Namaste - Symbol of Indian Culture

• The gesture of 'Namaste' is essentially Indian. It is the symbol of greeting from ancient times.
• The literal meaning of namaste is - 'Namah' bow 'te-to you- I bow to you'.
• Namaste represents the belief that there is a divine spark within each of us that is located at the heart chakra.
• This salutation is the essence of our culture of seeing the divine within all the creation. Hence this gesture is offered equally in temple to deities, teachers, family, friends, strangers and even before scared rivers and trees.

Formation

To perform 'Namaste' we join the hands together and place at the heart Chakra, close the every and bendthe head. Namaste also can be done by placing the hands together in front of the third eye between the brows, bowing the head and then bringing the hands down to the heart. This is the deep form of respect. Namaste needs no occasion. It can be performed any where any time and at any place. This gesture is used prominently in worship.

Effect

Namaste is a mudra that is rich in flavour, meaning and substance. The electro magnetic power flowing from one hand to other is felt strongly. One feels strong in body and mind. As we bring our hands together at the centre, we are literally connecting the right and left hemispheres of our brain. This is the yogic process of unification. The namaste brings the right and left side, masculine and feminin, logic and intution, strength and tenderness together as a whole.

Benefits

1. This mudra frees us from the bonds of ego and makes us humble and pleasent.
2. We feel strong in body and mind as this mudra removes fear and headache, even flexibility in the fingers is improved.
3. Namaste is uplifting. It gives a sense of gratefulness and waiting to receive blessings of good things to come.

References

The above mentioned information is added from the book called "MUDRAS & HEALTH PERSPECTIVES" by "SUMAN.K.CHIPLUNKAR".