THIS morning I watched him wish, Namaste to me. I have always been fascinated by this simple greeting, but today looked closer and found it very touching. There was something warm and meaningful in his gesture. He was actually touching his heart with the end of his folded hands. I felt it was even warmer than a handshake or bear hug, which I’d been used to doing:
I decided to do some research, and found some facts I thought would be interesting: Since ancient times there has been a tradition of holding one’s hands together in prayer. Here, this gesture is known as Namaskar and is offered as a gesture of salutation. There are many names for this particular gesture or salutation – Naman, Namaste, Pranpiat, Pranam, Namo Namah. All these terms convey honour and humility.
The most common way of offering Namaskar is by joining the palms at the level of the heart, to show we are sincere. When we touch our heart, countless good vibrations pass through our finger tips in the form of radiance to the other person. This beautiful touching gesture can help turn an enemy into a friend, and also aids us to eliminate our egos, and encourages humility and other virtuous practises.
The Namaskar gesture, when offered with humility, melts away differences and enmity between people. It is hard to explain why this form of gesture holds so much power. The five fingers represent the five all-pervading elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. When all five unite, Namaskar is formed.
Every kind of union manifests a creative power. The meeting place of two rivers or of a river as it meets with the ocean; the union of a man and woman, or the point when day merges into night and of course, when seasons merge into one another. Each creates energy. Energy manifests in many ways. Even when we clap our hands at a concert or a show, energy or power is formed.
The tradition of Namaskar in its many different forms, has existed for hundreds of years. It’s such a simple gesture and helps spread love among all. Since I love wearing kurta pajamas I found that the Namaste and my dressing go well together. I have stopped shaking hands and started using the traditional Namaste.
“Hey,” said the wife, as I namasted someone who had just come home, “I liked your Namaste but your handshake was very good too. All my friends talked about your grip!” “They talked about my handshake?” “Yes, they did!” Handshake? How did one do the handshake? Now I’ve forgotten, and Namaste it is for a while, at least till I learn to shake hands again..!
