BLOG: The True Meaning of “Namaste”

There is a deeper meaning to the gesture “Namaste” in Indian culture. Namaste is done by bringing the hands together with palms and open fingers touching at the vicinity of the heart chakra. With the hands positioned as such, the greeter bows the head with closed eyes. This action represents the soul of one person acknowledging the soul of another. It is in recognition of the Divine spark that lies in the heart chakra of every individual.

The literal translation of Namaste is “I bow to you” where “Nama” means “bow,” while “as” denotes “I” and “te” means “you”. In Indian culture this gesture is a form of respect, and it may even be done by putting the hands together near the third eye (on the forehead) and bowing while the hands are brought down to where the heart is situated. Westerners usually speak the word, “Namaste” while they perform this gesture. In India, the gesture is a full representation of the word and is therefore performed without speaking it.

Namaste may be done by an individual when he/she is alone as a form of meditation. It is a means of going deeper into the heart chakra. As the hands are brought together near the heart, the flow of Divine Love is increased. The bowing part and the eye closure both represent an individual’s full surrender to the Divine.

When Namaste is performed between a teacher and his student, it allows for a deeper connection, and facilitates the strengthening of the bond between them.

There is no ego to impede the free flow of timeless energy. When both teacher and student surrender with their hearts and minds, they experience spiritual union. When a teacher greets his student with this gesture, it is not just an expression of respect. It is also an invitation to the student to connect with his lineage, since Namaste also signifies eternal respect to a teacher’s own masters.

Namaste is ideally done when the class starts and then again when it ends. For some, doing it at the end is more fulfilling since the mind is more at peace and less active at that time. Namaste allows truth to flow between hearts and minds.

Namaste,
Carmen