Coronavirus infection has shaken many things including beliefs in the age-old traditions and customs.- CDC alerted the international community that shaking hands can be a source of contacting the disease from others.
Namaste – the traditional Indian way of greeting has now grabbed the attention of the world as a potentially safe way of greeting people.
The other person is usually expected to respond in the same fashion. The top benefit of Namaste is there is no physical touching of the other person while greeting. In this way, any risks of contacting microbes and diseases from the other person we greet are fully avoided. More than its health advantages, ‘Namaste’ has a deep meaning attached to it besides several other lesser known benefits.
How to greet saying Namaste?
While doing Namaste, the person greeting slightly bows with a smile in his lips. The person holds both the palms together pressed each against the other. Fingers pointing upwards and the thumbs close to the chest. In Natya Shastra (the treatise on traditional dancing), Namaste or Namaskar is known as Anjali Mudra. When the Anjali Mudra (Namaskar) is held in the standing pose, it is called as Pranamasana in Yoga.
The meaning of Namaste
The meaning of Namaste is ‘I bow to the divine in you’. By saying Namaste, the person doing it acknowledges the spiritual oneness of the spirit in the other person greeted. Hence Namaste is the highest and the most respectful form of greeting we can find in any culture of the world.
Why Namaste has recently grabbed the attention of the world
The rampant spread of coronavirus and the huge toll of death it has claimed across geographies has triggered alarms in the world community. Also, growing awareness of the ways in which diseases can be contacted has made us re-evaluate the several customs, practices, beliefs, food habits and other aspects of personal and community living.
One among such concerns is the way of greeting people. CDC revealed that shaking hands with people who carry microbes in their hands can be a sure way of contacting the germs leading to disease spread. Hence people have now started reinventing and recommending the several benefits of Namaste, the Indian traditional way of greeting that does not involve any physical contact with the other person.
Other lesser known benefits of Namaste
The age old therapeutic and wellness systems like acupressure have acknowledged the other far reaching health benefits of Namaste. While holding the Anjali Mudra or the worshipful pose, the person holds both his palms touching each other. When this is done, he unintentionally activates all the very important nerve endings and vital points in his palms. This is a very beneficial therapeutic practice that can tone up several body systems and balance several inconsistencies and hormonal secretions in the body.
Say Namaste
The next time when you greet someone, do it in the Indian way. When you say Namaskar, you not only turn your greeting a more profound and meaningful one, but also you reap several advantages connected to this most wonderful practice.