Here’s one of the best explanations I’ve read on what the concept of Namaste is all about.
It’s well written and filled with ideas on becoming the experience of Love rather than intellectually trying to make it happen–which doesn’t work.
What is Namaste?
April 29, 2011 | 5 comments
I am thoroughly convinced Human love and compassion it conditional. And i am even more convinced there is no such thing as Uncondtional Love. Probably when one reaches the Level of Emmanuel, does love feel unconditional. Even to reach the Love which is in Science, there are conditions. S&H calls them rules and the footsteps of Truth. G
Thank you, Evan.
“If you were like the second person, you would see immediately that any traveler trudging through the vast desert would be thirsty, hot and tired. Without even asking, you would welcome him with a refreshing cool glass of water, offer him a place to rest his tired feet and invite him to take a few moments to wash his hands and face and freshen up. As the traveler bade you farewell, you would have felt happy for the opportunity to take care of a fellow human, not at all aware that you had gone beyond what most would consider basic ‘decent’ behavior.”
This paragraph encapsulates for me the essence of this beautiful explanation of Namaste. The only word in it I would alter is “human.” Why not “fellow being”?
To me, Namaste, lived, causes us to cease participating in the oppression and killing of ALL of our neighbors of ALL species: cows, pigs, sheep, goats, turkeys, chickens, bunnies, dogs, cats, deer, bears, elks, moose, fish, all the way “down” to the infinitesimal ant, spider, and fly.
Otherwise, it is simply anthropocentric Namaste, which puts a condition — being human — on universal Love.
Back in the mid-1980’s, The Mother Church in Boston produced a TV program that spoke of the universal expressions of Truth from various world traditions. It was during that program that I first heard the expression: ‘Namaste’. The host for that program said that it was an Arabic statement that translates this way: “I salute the divinity within YOU”. That was the first time I had ever heard anything from the original Arabic and I was totally impressed and obviously, I have never forgotten that moment. With the increased popularity of Yoga in our country we hear this expression of Namaste more commonly today. But back in the 80’s it was very rare. In certain situations I use it’s translation, “I salute the divinity with you…” It’s quite beautiful. Happy Friday and thanks for reminding me of this happy memory and of my/our divinity also……….
A friend, who is a Christian Science Practitioner, has for many years repeated to me (when I’m having relationship problems)”the Christ in me sees the Christ in you”. As a young woman this lady was a teacher, and apparently someone told her this when she had difficulties with her students.
I admit, I haven’t mastered it very well yet, but to the degree I have, I can feel compassion and love for my fellow beings. It’s a beginning!
Thank you, Evan. Namaste.