Namaste

Namaste (Sanskrit: नमस्ते , hns ), sometimes spoken as Namaskar or Namaskaram, is a customary, non-contact form of Hindu greeting. In the contemporary era, it is found on the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and among the Indian diaspora worldwide. The gesture (or mudra) is used to express courtesy, politeness, hospitality, and gratitude to the elders or deities. It is used in goodbyes as well as greetings and may be accompanied by a slight bow made with hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed upwards and closely positioned in front of the chest. This gesture, called Anjali Mudra, is also used in yoga practice.

Etymology and Meaning

The term Namaste is derived from Sanskrit and is a combination of two words, "Namas" and "te". "Namas" means 'bow', 'obeisance', 'reverential salutation' or 'adoration' and "te" means 'to you'. Therefore, Namaste literally means "bowing to you". In the context of deity worship, commentators of Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana, translate the term as "I bow to [Vishnu]".

Usage

In Hinduism, it also has a spiritual import reflecting the belief that "the divine and self (atman, soul) is same in you and me", and connotes "I bow to the divine in you". According to sociologist Holly Oxhandler, it is a Hindu term which means "the sacred in me recognizes the sacred in you".

Cultural Significance

Namaste is a common spoken valediction or salutation originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is a customary greeting when individuals meet, and a valediction upon their parting. A non-contact form of salutation is traditionally preferred in India and Namaste is the most common form of such a salutation.

In Yoga

In the context of yoga practice, namaste is typically said at the end of class—usually while pressing the hands together and bowing the head. It is a way to thank the teacher or use as an expression of relief upon the ending of the class. Instructors often say it, and students can choose to repeat it back. This is often followed by a translation such as, "the divine light in me honors the divine light in you".

See Also

• Anjali Mudra
• Añjali Mudrā
• Gassho
• Wai (gesture)