2/3/2021 2 Comments Namaskar MudraWhat is Namaskar Mudra and why do we use it in yoga practice?...Namaskar is a traditional Hindu salutation, greeting or gesture of respect joining the palms together at the centre of the chest. The literal Sanskrit translation of the word (Sanskrit being the ancient Indo-European language of India in which key classical yoga texts are formed) is as follows: ‘Namas’ = bowing / homage 'Kar’ (derived from ‘kri’) = doing In placing the palms together at the chest, the ‘heart centre’, this can be taken literally as ‘I do the act of saluting/ bowing with respect.’ In yoga this act of respect is typically directed toward our one-ness or supreme consciousness. ‘Mudra’ = seals / energy gesturesMudras are defined as "body-mind-energy gestures to tune into the universal cosmic prana and channel it inwards towards various chakras, naris (also known as Nadis - energy channels) consciousness and body parts.” - Yogachariya Jnandev Namsakar mudra is an expression of energy performed by your hands - therefore a ‘hasta mudra.’ ‘Hasta’ = hand There is a whole science behind mudras in yoga - which sadly isn't possible to cover in its entirety in this simple blog post! - but put simply, by holding your hands in certain ways at different places you can influence your whole system function. Our hasta mudras are particularly powerful, as when you come to think about it, our hands are so expressive, perhaps even more so than our voice or words when communicating or expressing ourselves. We also have so many nerve endings in our palms and fingertips. “The moment you place your hands together, your dualities, your likes and dislikes, your cravings and aversions are all levelled out.” - Sadhguru As yoga in its purest form means ‘union’ (‘yuj’ in sanskrit = joining) - the union of and balance of our energies, harmony, our oneness - Namaskar Mudra in essence represents this simply and beautifully: the joining together of opposites (hands) bringing together harmony between the two polarities within.... Want to feel balanced, peaceful, clear & focussed? It can be yours in an instant ... Variations Over time yoga and it’s teachings have evolved from its ancient Indian origins, as such, you may see many differing definitions and uses of mudras (as well as posture names) in more modern styles of yoga. There have been many different translations and interpretations of the classical scriptures over time, so it may be worthwhile pointing out that depending on which lineage or style that you and/or teachers follow can dictate certain terminology. The most obvious example that comes to mind for me is in traditional Sanatan yoga in which I am trained, strongly influenced by the Gitanada Yoga Tradition, we call the posture with hands and feet equal to the earth and hips high ‘Meru-asana / Mountain’ (Meru is the name of a mountain in Garhwal Himalayas, ‘asana’ meaning posture/pose) as the most original name noted given in traditional scriptures. Whereas, in modern yoga this asana is coined as ‘downward dog’.. Delving deep into yoga terms, names, origins, variations however may be deserving of a blog post all of its own 😉 You may find Namaskar Mudra referred to as ‘Anjali Mudra’ in different teachings. In Sanatan Yoga we tend to refer to Anjali Mudra as palms together, but with the hands and arms lengthened up above the head, a gesture or offering to the divine.How to use Namaskar Mudra can simply be practiced by bringing the palms together at the heart centre. A salutation to within. A gesture to evoke focus, awareness, tuning into cosmic prana, channelling it inward toward the ‘anahata’ heart chakra. The Namaskar can be moved around the body to simulating energy points and chakras, and also used in asana sequences such as ‘Suriya Namaskars / Sun Salutations’ - in which there are many variations in traditional yoga, to offer our greetings and gratitude to the sun/suriya. Namaskar Mudra is also commonly used alongside a verbal ‘Namaste’ (‘te’ = you) and a gentle bow as a sealing of the beginning and/or ending of practice - A gesture and marking of respect to honour the divine within us all. “The divine in me honours the divine in you.” There are many benefits of Namaskar Mudra which vary depending on how you use it and for what purpose - in meditation or as part of an asana sequence for example.
Practice Today Now that you know all about Namaskar Mudra, it’s time to put it into practice in your life today. As you’re reading this take a minute to practice this mudra wherever you are. Use the photos as inspiration and hold this mudra for 1 minute, taking a few deep conscious breaths as you take a moment of gratitude for your day today. Namaste! Hazel x
2 Comments
Sarah M
13/3/2021 01:15:43 pm
Thank you Hazel. This is really interesting. I often wonder about the words, names and meanings in yoga, but classes are often not the right time to ask. I've learnt some over many years, but I love learning in this more in depth way.
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