Namaste

Namasté or Namaskar (नमस्ते in Hindi, from Sanskrit namaḥ te) is a South Asian greeting originating in India, which is used when both hello and goodbye would be used in English. The meaning is quite different, however.

Sanskrit namaḥ means "bow, obeisance, reverential salutation, adoration". Te is the dative of the personal pronoun tvam, "you". A literal translation of namaḥ te is thus "reverential salutation to you." It is commonly accompanied by a slight bow made with the hands pressed together, palms touching, in front of the chest.

In a religious context this word can be taken to mean any of these:

• The Spirit in me meets the same Spirit in you.
• I greet that place where you and I are one.
• I salute the divine in you.
• I salute the Light of God in you.
• I bow to the divine in you.
• I recognize that within each of us is a place where Divinity dwells, and when we are in that place, we are One.

In other words, it recognizes the equality of all, and pays honor to the sacredness and interconnection of all, as well as to the source of that interconnection. Namaskar is the term for such greetings, and is also used as a greeting itself.

Origins

"Namaste" is sometimes used in the context of practicing Yoga as a greeting or goodbye, generally taken as an expression of good will. Namaste is sometimes misinterpreted as a greeting associated with Yoga only, but it is much more widely used than that in South Asia, particularly in greeting elders. Moreover, it is used throughout Asia, especially in the context of Buddhism or Buddhist cultures, even though it is known by different names in some languages.

Namaste is a Hindi word, and hence has widespread use in North India where Hindi and its dialects are the languages spoken. Gassho is the term used in Japanese contexts for the hand-gesture, and for the wider bowing, as a whole. In Thailand, the gesture is known as wai (pronounced "why" with a rising tone).

In some parts of India (for example, Punjabi-speaking areas), Namaste is used only to greet Hindus. The proper greeting for Muslims and Sikhs being Assalamu Alaikum and Sat Sri Akaal respectively.

Gesture and symbolism

The gesture used when bowing in Namaste or Gassho is the bringing of both hands together, palms touching, in front of the person -- usually at the chest, or a higher level such as below the chin, below the nose, or above the head. This gesture is a mudra; a well-recognised symbolic hand position in eastern religions. One hand represents the higher, spiritual nature, while the other represents the worldly self. By combining the two, the person making the gesture is attempting to rise above his differences with others, and connect himself to the person he bows to. The bow is a symbolic bow of love and respect.

Quotes

Dōgen Zenji: "As long as there is true bowing, the Buddha Way will not deteriorate." In other words, as long as we can fully recognise the goodness of others, and can focus ourselves fully in paying homage to that, without any thoughts of self-interest or ulterior motives, but to pay our respects wholeheartedly, we are very close to the enlightened state of mind, which is the focus of Buddhist practice.

See also

• Hindu
• Buddhism
• Greetings
• Hanso Foundation

External links

• Namaste: Ancient Sanskrit Blessing Photo Tutorial at About.com
• Why We Do Namaste at Saranam.com, the Hindu Encyclopedia
• Namaste: What It Means
• Namaste in Yoga Class
• Namaste, Intentions, and Laws of Spirit
• Gassho
• PVP Online comic about Yoga