Namaste

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(Redirected from Namaskar)

Namaste or Namaskar (नमस्ते in Hindi) 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.

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Meanings

Namaste literally means "I humbly bow to you," from the Sanskrit: Namas: "to bow, obeisance, reverential salutation", and Te: "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 salute the divine in you
  • I bring together my body and soul, focusing my divine potential, and bow to the same potential within you.

In other words, it recognizes the equality of all, and pays honor to the sacredness of all.

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 mis-interpreted 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 guesture 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 Gassho or Namaste 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

Dogen 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.)

Related Topics

External Links

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