Why say Namaste?
The fruit of the Spirit is within you.
You may have heard the word "Namaste" with greater frequency over the years, especially as Eastern, New Age, and New Thought beliefs have emerged in Western societies. Namaste is a Sanskrit word that literally means, "I bow to you." When I first heard it, I was told it means "The divinity within me greets the divinity within you" and I think that’s how most people understand it.
I like "Namaste" because I actually believe God dwells within every one of us. Although the concept is from Hinduism, the idea is near-universal. Even the Christian Bible supports the idea that God is our essence.
John 4:24 says, “God is spirit and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Genesis 1:26 says, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness.”
The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9) begins with "Our Father." Emmet Fox writes,
"Note that this clause which fixes the nature of God at the same time fixes the nature of man, because if man is the offspring of God, he must partake of the nature of God, since the nature of the offspring is invariably similar to that of the parent. It is a cosmic law that like begets like. It is not possible that a rosebush should produce lilies, or that a cow should give birth to a colt. The offspring is and must be of the same nature as the parent; and so, since God is Divine Spirit, man must essentially be Divine Spirit too, whatever appearances may say to the contrary."
John 10:34 says, "Jesus answered, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods’?" Here Jesus is referencing Psalm 82:6-7: “I say, ‘You are gods, children of the Most High, all of you."
Because God is Spirit, and we are children of God, so we are spiritual beings. But while it's easy to say, it may be harder to believe.
From insults to warfare, we all have been witnesses to human cruelty of one kind or another, and who among us hasn't harbored cruel thoughts toward others at some time? It seems reasonable to doubt whether we are "divine" at all.
But then I think of Galatians 5:22-23: "... the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
These things are from God and are of God. They are also from you and are of you. Who among us hasn't demonstrated these workings of the Spirit within?
Perhaps you think, "Actually, I only love my children. I don't even like my neighbors."
But, you do love your children. That the divinity within you. Namaste!
"Well, I'm generous with my friends. I find it hard to be charitable with strangers. I actually can't help but judge people who need my charity."
But, you are generous with your friends. That's the divinity within you. Namaste!
"Yeah, I'm patient with colleagues and keep my temper under control at work, but not so much when I'm stuck in traffic."
But you do exercise patience self-control at work. That's the divinity within you. Namaste!
"People say I'm a genius, but I get along with no one. I only find enjoyment in my work."
But your great works are a product of your joy. That's the divinity within you. Namaste!
When the fruit of the Spirit come forth, that is your True Self, your divinity, breaking through your flesh. The fruits don't emerge out of a sense of obligation, but of desire; you are kind and generous because you want to help others, and not just because Jesus or some other religious figure said so. The desire comes from God, the God that is in you and is you.
Regardless of one's religion or creed, I'm guessing that cultivating love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control will lead to a fruitful life.
Namaste.
JL Cells
James Leroy Wilson writes from Nebraska. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter. If you enjoy his articles, subscribe and exchange value for value. You may contact James for your writing, editing, and research needs: jamesleroywilson-at-gmail.com. Permission to reprint is granted with attribution.
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