It is customary that when people meet or depart they hail each other. It could be a salute, a bend, clap, rubbing of noses, an embrace or shaking of hands, etc. None however is more significant than 'Namaste' which originated in India and now popularly used around the world.
In Sanskrit 'Namaḥa' means 'respect', 'humble greeting’ or 'high regard' whereas 'te' means 'to you'. The greeting is performed with bowed head, palms touching, fingers pointing upwards and the thumbs near the chest, to convey that with my entire being, (my soul, mind and body) I humbly greet you.
Indian belief is that we are all divine souls. 'Namaste' simply means my soul recognises yours and therefore honours divinity.
Those who perform the greeting with their complete being, see God in everyone and all things.
Variations to this greeting are Namaskar, Namaskaram and Sat Sri Akal. The latter performed by Sikhs which means that I greet the divinity within you which is true and timeless.
Namaste
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How you treat one person is
how you treat the whole universe,
because everything is One.
