|
What does Namaste mean?
Below is the basic definition of the greeting; however, I encourage you to search this word on the internet and discover its rich history if you are interested. I could not add more than what is below due to copyright infringement... but there are some wonderful websites dedicated to "namaste".
Sanskrit námas means "bow, obeisance, reverential salutation, adoration". te is the dative of the personal pronoun tvam, "you". A literal translation of námas 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 salute the divine in you
- I salute the Light of God in you.
- I bring together my body and soul, focusing my divine potential, and bow to the same potential within you.
- I bow to the divine in you.
In other words, it recognizes the equality of all,
and pays honor to the sacredness of all.
|
