What does Namaste mean?

Namaste!
Namate is a gesture used in both meeting and parting. With your hands in front, bring your palms together and bow your head to perform Namaste. You can say the word without saying it or you can only say Namaste.

When you travel to Nepal, the Himalayas, or India, you will often see people saying Namaste or Namaskar. It is a common gesture in both the Hindu and Buddhist societies.

Namaste is now a regular part of yoga classes all over the globe.

What does Namaste actually mean?

Namaste was originally a Sanskrit term. It means, “I bow before the divine in You”.

It is believed that every person carries a Divine spark and that the gesture of acknowledgment is a way to acknowledge one another.

Namaste, in other words, means “My soul honors your soul.” I honor the place where the whole universe is located in you. Because it is within me, I also honour the light, love and truth that lies within you. These things are what unite us, they are the same as one, and we can share them.

Namaskar or Namaste

Namaste and Namaskar are in general the same expression of respect. The word is often used interchangeably. Namaskar and Namaste are Nepali ways to greet people and show respect. Namaskar or namaste are said by raising the palms in front of the chest. Westerners greet one another by greeting them with “hello” or shaking their hands.

These two words are derived from Sanskrit, and have deep roots in Hindu culture. These words are often called synonyms in English dictionaries. Is there really any difference?

Namaste and namaskar both have the Sanskrit root term “namah”, which is “salute or bow”.

Namaskar is the Supreme Consciousness within oneself. When people greet others with “namaskar”, it’s not because they are greeting another human being, but rather referring to the Oneness within. Namaste can be used to salute the divine entity. People who use these gestures of respect interchangeably may not know the exact usage. They might greet one another with “namaste”, but not as “namaskar.”

This distinction is extremely important in yoga traditions. Namaste in yoga is used only for divine activity, not to greet others.

Conclusion

1. Both “namaskar” and “namaste,” are Nepali and Indian ways to greet people and show respect.
2. With namaskar or namaste, the palms should be held straight in front of the chest.
3. Namaskar is the object of the Supreme Consciousness within a person. Namaste can be used to salute the divine entity.
4. “Namaste” is a combination of the words “namah” and “te.” Thus, “namaste” means “I salute you or bow to your with respect.”
5. “Namaskar” refers to the combination of the words “namah” and “kar”. The verb “kri”, which means “to do,” is used to create the word “kar”. “namaskar” simply means “I salute or bow with respect.”

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