At this time of Corona outbreak, it is very important for
each one of us to learn the importance of “Namaste” in my opinion. Let us learn
more about its history, etymology, & more from Wikipedia below.
The term namas is found in the Vedic literature. Namas-krita
and related terms appear in the Hindu scripture Rigveda such as in the Vivaha
Sukta, verse 10.85.22 in the sense of "worship, adore", while
Namaskara appears in the sense of "exclamatory adoration, homage,
salutation and worship" in the Atharvaveda, the Taittiriya Samhita, and
the Aitareya Brahmana. It is an expression of veneration, worship, reverence,
an "offering of homage" and "adoration" in the Vedic
literature and post-Vedic texts such as the Mahabharata, the phrase Namas-te
appears with this meaning in Rigveda 8.75.10, Atharvaveda verse 6.13.2,
Taittirya Samhita 2.6.11.2 and in numerous other instances in many early Hindu
texts. It is also found in numerous ancient and medieval era sculpture and
mandapa relief artwork in Hindu temples.
In Hinduism, it also has a spiritual import reflecting the
belief that "the divine and self (atman, soul) is same in you and
me", and connotes "I bow to the divine in you". According to
sociologist Holly Oxhandler, it is a Hindu term which means, "the sacred
in me recognizes the sacred in you".
Excavations for Indus Valley Civilization have revealed many
male and female terracotta figures in Namaste posture. These archaeological
findings are dated to be between 3000 BCE to 2000 BCE.
ANJALI MUDRA
Anjali is the Sanskrit word for "divine offering",
"a gesture of reverence", "benediction",
"salutation", and is derived from anj, meaning "to honour or
celebrate", & Mudra means "seal" or "sign". The
meaning of the phrase is thus "salutation seal".
The gesture is also known as hrdayanjali mudra meaning
"reverence to the heart seal" (from hrd, meaning "heart")
and atmanjali mudra meaning "reverence to the self seal" (from atman,
meaning "self").
Anjali mudra is performed by pressing the palms of the hands
together. The fingers are together with fingertips pointing up. The hands are
pressed together firmly and evenly.
Anjali mudra has the same meaning as the Sanskrit greeting
Namaste and can be performed while saying Namaste or Pranam, or in place of
vocalizing the word.
The gesture is used for both greetings and farewells, but
carries a deeper significance than a simple "hello" or
"goodbye". The joining together of the palms is said to provide
connection between the right and left hemispheres of the brain and represents
unification. This yoking is symbolic of the practitioner's connection with the
divine in all things. Hence, anjali mudra honours both the self and the other.
Physical benefits:
Anjali mudra is performed as part of a physical yoga
practice with an aim to achieving several benefits. It is a "centering
pose" which, according to practitioners, helps to alleviate mental stress
and anxiety and is therefore used to assist the practitioner in achieving focus
and coming into a meditative state. It is because of these benefits, it is
widely used in many yogaasanas.
The physical execution of the pose helps to promote
flexibility in the hands, wrists, fingers and arms.
It is used in greeting a guest or anyone else. It expresses
politeness, courtesy, honor, and hospitality from one person to the other. It
is used in goodbyes as well. This is sometimes expressed, in ancient Hindu
scriptures such as Taittiriya Upanishad, as Atithi Devo Bhava (literally, treat
the guest like a god). Namaste is one of the six forms of pranama, and in parts
of India these terms are used synonymously.
Let us all understand the greatness of Namaste &
practise it for the rest of our life...
Let us all go back to our roots...
Be safe & stay healthy!
