Namaste
Tom Soma
(For Christine)
Today is my youngest daughter’s 28th birthday. As a gift, I give her a word: Namaste.
A common Hindu greeting, Namaste is often accompanied by a modest nod, with hands held together prayerfully. Loosely translated, it means, “I bow to the divine in you.”
Namaste. We could use such a word here.
There isn’t an English equivalent that comes close to capturing its essence. Unfortunately, even the most genuine Namaste comes off sounding pretentious—undermining its humble yet eloquent intent.
Can you imagine the difference such a welcome would make? By purposefully acknowledging the inherent divinity of another, we establish a ground of respect and reverence, inviting warm and authentic engagement. That simple alternative to “hello”—extended in awareness and sincerity—could literally change the world.
Sometimes it’s hard to recognize, let alone bow to the divinity of others. Judgment, fear, and any number of other unconscious emotions leave us wary and suspicious rather than open and trusting. All the more reason, I believe, to cultivate a spirit of Namaste.
It’s easy to bow to the divine in Christine. She’s naturally easy-going. She meets the world with a receptive heart. She welcomes friends and strangers alike. I’ve watched her grow and continue to appreciate her goodness. I could actually say Namaste to her, and she’d not only understand, but feel my intent—because she lives it.
Namaste. We need such a word here.
“The awakened,” writes Anthony DeMello, “have come to realize that there is never any need to change what they see—only the way they see it.”
Namaste invites us to see others in a different way—one that that makes peace a real possibility.
Namaste, Christine. I bow to the divine in you. I offer you that word—today and always.
Namaste. I wish I could extend that gift to the whole world.
Namaste. I’d love such a word in America.
Any suggestions?
(Mount Rainier, MD)
Tom and Christine