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Namasté is a greeting that taken literally, means "I bow to you" or "I salute the divine in you.
" Other suggested meanings have surfaced over the years.
All of the meanings taken into account, I like to think of namasté as signifying "I recognize the infinite potential in you and I recognize that we are all equal.
" This philosophy is pure and wholesome and has great implications for shaping interactions with those we greet on a daily basis.
For the past week it has been a pleasure to greet colleagues, clients, and friends here in India using the namasté greeting.
I have noticed a change in my attitude, my perceptions, and feelings.
As a professional of workplace learning and performance, I ponder the possibilities of entire organizations interacting with the namasté perspective.
I can only imagine the drastic positive impact this could have.
Even if this was simply practiced between every employee and their supervisor ...
Wow! The possibilities.
Ever wonder where this concept originated? The word has Hindu origin, but the introduction to the Western world is oftentimes credited to one of the world's greatest leaders - Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
This is just one example of his vigorous quest to end tyranny and inspire movements toward civil rights and world peace.
Gandhi, respectfully referred to as Mahatma Gandhi, is an inspiration to many, including myself.
"Mahatma," which literally means "great soul," is used as a title of respect for a person renowned for spirituality and high-mindedness.
Mahatma Gandhi left us in 1948, but for over half a century his message remains as relevant as it was at the height of India's struggle for independence.
Recently, in the US Senate, when a Hindu prayer was offered for the first time on July 12, 2007, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (Nevada), said of Gandhi, "Here is a man who changed the world, a man who believed in peace.
" We can all choose to be positive and learn from situations, or be negative and become victims, whatever else is taken away from us by others, our attitude remains.
The namasté perspective can shape our attitude, perceptions, and feelings and will therefore impact the way in which we relate with others.
By treating a person not as they are, but as they can become because of your belief in their infinite potential will increase the likelihood of a positive exchange and strengthened relationship.
All of this together impacts the person we are and the legacy that we will eventually leave behind.
I hope that namasté and other philosophies that Mahatma Gandhi introduced will forever impact my life, your life, and the entire world.
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