Namaste - Why do we do?

We, Indians, do greet each other with “Namaste”. Both of our palms are placed together in front of our chest and our head bows down while saying the word, “Namaste”. This greeting is common for all – Elders to younger ones, to people of our own age, to elders, friends, relatives and even strangers. Namaskaaram is one of the five forms of formal traditional greetings mentioned in Sanatan Dharm. At times, people think that Namaskaaram refers to prostration but it actually refers to paying homage. Namaste could be just a casual or a formal greeting, a cultural convention or an act of Worship too. 

Namaste, a Sanskrit word is a combination of two words – Namah and Te. This means, I bow to you. My greetings, my salutations or prostration to you. It is also literally intrepretted as Na (not) + Ma (mine) + Astu (aste)(and so it is…). This means “not mine and so it be…” The spiritual meaning of this is to negate or reduce the ego present in the presence of another. 

The real meeting between people is a meeting between their minds. When we greet each other with namaste, it means “May our minds meet..” indicated by the folded palms in front of our chest. The bowing down of the head is a gracious form of extending friendship with humility. 

The life-force, the divinity, the Self or the Lord in me is the same and could be found in all. What resides in me resides in you. Thus, we are all equal. Recognizing this oneness with the meeting of the palms (nothing is mine), we salute with head bowed to the divinity in the person we meet. 

This is also one of the reasons we close our eyes when we greet a person or Lord with namaste. Closing the eyes means one has to look within and not outside. Often, this gesture is accompanied by the words like, “Ram Ram, Jai Shri Krishna, Jai Ramji Ki, Jai Jinendra, Hari Om etc.,” indicating the recognition of the divinity. When we know the significance, our greeting does not remain just a superficial gesture but paves the way for a deeper communication with another in an atmosphere of love and respect.

Here are some key points

• Cultural Significance: Namaste is a common and respectful greeting used in Indian culture, regardless of age, social status, or relationship.

• Spiritual Meaning: Namaste is a recognition of the divine within oneself and others. It is a way of acknowledging the interconnectedness of all beings.

• Physical Gesture: The folded palms represent the union of the individual self with the universal Self. The bowing of the head symbolizes humility and respect.

• Verbal Accompaniment: The addition of phrases like "Ram Ram" or "Jai Shri Krishna" further emphasizes the spiritual dimension of the greeting.

By understanding the deeper meaning of Namaste, we can elevate this simple gesture into a powerful act of connection and reverence.