NAMASTE

NAMASTE

The Namaste (नमस्ते) symbol, performed by bringing the palms together at the heart center and bowing the head, is a respectful greeting meaning ‘I bow to you’ or ‘The divine light in me honours the divine light in you’. It is a spiritual gesture of honour, reverence, and interconnectedness, recognising the divinity within each person, and serves as both a salutation and an expression of gratitude. The word ‘Namaste’ is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘namah’ (to bow or honour) and ‘te’ (you). It is also stated as ‘Namaskar’ or ‘Namaskaram’. The spiritual interpretation highlights the belief that there is a divine presence in everyone, and the gesture acknowledges this shared divinity and essence. The gesture is made by pressing the hands together, with the palms touching and fingers pointing upwards. The hands are typically placed near the heart chakra. A slight bow of the head often accompanies the gesture, signifying respect. The practice originated in Hinduism and is also used in Buddhism and Jainism, forming a core part of Vedic traditions.