-aware. Namaste is a spiritual greeting that expresses a commitment to unity, consciousness, and completeness. When we say “Namaste” to the divine, we are essentially saying, “I bow to your consciousness and release my attachment to my own self.”

Joining hands is a sign of solidarity, honesty, and the fact that we are all in this together as a family. There are echoes of “The Divine and The Self is the same in you and me” in this saying. The act of placing the hands over the chest symbolises the realisation that we are all connected and that oneness is the ultimate truth, which may be found when we delve deep inside ourselves to understand our actual nature.

The two hands approach one other from opposite directions yet, once they join, they move in unison. Regarding the hands, no matter which way we go, we will always be in the domain of oneness.

No physical contact should be made between participants during Namaste, since this might result in the transfer of negative energy. Spiritually, the negativities might manifest as either individual or karmic energy. Additionally, bodily illness and other forms of physical negativity are always a possibility.

First and foremost, in the Yogic tradition, it is not the act of touching another person that establishes a bond between them. In the minds of many, the real bond between people is not physical but rather spiritual and emotional.

What Is the Correct Namaste?
Join your palms, fingers touching, and face heavenward as you say “Namaste” to show respect to the divine. Joining one’s hands and placing them over one’s heart is said to bring joyous and ecstatic feelings into the centre of one’s being. The next step is to close your eyes, bow your head, and say “Namaste” while touching the tip of your hand to your forehead, symbolising your inner fullness.

The ritual of saying “Namaste” might vary from location to place, much like many other parts of any culture. In earlier times, bending one’s head slightly was seen as a sign of respect. The ancient custom of saying Namaste to one another is still practised in rural regions. However, there has been a radical shift in fashion in the cities. Most modern-day youth, however, only say the term “Namaste” without really folding their hands.