Namasté नमस्ते

I bought a Nepali phrase book last week, interested in the culture, words, pronunciations. The very first word listed is “namasté”, which is commonly used in saying both “hello” and “goodbye”. In Nepal (and India and elsewhere in South Asia too) this expression can be used any time of the day and, though slightly informal, is considered appropriate between all people. When used, it should be accompanied by holding your palms together in front of your face or chest, as if in prayer. I am immediately fascinated.

Having tried a stint with yoga a few years ago, “namasté” was used between the instructor and class as the session began and ended. There I learned it had a deeper, spiritual meaning, so it never occurred to me that it could also be a simple greeting. The Wikipedia definition (which must be true) reminded me that what I learned conveyed deep respect: “The light in me honors the light in you” and also “ I bow to that (divinity) inherent in you.” Wow. That’s a little different than “hello” or “hey, how’s it goin’?”

It seems to me that is incredibly powerful. So whenever you greet a person in Nepal – even a stranger on the street – you’re not just saying “hi” but “I respect the Divine within you.” When was the last time you greeted somebody with such profound reverence? I know I haven’t, even to those I love dearly. It makes me think though that the Nepalese are a beautiful and wise people... that deep respect and acceptance, no matter what religion or beliefs, help bind their people together.

So I’m thankful I’ve already learned something from our unknown child. I look forward to the day when we first meet…

Namasté.