Namaste is commonly connected with the symbol of om. Om is the sound of the universe all wrapped up into one syllable (or three: it incorporates the sounds of ah-oh-hm). Om is said to have the power to move mountains. But I`d like to talk about the meaning of Namaste today. The literal translation of Namaste is “I bow to you,” but it means so much more. The phrase refers to the literal bow you perform but also to the bow that you and the other persons soul performs. By bowing, placing your hands together as though you’re praying and saying the word, “Namaste,” you’re actually acknowledging the divine presence that lives inside every one of us. By using this phrase, we are stating that even though we are all separate beings, we are all still one. We are all connected. The idea of Oneness is present. The word Namaste is not only a set of sounds leaving your mouth, it is usually accompanied with a gesture. Place your palms together as if you were in prayer. Your thumbs should be in front of your breastbone (or more accurately your heart chakra). Close your eyes and bow down at the waist. The energy from your heart chakra will flow into the recipient. The palms touching each other help to further activate the heart chakra. The act of closing your eyes and bowing down allows you to feel the intention completely. Not only will your words affect the recipient, your energy will actually enter the recipient’s energy field as their words enter yours in a divine exchange of energy. If you want to get really respectful, you can place your thumbs in front of your third eye (between your eye brows) instead of your heart chakra to signify that you have a very deep respect for the recipient. Though you may say the word Namaste as you perform this action, the word is not necessary. The movement itself says it all.
It never occurred to me how strange it is to not use physical contact when greeting someone. I have been used to greeting others (especially strangers) and saying our goodbyes with a handshake. As someone who’s not a fan of germs, I wondered if the Nepalese or whoever (the origin of the Namaste greeting is not confirmed) had something there with a greeting that doesn’t require physical touch. But the lack of physical exchange has more to do with the spiritual exchange than avoiding germs. It enhances the spiritual vibrations that travel through your body and the recipient’s. It’s important to refrain from holding objects while performing Namaste as objects can absorb the good vibrations that you intend to send to the recipient.
Namaste dear Reader.
-Heli