Namaste is a Sanskrit word, used as greeting, or acknowledgement of another. Sanskrit is an ancient language from India dating back to 1500 BCE. The gesture of “Namaste”, is palms together, in prayer position, Añjali Mudrā or Pranaam-asana, at the heart centre.
Anjali is also a Sanskrit word, means, "gesture of reverence", a "salutation" or a "benediction". Mudra means a "seal", or a "sign". This gesture is also known as "reverence to the Self seal". Ātman refers to one's true Self.
The palms of the hands in this gesture are pressed together, firmly and evenly. The fingers are together and the fingertips pointing upwards. What we see most commonly practiced today. The hands are held together at the Anahata Chakra (heart center - the Fourth energy center) with the thumbs resting very lightly against the sternum. I love this gesture and feeling of tuning into my own heart-beat, the rhythm of the Universe
Another practice referencing the same meaning is, where the gesture is performed at the Ajna Chakra ( the center between the eyebrows - the Sixth energy center), where the thumb tips rest againgt the "third eye" or even at the Sahasrara Chakra (the crown center - the Seventh energy center).
Thus due to the sacredness of this gesture, it is used in the Indian greeting of "Namaste" or "Pranaam". It is used to greet and well as farewell and thank.
The vedic significance of this gesture suggests that the joining together of the palms subtly brings about a connection between the left and the right hemispheres of the brain, represents the "yoking" or unification. That is also the essence of the meaning of #yoga. This union is a symbolic representation of the practioners' connection and link with the divine [with]in all things and beings. Thus, when we perform the Anjali Mudra - we honour both our own Self and the other. Thereby acknowledging the Sacredness in both the practioner and the recipient.
The gesture is an acknowledgment of the Higher Self, the Divine, the Soul in one, by the soul in another. Beyond the human, the physical self. It is honouring that sacred place within each other.
Namaste is one of my favourite words and gestures. It goes deeper for me, than Love, or 'I Love You'. It goes to the Core, connects us at that place of Divinity residing in each one of us.
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