In our Indian culture we have the traditional way of greeting through Namaste and the whole world knows that this is the standard and most accepted way of greeting in India.
So why do we join both palms during a Namaste, Namaskar or Namaskaram. The word ‘namaskar’ is derived from the root ‘namaha,’ which means paying obeisance or salutation.
The first reason behind a traditional Namaste by joining both the palms means respect.
A theory also states that Namaste greeting is a particular mudra or posture in yoga.
It is believed that five fingers represent five form energies (Water, Fire, Air, Sky and Earth). So when our hands/palm touches the corresponding fingers the five energies get neutralised and is the best way in gesturing and welcoming a person as a friend.
Apart from this it has some spiritual benefits:
It helps in reducing the ego and increases humility.
Enhances gratitude and it helps in strengthening faith in this religious act.
The maharaja in Air India logo is also seen humbly greeting on boarders in the symbolic Namaste from India.
PNN/Agencies