Hi, here is my post about colorchallenge. It is about the expression NAMASTE.
WHAT DOES 'Namaste' MEAN?
Namaste is an Indian gesture of courtesy greeting one another. Wherever they are, when Hindus meet people they know or strangers with whom they want to initiate a conversation, "namaste". It is often used as a salutation to end an encounter as well.
Namaste is not a superficial gesture or a mere word, it is a way of showing respect and that you are equal to one another. It is used with all people one meets, from young and old to friends and strangers.
Though it has its origins in India, Namaste is known and used throughout the world nowadays. Much of this has been due to its use in yoga. Students will often bow in respect to their teacher and say "Namaste" at the end of a class. In Japan, the gesture is "Gassho" and used in similar fashion, typically in prayer and healing practice.
Because of its global usage, Namaste has many interpretations. In general, the word tends to be defined as some derivation of, "The divine in me bows to the divine in you." This spiritual connection comes from its Indian roots.
Although this is normally understood to mean prostration, it actually is the means of paying homage or showing respect to one another. This is the practice today when we greet each other.
The Spiritual Significance of "Namaste"
The reason we use Namaste has a deeper spiritual significance as well. It recognizes the belief that the life force, the divinity, the Self, or the God in me is the same in all.
Acknowledging this oneness and equality with the meeting of the palms, we honor the god in the person we meet.
During prayers, Hindus not only do Namaste, they also bow and close their eyes, in effect to look into the inner spirit. This physical gesture is sometimes accompanied by names of gods such as Ram Ram, Jai Shri Krishna, Namo Narayana, or Jai Siya Ram. It may also be used with Om Shanti, a common refrain in Hindu chants.
Namaste is also quite common when two devout Hindus meet. It indicates the recognition of the divinity within ourselves and extends a warm welcome to each other. -Here you can see master Paramahansa Yognanda in orange. a real God devotee.
