NAMASKAR
The Meaning and the Benefit
Dr. Jayant Athavale©

Editors note: Considering the current popularity of the word namaste as a greeting, we thought it worthwhile to read this article on how an orthodox Hindu may view the traditional way of salutation. This article was sent to Nāmarūpa by a friend. It was originally published by SANATAN SANSTHA, The Sanatan Society for Scientific Spirituality, founded by Dr. Jayant Athavale.
Of interest to us is how gesture and intent are of importance in devotional observances as well as everyday actions.
See www.sanatan.org for information.

Worldly Benefits
By doing namaskar to a deity or a saint, their virtues and capabilities are unknowingly impressed upon our minds. Consequently we start emulating them, thus changing ourselves for the better.

Spiritual Benefits
Increase in humility and reduction of ego. Enhancement in the spiritual emotion of surrender and gratitude. Gaining the sattva component and faster spiritual progress We receive the highest amount of sattva component from the posture mudra of namaskar.
By doing namaskar to deities or saints we receive subtle frequencies emitted by them, e.g. frequencies of sattva or bliss.

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