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Location : AgileCoachCamp Wiki > Namaste Namaste

Namaste

From time to time you will hear some of the organizers greet you with "Namaste!"

Namasté is an Indian greeting or parting phrase as well as a gesture. It is commonly used by Hindus and Buddhists.

Taken literally, it means "I bow to you". The word is derived from Sanskrit (namas): to bow, obeisance, reverential salutation, and (te): "to you". 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. The gesture can also be performed wordlessly and carry the same meaning.

From a slightly philosophical outlook: Namaste means "The divine in me bows to the divine in you".

It is widely used in South Asia where, in everyday life, "namaste" is not necessarily considered a religious gesture by everyone. However, many believe it has a spiritual basis, in recognizing a common divinity within the other person. When greeting a peer, a "namaste" with hands in front of chest and a slight bow is considered polite.

Namaste is also used as a friendly greeting in written communication, or generally between people when they meet. In some parts of India (for example, Punjabi-speaking areas), Namaste is used not only to greet Hindus but everyone. Namaste is accepted in India by people of all (or no) religion.

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Created by debhart. Last Modification: Friday, 08 of February, 2008 21:17:21 CET by debhart.