Definitions: Namaste
‘Namaste’
I use this a lot in my articles and communications, usually as a farewell greeting. Although in the Western world ‘Namaste’ is often associated with things ranging from Ayurveda to yoga or even to vegetarianism, it is Hindu in origin and translates to “The God in me recognizes and honors the God in you” (or something very similar). It is a Mudra (symbolic gesture) as well as a Mantra (a repeated syllable or series of syllables conveying a particular, usually spiritual, concept). It is pronounced “Namastay”, and is a common greeting of courtesy in Hindu culture.
The Mudra involves brings both hands together in a ‘prayer position’ at the heart with a slight bow of the head. Variations on the gesture include bringing the hands to the third eye area (center of the forehead) to indicate a deep respect or reverence for the person being greeted, and just over the head to the area of the crown chakra – an enhancement reserved for only the most Holy.
The Sanskrit version of ‘Namaste’ is ‘Namaskar’ translating literally to “I bow to you”, and in Japanese culture this greeting is known as gassho.
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