Science behind Namaskar tradition. Why Namaskar is better than Handshake

Namaskar Tradition in Sanatana Dharma

 Namaskar or Namaste is a traditional Hindu greeting and a significant part of the Sanatana Dharma (ancient Hinduism) culture. The word ‘Namaskar’ is derived from two Sanskrit words ‘Namah’ meaning ‘to bow’ and ‘te’ meaning ‘you’. The act of Namaskar is performed by joining both palms and bowing the head as a sign of respect and reverence to the person being greeted.

Namaskar is not only a physical act but also encompasses a deeper spiritual significance. In Hinduism, it is believed that every individual has a spark of the divine within them. The act of Namaskar is a way of acknowledging and paying homage to the divine within the person being greeted. It symbolizes the belief that everyone is equal and deserving of respect, regardless of their caste, religion, or social status.

Namaskar is a universal gesture and is widely used across India and other parts of the world where Hinduism is practiced. It is a part of everyday life, whether in the home, at religious ceremonies, or in public gatherings. The act of Namaskar is considered to be a form of salutation, similar to the western practice of shaking hands or bowing.

In Hinduism, the act of Namaskar is also used as a form of prayer or worship. It is performed before God or a deity, to show devotion and seek blessings. The Namaskar pratha (tradition) is a common practice in Hindu temples, where devotees offer Namaskar as a sign of reverence to the deity.

Namaskar is not limited to Hinduism but has also been adopted by other spiritual traditions such as Buddhism and Jainism. In these traditions, it is seen as a symbol of peace and non-violence. The act of Namaskar represents a gesture of humility and a desire for peace and harmony.

In addition to its spiritual significance, Namaskar is also considered to have physical and mental benefits. The act of bowing the head and joining the palms is believed to promote a sense of calmness and inner peace. It is also said to stimulate the pressure points on the palms, which in turn promotes a sense of well-being.

In conclusion, Namaskar is an integral part of the Sanatana Dharma culture and holds a significant place in Hinduism. It represents a belief in the divine within every individual, and is a sign of respect, reverence, and humility. The act of Namaskar is performed in daily life and during religious ceremonies and is considered to have spiritual, physical, and mental benefits. The Namaskar pratha serves as a reminder of the importance of treating others with respect and acknowledging the divine within each person.