Q: Many years ago, I was introduced to the “namaste” greeting and was drawn toward its meaning. I began incorporating it into my correspondence as I signed my name, then had it engraved inside my husband’s wedding band. Both of us are Catholic — my spouse is a convert. He had a piece of stained glass made for me as a wedding gift and had the word “namaste” put in the design. We were married 20 years ago. Over the years, I have begun to question whether we should have used this greeting. I cannot change the inscriptions, but I no longer use the greeting on correspondence. Can you advise me on this matter? Is it okay to display the stained glass (now in our bedroom)? I do not wish to lead others astray. -L.
Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC
A: It is commendable that you don’t want to “lead others astray.” In this case I don’t think you have anything to worry about.
The roots of namaste are traced to the Indian subcontinent. It is a customary greeting when individuals meet and when they part ways. It is usually accompanied by a slight bow made with hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed upward, in front of the chest.
While the gesture could be identified with non-Christian peoples, it doesn’t preclude it from being used by other people as a form of courtesy. Some people in the West, for instance, might adopt the habit of making a slight bow when greeting someone, even though bowing is associated more with traditionally non-Christian countries such as Japan and Korea. Yet hardly anyone would think that, say, an American who bows is a Shintoist or Buddhist.
If anyone is curious about your use of namaste, you could simply explain it as a show of courtesy — a virtue very much in line with your Christian faith, which you would also want to share. Certainly there is no need to take down the stained glass — it no doubt has a lot of meaning for you and your husband. Besides, it is in your bedroom, which is a very private space.
By all means, also make use of explicitly Christian symbols in your life. Crucifixes, rosaries, images of the Sacred Heart and the Blessed Virgin Mary, and other symbols are time-honored ways of displaying your faith. Include references to your faith in conversation (“By God’s grace …”; “With the help of the Holy Spirit …”). And, of course, keep witnessing to your faith through the beauty of your marriage.
