Since the very beginning of our childhood we are taught to greet our elders by joining our palms and saying 'Namaste'. Most of us think that this gesture is just a mere sign of paying respect to elders. And why not replace it with the better word ‘Hello’ or shake hands instead of joining our palms?
Well, this is definitely true. There is a deep sense of respect hidden in this word. But, there are also some scientific reasons behind the entire way of saying 'Namaste'. If you get to know about these reasons, you would probably feel an immense amount of respect for our ancestor who gave rise to this custom.
Traditional and spiritual significance of Namaste
Namaste is originated from a Sanskrit word. Combining two beautiful words mainly ‘Namas’ and ‘Te’. Namas means ‘To bow’ and Te means ‘To you’. Therefore, the whole word Namaste says I bow to you out of the respect.
When you say Namaste, you bring both of your hands together (palms and fingertips touching each other). At the same time, you slowly bend your head a little bit towards the centre of your chest.
Significance of bowing down when saying Namaste:
The centre of our chest is where 'Anahata Chakra' is situated. This Chakra is analogous with love and compassion. Hence, this ‘Anahata Chakra’ is also known to act as a spiritual connection between the divine God and our inner self.
The Logical Reasons Behind Greeting With Namaste
The logical or scientific reason for greeting with a Namaste is quite interesting:
When we join our both hands together to greet someone, we exert some pressure on our fingertips. The nerves in the fingertips (or you can say the pressure points) are joined with nerve endings of our ears, eyes and a very part of the brain responsible for memorising things (creating long-term memories).
Don’t forget that bringing our hands close to Anahata Chakra, present at the centre of our chest, in turns transmit love and compassion to the person we are greeting. So, at the same time this mere gesture transmits an immense amount of positive energy to the person we are greeting.
Note:
Also, You will find Namaste forms an integral part of various yoga postures (mudras). Like-
- Vriksasana or ‘the tree pose’
- Virabhadrasana I or ‘the warrior pose’
How to say Namaste in the right way?
If you want to observe the magic of 'Namaste' while greeting. You must know the right way to greet others with the same:
• Firstly, Stand straight;
• Bend your elbows and bring your hands close to each other;
• Join both the hands. Palms and finger tips touching each other with thumbs slightly apart;
• Bring the hands near to your chest slowly;
• Slightly bend your head while saying Namaste;
Handshake Vs Namaste
Many of us- take a shower, wash our hands after coming from a washroom and carry hand sanitizer every day for personal hygiene. But when it comes to shake hands with any other person, we just stop to think about where those hands might have been.
No doubt that 'Namaste' is the most hygienic form of a greeting as well. So say Bye to the western style ‘High Fives’, ‘Handshakes, and the cool ‘fist bumps’ responsible for transmitting diseases. (Yes, now it is scientifically proven that the poor hand hygiene may transmit diseases).
I am personally one of those Indians who carry a bottle of sanitizer in my bag every day. But, I too used to believe that shaking hands was the way to go till I learnt about the significance of Namaste.
A Note from the Author:
This is the first article of my blog and I am welcoming you all by saying ‘Namaste’. I want to know what’s your style of greeting – A handshake, Namaste or what way you prefer ? Please tell me what you think in the comments section.
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