Posted on December 24, 2008 - by Andrew
What does namaste mean?
Image by LollyKnit via Flickr
The word Namaste is Sanskrit. It is used as a greeting in India and Nepal by Buddhists, Jains and Hindus.
In yoga Namaste is said with the intent of saying; “I am your humble servant” although the literally translation is “I bow to you”.
Namaste is often accompanied with a shallow bow that’s made with hands press ed together at the front of the chest.
Spiritual and symbolitic meanings of Namaste
In Hinduism the bowing gesture or mudra which accompanies the word Namaste is symbolic.
One hand in the palm gesture represents the spiritual nature and the other hand represents the worldly self. The act of placing the two palms together in the bow is a gesture that the bower is trying to overcome differences and connect with the person being bowed to.
The word Namaste has also become recognised by practitioners of yoga and spiritual meditation across the globe. It is common to find namaste used to greet or wish someone farewell.
In Pure Spirit
Do you use the word namaste? Do you think you use it correctly?
