The Meaning of Namaste
Thoughts about my ch’i on a Monday morning; from the yoga journal here - the meaning and use of the phrase namaste as a salutation or sometimes used as the closing of a letter to a friend, or sometimes used as a substitute for the word goodbye – essentially means that you’re telling someone ‘I honor the divine in you’ – tho the accurate and correct use of namaste resides in its significance to the practice of yoga. Namaste represents a state of mind and the symbolism associated with the physical gesture as expressed between teacher and student. It is a sign and symbol of deep respect and gratitude.
People often use certain words or colloquialisms or phrases because they think they sound cool or they think by using them that it conveys a particular impression to the intended receiver – these clever twists and turns of phrase then become part of our vernacular. “Peace Out” or “Lata!” or “Take it easy” are good examples – but the use (or misuse) of the word namaste has a much different significance I think.
To understand namaste – one must first understand the associated symbols and what they signify and represent.
The gesture Namaste represents the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart chakra. The gesture is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another. “Nama” means bow, “as” means I, and “te” means you. Therefore, Namaste literally means “bow me you” or “I bow to you.”
To perform Namaste, we place the hands together at the heart charka, close the eyes, and bow the head. It can also be done by placing the hands together in front of the third eye, bowing the head, and then bringing the hands down to the heart. This is an especially deep form of respect. Although in the West the word “Namaste” is usually spoken in conjunction with the gesture, in India, it is understood that the gesture itself signifies Namaste, and therefore, it is unnecessary to say the word while bowing.
We bring the hands together at the heart chakra to increase the flow of Divine love. Bowing the head and closing the eyes helps the mind surrender to the Divine in the heart. One can do Namaste to oneself as a meditation technique to go deeper inside the heart chakra; when done with someone else, it is also a beautiful, albeit quick, meditation.
In my own expressions and conversations with others, I’m particularly careful in my use of the word namaste – reserving it for only those occasions when it’s truly called for and when it will be understood and respected by my intended to be blessed with such a sacred sentiment.
Last night I was particularly disturbed by this comment left here by someone with whom I have neither a relationship with nor share a mutual respect for. We are in fact only associated by a common knowledge of specific events written about here – events which my view of, and his view of, couldn’t be any more opposed. But he closed his remarks to me with the phrase namaste.
Perhaps it was his attempt to appeal to my peaceful nature – tho all it really accomplished was fucking up my ch’i — I felt profoundly violated — I was not happy to receive his words, nor did I want his comment(s) in my space, nor do I feel such feelings of namaste for this person. I did respond to his remarks here – tho I’m not particularly happy about that either. As I said – he’d fucked up my ch’i and that was certainly reflected in my choice of words.
I don’t know that we have the innate ability to control how we may feel about something, or how we may predict what any given emotional response we may have to any given situation will be – and maybe he truly was attempting to honor the divine in me and maybe I’m just a bitch.
I don’t know the answer to these things right now. I only know that my ch’i is still fucked and I’m quietly trying to find my center again. It’s amazing the sorts of things which can throw you off in life – perhaps this was just one of them and this is yet another lesson for me to learn.
Enjoy your Monday
An example of namaste (click to enlarge)
1steffy
wrote on 14 April 2008 at 14:09
Sweet Sweet Nina
The only way to deal with assholes like that is to fight back. For me I have learned if you let them slide one inch they are proud of what they got away with. His statments send some chills in me. I hope his ex-wife will take something back from what this evil man has taken.
I am so passionate about this kind of sickening evil in the world. I hope she works her confidence back up to teach this nasty creature a lesson in life.
He will only keep laughing until one day someone will make him pay!
Hope he meets that someone in this lifetime!
I am sorry he jacked your Chi, hope I can give a little positive Chi back!
Have a blessed happy terricfic day!
Love,
Steffy
2nina aoki
wrote on 14 April 2008 at 15:18
Hi Steffy,
Let me please first thank you for your words of support and encouragement here — they mean a lot to me.
My thoughts surrounding this tho do somewhat diverge from the idea of fighting back. I think at one point in my life I most certainly would have agreed with that sentiment and would have done just that — however, I think in many ways I’ve moved past those attitudes of the past and have come to understand that ‘fighting back’ isn’t always necessary or even required. I think my silence initially was a much more powerful tactic.
In some ways this has roots in the ideas expressed here quite some time ago about The Wu Wei approach to conflict-solving — and while I have been “aware” of this philosophy - putting it into practice hasn’t always been easy for me — tho now, I think I’ve finally come to truly understand what it all means and I’ve been trying to make this an integral part of my life.
But “jacking my ch’i” is the perfect way to describe how I felt about the second comment he left here last night.
Tho if anything Steffy? I’m grateful that I’ve been able to express these things and still maintain some measure of personal dignity. That in itself from the perspective of being a ‘test’ is actually quite rewarding.
Thanks again sweetie and thank you for the positive ch’i! :razz:
nina
3larokkaku
wrote on 14 April 2008 at 21:39
here’s another little motto
that might help with your ch’i:
noli nothis permittere te terere
“don’t let the bastards get you down”
4Kate's Ex-Husband
wrote on 14 April 2008 at 23:52
Nina, et alia,
Please understand - I meant no disrespect in my address. In fact, for giving me the chance to express my point of view in her forum, unfiltered and unvarnished, I’m most grateful and appreciative. The record of the events leading up to being assaulted and eventually getting divorced, as portrayed in this forum, were regrettably one-sided. I’ve attempted comments before and was censored, but this time she allowed me my freedom of expression.
“The only way to be truly free is to give others their freedom.”
Thank you again for permitting me to express my thoughts.
I bow deeply toward you,
Kate’s Ex-Husband
5hapes
wrote on 15 April 2008 at 0:32
Wow, this guy is pretty damned thick, isn’t he?
On a completely unrelated subject, I’d like to namaste the girl in that picture, baby! Er, I guess that’s not QUITE the meaning of the word…:)
Unrelated subject #2: Go Pens!
6nina aoki
wrote on 15 April 2008 at 8:47
larokkaku,
Thank you sweetheart - I’m fine tho. I shut everything off and went to bed early and got some good sleep. My ch’i is in good order today! :lol:
Thank you…
nina
7nina aoki
wrote on 15 April 2008 at 8:48
hapes,
:lol: Ya think?
Incredibly selfish I’d might add too…
(yes, she is cute… I agree)
The Penguins?? :lol: Oh boy…
At least I’m not a hockey fan!
Thanks!
nina
8saratoga
wrote on 15 April 2008 at 9:07
Nina-
What I find interesting about ‘Kate’s husband’s’ situation is that, despite his multiple declarations of an alcoholic’s changed, cleaned-up life, he never seems to have attempted to make amends, or take responsibility for his earlier actions.
It’s as if he is attempting to obliterate the past, and only acknowledge his post-divorce life, thus evading any responsibility for his part in the situation.
Sure, it’s easy to espouse peace, love and ‘open and honest’ feelings and life practices now.
Does this imply a profound sense of guilt for his total avoidance of recognition of the past?
Forget the court documents which, as we all know, are the result of carefully-filtered processes. What about the real story of two humans behaving emotionally and, at times, badly, in a bad situation?
Nobody is ever totally blameless in situations like that, are they?
xoxox
-saratoga
9nina aoki
wrote on 15 April 2008 at 9:24
saratoga,
A couple of thoughts —
First let me thank you for your input and views on this. Any kind of personal growth implies that one must understand the mistakes of the past in order to move forward - whether or not they ever at least acknowledge the error of their ways is one thing, taking responsibility is something else.
People make mistakes - that’s a given. We’re an imperfect lot who often allow our emotions to govern our decision making. Add in a substance abuse problem and then amplify that.
Tho my more central thought is this:
“Perhaps it was his attempt to appeal to my peaceful nature – tho all it really accomplished was fucking up my ch’i — I felt profoundly violated — I was not happy to receive his words, nor did I want his comment(s) in my space, nor do I feel such feelings of namaste for this person. “
I think I’ve made it more than clear that his presence here in my space is upsetting to me - yet that seems to be completely irrelevant to him now doesn’t it? I’m left wondering why I matter so much to him? I mean, it isn’t as if anyone who reads here is sitting around looking at posts over a year old and waiting to hear his side of it over a year later — so why me? Why do I matter? And why keep coming back here leaving comments when I’ve made it clear that I find it upsetting? — if he were truly interested in resolution with me, he’d email me. This is something else.
I think that answers your other points quite succinctly — nothing has changed. All that matters to this guy is himself; certainly not an indicator that he’s done any kind of work on himself at all. Part of respecting yourself is respecting others. (fyi: this is the same kind of shit he used to do to Kate…)
Your other point — no, of course not. Relationships are a two way street. Tho in my own ‘final analysis’ there’s never an acceptable reason for a man to put his hands on a woman in anger. That point I do not bend on. And husbands don’t typically have their wives arrested and held in jail cells and then press charges against them — and there’s more to that story too that I’ve never mentioned. It actually does get worse if you can imagine that…. So, he can run his mouth and live in denial all he likes. I don’t want to hear it.
And two more comments from him was not how I wanted to start my day today… That was a “lovely” surprise to wake up to… but my ch’i is good - so… time to move on from Matt I think.
nina
10hkmouse
wrote on 15 April 2008 at 10:46
Things upset us only if we let them. So don’t let them. Leave him free to inhabit his own hell, and go on with your happy path in the light of day. *hugs*
11Richard
wrote on 15 April 2008 at 11:45
Good morning Nina: I have sent you a e-mail. I’m so honored that you talked about my “Liquid Gold”, what a sweetheart you are. I wrote this long response this morning to your post and it wouldn’t go thru!!!! So I will just mention a couple of things. Nina you have hit the nail on the head concerning men hitting woman. There is no excuse period period period… I do think however each person is a product of their own upbring and what he or she was exposed to as a child. I was so lucky to grow up in a loving family, who never saw their Father hit,belittle, or in any way disrespect our Mother. My Dad never left the house without telling Mom that he loved her. I find myself telling my spouse,lover,soul mate the same thing as she leaves for her day at her job.I know you were brought up the same way. I feel like I know your Father even as I have met him. I see him thru you Nina. Thank you again for writing about my syrup. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling to know,I might have brought a little joy to someone. Love ya Richard P.S. What about Manny???? gotta love it. Go RED SOX
12nina aoki
wrote on 15 April 2008 at 12:30
hkmouse,
Oh sure — I would tend to agree with that as well, tho sometimes it’s difficult to control or predict our emotional responses. I think the real trick is in learning how to master our actions after we have that emotional response. This I think is where wisdom can be gleaned.
And thank you for such positive and helpful words for my ch’i…! They and the hugs are most appreciated! :razz:
nina
13nina aoki
wrote on 15 April 2008 at 12:47
Hello Richard!
Yes - I did get your email this morning, thank you! Sorry to hear that you had a problem leaving a comment tho… not sure why that would be.
Well, it’s a fundamental issue I think. The idea that a man would put his hands on a woman in anger is something I can’t reconcile under any circumstances in a domestic situation. My own Father, who as you know was a Naval Officer — never put his hands on my mother, or any of his children either! My Father never gave his children spankings or any other kind of physical discipline - he didn’t have to. Men who are in control of who they are don’t feel the need to use their physical size or strength to intimidate women or children.
Yeah! What a great game! The Red Sox came back in the 9th and won! Manny’s home run was awesome!
And thank you sweetie - we did enjoy the maple syrup! :lol:
nina
14steffy
wrote on 15 April 2008 at 15:56
Hello Sweetest Nina!! xoxo
First I want to thank you for always responding to comments!
And second, I want to say I have been thinking alot about what you had said back in the comments. About the Wu Wei approach. I am wanting to learn about this method because, what you said had and thought provoking impact on me. And you know after battling within myself what you meant, it hit me.
How you react or choose not to react is powerful. It is the choice that makes it your power. My choice to possibly strike was a weeker choice because it was a more emotional based choice instead of thinking from within. (am I making sense?) Not that being proactive in certain situations isn’t needed. Sometimes there is a big need to react.
I think this is why you can have such a wonderful blog and keep it always flowing with a positive and safe environment. You are in tune, girl! hahaha.
I know I have said it a hundred times to you, but I am striving for this enlightenment and I believe its important to have a peace within when dealing with whatever life my throw your way. Recognizing what you want and being able react accordingly. As always, thank you for inspiring thought! xo
Have a beautiful day friend!
Love,
Steffy
15nina aoki
wrote on 15 April 2008 at 18:55
Hello Steffy! :smile:
Of course! I always answer comments!
Well - here’s the thing Steff; Conflict is a normal part of life, no matter how much we may try and avoid it or take steps to minimize it in our lives. Wu Wei is simply one approach to managing those conflicts.
Making a conscious choice not to allow our emotional responses to govern our decisions and actions isn’t easy — I’ve been known to have a short fuse from time to time! :lol: I did have the nickname “yakuza bitch” for a while, but you know… as I’ve done some work on myself, I’ve come to truly understand the metaphor of being the cork in the water. It isn’t easy - believe me - but the end results are worth the effort.
I truly appreciate your kind words and I’m happy to know that my words have had a positive influence on you in terms of personal enlightenment. So yes, you are making sense and I understand you perfectly.
Thanks so much sweetie,
nina