Dear Orkney News,
I’ve just had an idea – people are wondering how to greet each other in a friendly/respectful way, if handshakes, hugs and even elbow-bumps are not a good idea – how about adopting the Hindu ‘namaste’ gesture, in which the palms are pressed together at the chest or head accompanied by a slight bow?
Namaste is an acknowledgement of our common humanity and connection with life – but doesn’t involve physical contact! https://quantumstones.com/meaning-namaste-many-translations-one-universal-intention/
Namaste
Yours, Bernie Bell, Orkney
Categories: Letters
PS – The Namaste gesture can be for greeting or parting.
Alternatively, on parting, ‘Trekkies’ and other Ski-fi fans could use the Vulcan “Live long and prosper” gesture.
Two fingers out at each side, with a gap in the middle – thumb stuck out to the side.
And, it’s a very good thing to wish someone!
Good morning Elly F. Doyle – I’m not on Facebook, so I can’t respond to you there, so I will do so, here.
“ religiously disrespectful and culturally appropriative”
I was being neither of those things. I wasn’t suggesting Namaste as a religious or cultural gesture, but, to quote from the link which I added – thought that…..
“Regardless of culture, humans seem to have a universal need to greet one another upon meeting and parting. Bowing in Japan, hand-clapping variations in African countries, and saying hello and shaking hands or hugging in English cultures – are just a few of the most commonly known salutations.”
I don’t mean to present Namaste purely as a religious gesture – more as an idea.
“Hello, it’s nice to see you!” can have great meaning, or be very much a standard set of words.
I saw Namaste as being more akin to a handshake, or a hug, which usually indicates more of a connection with the person we are meeting with.
Friend Caroleena taught me this – years ago – as a song – no disrespect or appropriation – it’s how I see the meaning of the word, and the gesture.
“The light in me, sees the light in you – Namaste
The light in me knows the light in you – Namaste
The light in me loves the light in you – Namaste
The light in me is the light in you – Namaste”
Anyway – I meant no harm, I thought it might help. And – it might.
I will now get on with my day.
Namaste.
Be warned ‘Vulcan’ greeting is not easy to do and needs practice to get muscles and joints working in conjunction.
I like the sentiment behind namaste very much, and would be very happy for it to become the common norm! Its easy, freindly and unimposing.Hugs and kisses can feel a bit uncomfortable at times. Elbow touching is too cold and weird.
“ religiously disrespectful and culturally appropriative”
??!
Namaste strikes me as non religious even if a culture has owned it religiously. It’s meaning being a wholly respectful way to greet any person, and as such, appropriate for any culture. In fact, likewise the vulcan greeting -although maybe less graceful? Both probably never more appropriate than now in light of the culturally inclusive corona virus. Also, in contrast to the devisivenes of religions, if these greetings were contageous, it would be for the common good, a unifying factor. A positive from a negative.