Namaste - Greeting/Salutation

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.

Meaning:

In Sanskrit the word is namah te = namastewhich 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.

Interpretation:

The God/Goddess Spirit within me recognizes and honors the God/Goddess Spirit within you.

Mudra of Namaste:

Hands are held together at the palms in front of the heart or brow chakra. Utter the word namaste and while saying the word bow the head slightly.

Pronunciation:

Commonly written "Namaste", it is pronounced as "Namastay" with the first two a's as the first a in "America" and the ay as in "stay", but with the t pronounced soft with the area just behind the tip of the tongue pressing against the upper-front teeth with no air passing (as the t in "tamasha").

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.

A Yogic Thank You:

Yoga students often repeat "Namaste" at the end of each class as a thank you, honoring their instructor.

Equalizer:

Namaste is significant because it is a humbling gesture. Namaste is done as a recognition that we are all on equal standings, all of us are children of divinity. We are one.

Who Can Namaste?

Namaste can be used as a greeting for all ages, all genders, all races. Namaste greetings can be given to friends, family members, and also strangers.

Written Notation:

The word "Namaste" is often used as a closing notation (without the accompanying prayerful hand and bowing head gestures) in written communications similar to "sincerely," "best regards" or "love."

Also Known As: Gassho (Japanese)

Examples:

The Namaste salutation was transmitted from ancient India to the countries of South-east Asia, and has now traveled virtually all over the globe.