Traveling to Nepal in the mid 1980’s was the first time that I encountered the beautiful expression, “Namaste”. Instinctively, I knew that it was far more than a simple greeting. One of my guidebooks translated Namaste as “I welcome the gods that dwell within you.” Another translation which I have on a framed poster in my bedroom is “I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells. I honor the place in you which is of love, of truth, of light, and of peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are one.”
When I hear Namaste or see it in print, I think not only of the word’s translations but also of the fabulous time I spent in Nepal and the many beautiful people that I met. I think fondly of a smiling father proudly showing me his young son, of the hotel staff going out of their way to ensure that I got on the correct local bus from Kathmandu to Pokhra and the waiters who had such delight when I ordered native food and drink. Namaste is not only the reminder of a beautiful place but of a state of mind.
Read about my adventures in this beautiful land of towering mountains and radiant smiles.
I wish you Namaste on your journeys.
Journeys with Eileen Diane 