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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

• 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.