

There are several “mudras” or gestures in yoga. Let us now see how a yogi see the same gesture of joining hands while praying.

Here, joining hands while praying is seen in a different sense. Scientifically, it is the joining of energies in left and right sides of our brain. It is also called as the union of “shiva” and “shakti” – the two energies present in the human beings. Communion of feminine and masculine form of energy within us is to be taken in this context. Some say that it is the union, in other words – yoga. There are several other scientific explanations in scriptures and some elaborations given by the spiritual masters. That is giving more respect to those whom the person shows this gesture. In some situations, people who follow the culture and tradition strongly may bring both joined hands towards forehead. If you combine both as “Namaste” literally means “bowing to you” or in other words, “I bow to you”. The word “namaḥ” in Sanskrit means ‘bow’, ‘obeisance’ or ‘adoration’ and “te” means ‘to you’. If the person who greets another person at a higher level in any situation – whether personal or official, that too is considered as respectful. When compared with the handshake, “namaskar” is also considered to be more respectful. This is symbolic in nature, to consider others also as one among us. He who gestures with “Namaste” never consider himself as a great person raising own ego. The attitude of one who join hands on behalf of others is that he is bowing down to them. It means “bowing down” to whoever we tell the word “namah”. But at the same time, “namah” is considered as sacred. are some of the words used in general while greeting people. There are some words uttered or chanted while praying and most widely used is the “namah”. Practices in “sanatana dharma” is not just gestures, but also chanting of some syllable or uttering words of importance to others. Even during the pandemic times, the most important way to greet was joining both hands replacing the shake-hand. Among these practices, the “ Namaskar” or “ Namaste” or joining both hands while praying or greeting is the most important and widely used. These principles are to be practiced in daily life and it is not just seen as theory. Here too, the principle of one-ness is established, visualising that one who prays is also part of the creation & the creation is not separate from us. It is a prayer only when it is meant for the entire creation. We should also note here that a prayer is something that would benefit not just me, but the entire creation. One among the several practices is to join both hands while praying. Though the people in India follow these in their actions, not many know the moral reason and scientific principle behind this. It is simply considering other living beings also as part of our Self. When we say that it is godliness or divinity, it has nothing to do with the religion. So, whenever somebody ask you why join hands while praying, you can always say that it is the part of the culture that has shown us to see divinity in every beings in the universe. One of the basic principles in Sanatana Dharma followed in India is to see Godliness in everyone. It means respect to other being including humans, animals, and whole of the nature. In other words, it is divinity that is shown in every gestures. In other words, “ekatwa” or oneness is seen in every action. According to the principles in Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma, human beings never see the other living beings in this universe as a separate entity from them. India is rich in culture and ancient traditions with a strong foundation on the principle of “oneness”. This custom originated from India, and is now known across the globe.
