The word Namaste is a word frequently used by Indians. It is an expression derived from two words including ''namah'' which means that the person ''bows with respect'' when addressing the other in the second person plural including ''aste'' for ''yours''. Very used in India to greet, it is also heard during work sessions etc. as a sign of respect. What does the expression mean and how to use it?
The different meanings of Namaste
The word Namaste, once commonly used in India on several occasions, is adopted today by Americans and others. According to this site, its primary meaning is greeting. Other uses are either spiritual or cosmic. It can mean "to be one and the same" or "to be one when both beings bow to each other". It could also mean "to acknowledge the soul of the other" or "to honor the whole universe that is in the other" or "to honor the love, peace and light of the other". It is above all a humble gesture which means that the individual frees himself from his entire personality. This is expressed through the movement. To make the Namaste gesture, simply join your hands, palms together. Then bend both hands together, so that from the elbows to the fingers makes a triangle. It should be made clear that the palms should be at the level of the chest or heart at the same time as the gesture of bowing the head follows.
On what other occasion can one still say Namaste?
Apart from the greeting, it is performed either for meditation or for yoga. In yoga, Namaste is used for the respect of the spiritual bond that binds the people in the room. It is also a way to thank each other for the serenity given to each other. In this case, it is the yoga teacher who says it and the learners respond. Given the humility that the name of the expression imposes, everyone can use it in a meaningful way.