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These five sheaths are supported by the Atman, the supreme Self which is the eternal Reality. The five sheaths are different from individual to individual but the Reality that supports them all is one and the same in all individualities. This truth is declared when the Hindus greet each other with namaskara. The two palms joined together as one indicates that the Reality or Atman in both is one and the same. To this unifying Infinite Atman the Hindus bows in the reverence when he does namaskara.
The Spiritual Significance of“ Namaste” The reason we use Namaste has a deeper spiritual significance as well. It recognizes the belief that the life force, the divinity, the Self, or the God in me is the same in all.
Acknowledging this oneness and equality with the meeting of the palms, we honor the god in the person we meet.
The spiritual meaning is even deeper. The life force, the divinity, the Self or the Lord in me is the same in all. Recognising this oneness with the meeting of the palms, we salute with head bowed
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the Divinity in the person we meet. That is why sometimes, we close our eyes as we do namaste to a revered person or the Lord- as if to look within. The gesture is often accompanied by words like“ Ram Ram”,“ Jai Shri Krishna”,“ Namo Narayana”,“ Jai Siya Ram”,“ Om Shanthi” etc.- indicating the recognition of this divinity.
When we know this significance, our greeting does not remain just a superficial gesture or word but paves the way for a deeper communion with another in an atmosphere of love and respect.
Namaste is also a friendly greeting in written communication. When the hand position is higher, it usually means reverence and / or worship. The expression with hands placed on top of one’ s head is usually the sign of utmost reverence or respect. The gesture Namaste represents and acknowledges the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us. Hence, Namaste means,‘ I bow to you’ or‘ the divine within me greets the divine in you’. The gesture is widely used throughout Asia and beyond. It appears in c. 4000 years ago on the clay seals of the
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There are different ways of doing namaste or greeting each other in other langues prevalent in India.
1- Telugu
In Telugu, the gesture is known as Namaskaramulu or simply Namaskaram.
2- Tamil
In Tamil, it is known as kumbidu, which is composed of kumbu meaning‘ to cup hands’ and idu,‘ to do’. Vanakkam, in Tamil too, means the same.
3- Kannada
In Kannada, the gesture is known as Namaskara.
4- Japan
In Japan, the Namaste hand gesture is used in prayer and healing sessions and is called Gassho.
5- Sri Lanka
Namaste is also in vogue in Sri Lanka and Nepalese cultures.
6- Sikhs
Sikhs also fold their hand as in Namaste, but their
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