Namaste, as I know it, means something like “I recognize and cherish the eternal light that shines forth from you”. That’s a heavy load for a single word – which is why I don’t use it often. If I say it to you it means:
I am assuming that there is a higher force / god / quality
I am assuming that this higher presence resides in everyone including you and I
I am assuming you can contain my bringing it up
It indicates that at some point in our recent conversation I probably lost track of it
It indicates that I realized I was lost
It indicates that I found it once again
It indicates that I have experienced again that which we have in common and gives us direction in life
It indicates that I am grateful for having seen this through you
It indicates that I am grateful to you for having given me this gift
What do you mean when you say namaste?
8 Comments
Actually, I happen to be one of those people who never says it. I love the word and concept, and I always appreciate it when others use it with me–no problem there.
But for some reason I don't feel comfortable using it myself. I haven't ever tried to figure out why, because it doesn't trouble me. It probably has something to do with overly assumed spiritual intimacy, like you imply in your blog.
Bob Weisenberg
ElephantJournal.com
Thank you for stopping by Bob 🙂
I can easily relate to that. I am like that with the world "love" 🙂 I never say "I love you". I prefer to put that into action and skip over the ground-into-thin-dust-thin words.
As for Namaste, for me the combination of it being from a foreign language and the very specific context make it more accessible and useful for me. There is a small irony in this, because when I say it indicates "I just made a conscious choice not to be angry at you" when most people are thinking it's some kind of spiritual "I love you".
I can at best be clear about my intentions – and now I put in words – so I can easily refer those that want to know to what I mean by it 🙂
Makes perfect sense.
When I use the word, Namaste, I am saying that I respect you as a creation of God, as part of the divine. Personally, I love the word/greeting. It is overly used in the American yoga community and as Bob said, has some kind of assumed spiritual intimacy. In Nepal, it is simply a respectful greeting that warms the heart.
Thank you for commenting 🙂
Can you say what it is that prompts you to use it and not "overly" use it?
I guess, for me, I use it when I really mean it. I don't just use it haphazardly. When I "namaste" someone, I do it with divine intention and feeling. If I don't feel it, I don't say it.
I found this through Fred's blog and I love this post.
To answer your question – I use it often when I am in India, where it is the norm when I am in a traditional setting, especially with elders. I was taught, as a child to say "Namaskaram", the South Indian version of Namaste, to my elders. It means I salute the god in you. I believe every person had god in them. Even people who appear horrible have a tiny spark of goodness somewhere and by saying Namaskaram to them, I am not saluting the horribleness, but acknowledging that there is good in them too.
Now, what stunned me when I came to your site is the Tat Tvam Asi on the right hand side. So few people understand what that means. It is an incredible, powerful phrase. In fact, I have named my production company Tatvam (different, but similar).
Nice to visit your blog.
Thank you for taking the time to visit and relate 🙂
I don't always see the good in people. The idea of Namaste – whether or not I verbalize it – is a reminder to me to seek it out. I believe it's always there – sometimes it takes time, patience and digging to find it 🙂
"Tat Tvam Asi" is the only description of myself that I feel fits me 🙂 Not many people notice it or comment on it – so thank so much for noticing 🙂