Namaste - is a common spoken greeting or salutation in the Indian Subcontinent. It is derived from Hinduism, and in India and Nepal it has multi-religious or else common usage where it may simply mean "I bow to you." In religious formulation, the meaning can be explained as:
- "I bow to that inherent in you" ("That" refers to Divinity, or that which is divine')
- "I respect divinity within you that is also within me." (Here, "that" refers to divinity, or that which is divine.)
- "The Light within me honors the light within you." (in yoga)
- 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. In Indian and Nepali culture, the word is spoken at the beginning of written or verbal communication. However, upon departure only the wordless hands-folded gesture is made.
