The Power of Namaste

The more I learn about Eastern religions and philosophies, the more I see that the Abrahamic faiths can learn a thing or two from the Dharmic traditions (Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism). For reasons that I cannot understand, there is a constant fight between Jews, Muslims, and Christians. There is no denying that Abrahamic and Dharmic traditions differ individually, and rightfully so. However, there is a mutual respect, understanding, and interfaith aspect to the Dharmic traditions that is truly enlightening and inspirational.

Suhag Shukla, Esq., Managing Director of the Hindu American Foundation, delivered a speech yesterday entitled “The Power of Namaste” at St. Paul Interfaith Network’s Interfaith Seder. In her speech, Shukla illustrates how one word has the power to unite the religiously diverse nations of India and Nepal.

The literal translation of “namaste” is, “The Divine within me bows to the same Divine within you” and is a commonly used salutation among the diverse faiths of India and Nepal. While this one little word describes the core teachings of Hinduism, it has a universal power that according to Shukla, “transcends Hinduism and Hindus.”

Hinduism, like the rest of the Dharmic traditions, “is a richly diverse family of philosophies, traditions and practices strung together by certain core, essential beliefs,” says Shukla. Hindus believe that the soul is eternal. Governed by the laws of karma (every act and thought affects how the soul will be reborn), “each of our souls continues in a cycle of birth and death until it achieves moksha or spiritual perfection and is united with the Super Soul or Divine.” For the soul to reach spiritual perfection, one must live their life according to dharma. This is where things get interesting, and personally I love this. Although dharma is commonly translated as “law”, it is anything but law. Shukla describes dharma as “a guide driven by higher knowledge, truth, self-restraint, self-less service and most importantly, compassion.” Like the rest of the dharmic traditions, Hinduism is about a personal spiritual journey.

Another core value of Hinduism is pluralism. Shukla explains, “regardless of this name one calls God by - be it Krishna, Christ, Yahweh or Allah; regardless of gender, race, religion, caste, nationality, sexual orientation, age, we are part of Vasudhaiva kutumbakam -- that is we are members of a world family which shares the quality of Divine oneness. And so we share unity not only in Diversity, but unity in Divinity.”

How many times a day do we say “Hello” and greet someone? And while shaking someone’s hand is a sign of mutual respect, how many of us are actually conscious of it? As much admiration I had for the Dharmic traditions before reading Shukla’s speech, I now have a deeper understanding and respect. The power of thee simple syllables, one simple word, has helped millions of people feel compassion, break down the barriers that divide, and see the divine in each and every human being.

Thank you Suhag Shukla for enlightening myself, and the world. Namaste.Website: www.hafsite.org