The definition of Namaste (pronounced na, ma, stay) is both a physical gesture and a spoken spiritual salutation, which is the recognition of the divine spirit (or soul) in another by the divine spirit in you.
Namaste Gesture
The acknowledgement of spirit to spirit is represented by placing the hands together in front of your third eye chakra and bowing your head then bringing your hands down in front of your heart chakra.
Performing both the Namaste gesture and saying the word Namaste at the same time can be done when greeting someone, however, in India the gesture alone means Namaste, so it is not necessary to say the word.
Namaste in Meditation
Namaste can also be used at the beginning of your meditation to help you go deeper into your divine heart center. By bringing the hands together at the heart chakra you access the flow of divine love and by bowing your head and closing your eyes the mind will more easily let go to the divine spirit of your heart.
Seeing Others
Seeing others through the definition of Namaste will help you to see the true divine spirit in everyone. By doing so you are literally meeting them at the soul level. You look beyond the surface into the true nature of every being.
There a many other interpretations of the meaning of Namaste here are a few:
- The God/Goddess within me acknowledges the God/Goddess within you.
- The Divine in me recognizes and honors, the Divine in you.
- The spirit within me bows to the spirit within you.
- I greet that place where you and I are one.
- I honor the place in you which is of love, of truth, of light and of peace.
No matter which interpretation you choose you should think of it as a divine blessing that honors sacredness and equality in everyone.