Namaste is a Sanskrit phrase that combines two phrases to mean “I bow to you” or “The divine in me bows to the divine in you.” It is a common Hindu/Indian greeting. It is not only a greeting, but is used as a sign of reverence and respect. However, in some Hindu areas, it also simply means good morning.
Definition and meaning of namaste
The word namastepronounced “NUHM-uh-stay,” is a Sanskrit phrase formed from namah, meaning “worship, reverence,” and the pronoun te, meaning “to you.”
According to Webster’s Dictionary, the noun namah is a derivative of the verb namati, meaning “he or she bows or bows.” It literally translates as “I bow to you.”
It is a common Hindu/Indian greeting. It is not only a greeting, but is used as a sign of reverence and respect. However, in some Hindu areas, it also simply means good morning.
Namaste in culture and yoga
It is often worn in conjunction with a small bow and with the palms together, fingers up, in front of the chest. In Indian culture, it is worn casually. Along with other aspects of Hindu/Indian culture, the namaste greeting is becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world.
Western yogis have adopted the custom of closing their yoga classes with a namaste bow as a way of marking our time together. From one yoga practitioner to another, it is a sign of respect. Usually the teacher says it first and the students respond. The palms of the hands and the 10 fingers touch each other, with the thumbs joined in front of the heart space or in front of a slight bow.
Should Christians say Namaste to each other?
Here are some things to consider about Christians who use the term namaste.
1. Namaste in Hindu culture. Although considered part of Hindu culture, namaste has a spiritual undertone. According to Hindu belief, God is transcendent and immanent.
Hindu culture is more about what a person does than what they believe. It is based on a universal soul or god called Brahman. It takes many forms that Hindus worship as gods or goddesses.
The word Namaste seems to come from the more pantheistic forms of Hinduism that see everything and everyone as gods. It is the view that God is a rock, God is a tree, God is the sky, or God is a squirrel.
In other words, it means “The divine in me bows down to the divine in you”. or the “God in me bows down to the God in you.”
2. Namaste and Christianity. Namaste conflicts with Christianity because the Bible teaches that humans are not gods and that humans should only bow to the one true God, Yahweh.
- There is only one God and he does not share his glory. “I am the LORD; That’s my name! I will not give my glory to another, nor my praise to idols” (Isaiah 42:8).
- Bowing or showing respect to another false god is an act of idolatry. “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). Giving the namaste greeting would be like saying, “You are a god and I bow to you.”
3. Namaste in Yoga. Namaste is used in yoga. The Christian world is divided over the practice of yoga, but there seem to be yoga studios on every corner.
For most Westerners, yoga is the practice of physical exercise, increasing flexibility and strengthening muscles. This physical aspect of yoga is actually called asana, not genuine yoga.
However, the Eastern philosophy behind yoga is believed to be an ancient Hindu process for enlightenment and spiritual growth. The word Yoga means “union” in which the goal is to unite with the Hindu god, Brahman.
The question then is whether or not yoga is something that Christians should participate in.
4. Christians and meditation. For some Christians, yoga is an opportunity for prayer. They meet God on the tatami. As they move through poses and stretches, it is an opportunity to pray and seek God.
Namaste then turns into the practice of saying to each other, “I see you and acknowledge that you are a temple of the living God.” (1 Corinthians 3:16).
However, in an interview with Belief.net, Sheetal Shah, senior director of the Hindu American Foundation, says:
“Because concentration, or being present, allows us to focus on our Divine self… We can focus on making each of our thoughts, words, and actions selfless and therefore worthy offerings to the Divine that resides in all of us. But therein lies what I see as the fundamental disconnect with the teachings of yoga and.”
The Bible teaches God’s people to meditate on God’s works and His Word, rather than on oneself:
- Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2
- Psalm 63:6; Psalm 77:11-12
- Psalm 143:5; Romans 12:2
The Bible teaches God’s people to worship only God:
- Exodus 20:3; Exodus 34:14
- Deuteronomy 6:13-14; 1 Chronicles 16:25
- Psalm 96:4-5; Philippians 2:10-11
- Revelation 4:8-9
Sources
- believenet. com, “Is Asana religious?”
- Crosswalk.com, “Is It Okay for Christians to Practice Yoga?”
- Merriam-Webster.com, “How ‘Namaste’ Got Into the English Language.”
Heather Riggleman calls Nebraska home (Hey, it’s not for everyone). She writes to bring bold truths and raw faith about marriage, career, mental health, depression, faith, relationships, celebration, and heartbreak. Heather is a former nationally award-winning journalist and author of Mama Needs a Time Out and Let’s Talk About Prayer. Her work has appeared in proverbs 31 Ministries, MOPS, Today’s Christian Woman, and Focus On the Family. You can find it at www.heatherriggleman.com.