Namaste is a common spoken greeting or salutation originating from India and Nepal.
When spoken to another person, it is commonly accompanied by a slight bow made with hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed upwards, in front of the chest. This gesture, called Añjali Mudrā, can also be performed wordlessly and carries the same meaning.
When spoken to another person, it is commonly accompanied by a slight bow made with hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed upwards, in front of the chest. This gesture, called Añjali Mudrā, can also be performed wordlessly and carries the same meaning.
Pronunciation and etymology
It is written नमस्ते in devangari script, and pronounced [nʌmʌsˈteː] in Hindustani.
The word is formed from external sandhi (coalescence) between the Sanskrit namaḥ, to bow, to give obeisance or reverential salutation, and te, "to you."[1] Also common is a polite form using the imperative astu meaning "let there be": namo: stu te literally meaning "let there be a salutation to you."[
It is written नमस्ते in devangari script, and pronounced [nʌmʌsˈteː] in Hindustani.
The word is formed from external sandhi (coalescence) between the Sanskrit namaḥ, to bow, to give obeisance or reverential salutation, and te, "to you."[1] Also common is a polite form using the imperative astu meaning "let there be": namo: stu te literally meaning "let there be a salutation to you."[
Uses
In Sikh scripture Namaste, Namastung or Namastvung is referenced as salutation to the Primal being, the One God. The salutation is followed by an attribute respecting a quality of the creator of all religions, Akal.
In Nepalese culture, namaste is performed when a younger family member meets older relatives. It also varies depending upon social status and prestige: The person with lower status or prestige performs namaste first to show respect for the higher station the other person has achieved.
Namaste is also used as a friendly greeting in written communication, or generally between people when they meet. When used at funerals to greet the guests, the verbal part is usually omitted. When the hand position is higher, it usually means reverence and/or worship. The expression with hands placed on top of one's head is usually the sign of utmost reverence or respect. When the gesture is performed with hands in front of the chest, it is usually considered as aayushman.
The aayushman gesture is also a cultural symbol of Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan hospitality.
In Sindh, Pakistan, the gesture of namaste, though extremely rare, is still maintained even by Sindhi Muslims.
The cabin crew ("air hostesses") of Air India, Sri Lankan Airways – and Air France and Virgin Atlantic on their flights to India – use namaste to greet passengers as well as in other hospitality settings.
Meanings and interpretation
Namaste is one of a small list of Sanskrit words commonly recognized by Non-Hindi speakers.
* "I honor the Spirit in you which is also in me." -- attributed to but not claimed by author Deepak Chopra
* "I honor the place in you in which the entire Universe dwells, I honor the place in you which is of Love, of Integrity, of Wisdom and of Peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are One."
* "Your spirit and my spirit are ONE." -- attributed to Lilias Folan's shared teachings from her journeys to India.[citation needed]
* "That which is of God in me greets that which is of God in you."
* "The Divinity within me perceives and adores the Divinity within you.
In Sikh scripture Namaste, Namastung or Namastvung is referenced as salutation to the Primal being, the One God. The salutation is followed by an attribute respecting a quality of the creator of all religions, Akal.
In Nepalese culture, namaste is performed when a younger family member meets older relatives. It also varies depending upon social status and prestige: The person with lower status or prestige performs namaste first to show respect for the higher station the other person has achieved.
Namaste is also used as a friendly greeting in written communication, or generally between people when they meet. When used at funerals to greet the guests, the verbal part is usually omitted. When the hand position is higher, it usually means reverence and/or worship. The expression with hands placed on top of one's head is usually the sign of utmost reverence or respect. When the gesture is performed with hands in front of the chest, it is usually considered as aayushman.
The aayushman gesture is also a cultural symbol of Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan hospitality.
In Sindh, Pakistan, the gesture of namaste, though extremely rare, is still maintained even by Sindhi Muslims.
The cabin crew ("air hostesses") of Air India, Sri Lankan Airways – and Air France and Virgin Atlantic on their flights to India – use namaste to greet passengers as well as in other hospitality settings.
Meanings and interpretation
Namaste is one of a small list of Sanskrit words commonly recognized by Non-Hindi speakers.
* "I honor the Spirit in you which is also in me." -- attributed to but not claimed by author Deepak Chopra
* "I honor the place in you in which the entire Universe dwells, I honor the place in you which is of Love, of Integrity, of Wisdom and of Peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are One."
* "Your spirit and my spirit are ONE." -- attributed to Lilias Folan's shared teachings from her journeys to India.[citation needed]
* "That which is of God in me greets that which is of God in you."
* "The Divinity within me perceives and adores the Divinity within you.
The Ankh, symbol of life or eternal life was associated with water, the sustainer of all life. One theory suggests it originated from the loop of a sandal strap, another that the loop represents the sunrise over the horizon (crossbar). Many believe the loop to be the female sexual organ while the vertical part of the cross is the male organ, but this is not accepted by scholars. Egyptian gods are typically shown carrying ankhs. 
