What on earth is Namaste?
“That which is of God in me greets that which is of God in you.”
Namaste is a common spoken greeting or salutation originating from India and Nepal.
When spoken to another person, it is commonly accompanied by a slight bow made with hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed upwards, in front of the chest. This gesture, called Añjali Mudrā, can also be performed wordlessly.
The gesture Namaste represents the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart chakra. “Nama” means bow, “as” means I, and “te” means you. Therefore, Namaste literally means “bow me you” or “I bow to you.”
To perform Namaste, place the hands together at the heart charka, close the eyes, and bow the head. It can also be done by placing the hands together in front of the third eye, bowing the head, and then bringing the hands down to the heart. This is an especially deep form of respect.