Namaste, the value of gratitude and recognition

Namaste is much more than a word originating from that beautiful and ancient language that is Sanskrit.. It contains in itself a series of concepts that have made it universal and, in turn, cross borders.

It goes beyond that usual greeting and farewell in the practice of yoga. That term contains in its ancient roots an essence that should pump every day into the heart of humanity. However, it seems that we all pull on it like the multiple labels that surround our consumerist society addicted to fashion, sometimes losing its authentic meaning, its most intrinsic value.

Is the sense of gratitude practiced today from the noblest perspective of humility? Do we usually recognize others in the same way we recognize ourselves? This is what is truly embedded in the word “Namasté”, which is why today we want to talk about it and those values ​​that we do not see so easily in our daily lives.

Namaste, I bow to you and recognize you

For Western society, the word “Namasté” is linked to yoga. But those who have knowledge about the always interesting culture and religion of South Asia will know that this term travels normally in the lives of Hindus, Buddhists and these peoples who have assimilated in their greeting and farewell rituals, this word so full of symbolisms, where, in turn, the universal act of giving thanks is also contained.

In reality, it should be noted that it is not a single word, but rather It is the result of two terms: “namas” which we could translate as “greeting” or “reverence”, and which has its root in “nam”, which means “prostrate” or “bow down””, and “te”, which would be a personal pronoun to configure the expression “I bow or prostrate towards you”.

We are a whole

This idea in turn shapes the spirituality that represents this culture, where all of us actually form a whole in union with the universe. What would this mean? Something as interesting as the following:

If we are all part of the same entity, what affects you also affects me. Therefore, I also recognize others as part of myself, hence my respect, hence the word Namasté is in turn symbolized by the gesture of joining hands.In doing so, We tell the other person that there are no differences between the two, that we are both the same thing. And it is also interesting to keep in mind that for Hinduism, the right hand represents the deity, that spiritual plane, while the left, configures the earthly, and the devotee who leans towards said deity.By pronouncing the word Namaste we thank the other person and we recognize it for the act it has done. However, by thanking the other person I also acknowledge myself, because we have both created a mutual union.

That is to say, For example, if I help a friend solve a problem and he thanks me, we both benefit.: him for having solved his problem and me for having carried out that act of nobility. We both form a whole where we recognize each other.

Namaste, a value to integrate into our daily lives

You may not be religious, you may not see yourself as a spiritual person capable of using the word Namaste from now on. We are not looking for this at all, We only intend to make you think about those values ​​that are integrated into this word: gratitude and recognition.

How can we integrate them into our daily lives? Reflect on these aspects:

To apply the sense of gratitude, we must first learn to be humble, But be careful, being humble does not at all mean giving everything to others and keeping nothing.

Being humble means knowing our own limits, admitting our defects, knowing how to enjoy and appreciate simple things, always having an open mind where we know how to enrich ourselves with others, with what they give us, with what they offer us. He who is humble is gratefulbecause he understands the true value of things like no one else.

Respect to those around yourespect Nature, and also remember to respect yourself.Value yours, attend, listen, enrich yourself with all knowledge. Dignify others and yourself as you deserve, as part of that “whole”.get happy for everything you dofor every aspect you receive from others and from what surrounds you, no matter how small. Be grateful, Always remember to be grateful for everything you see, what you feel, what you receive… Because everything is part of you, and your person, in turn, is also part of that everything where you can find your true balance.You might be interested…