Namaste

From Lostpedia

Namaste is a reverential Hindi salutation frequently accompanied by a pressing together of the palms at the chest and a slight bow. It is commonly used in yogic practice. Translations range from the more literal "I humble myself to you" to the more poetic "May the good in me honor the good in you" and "My spirit bows to your spirit." Conceptually, speaking "namaste" pays homage to the inner light in all living things.

1 On Lost
2 Definition
3 See also
4 External links

On Lost

Candle/Wickmund gives the signature sign-off at the end of the Pearl Orientation video

A polar bear, Buddha, and the word "namaste" appear in the painting Desmond sees in Charles Widmore's office. Some views in the scene show the painting, and therefore the word "namaste", in reverse. ("Flashes Before Your Eyes")

Marvin Candle/Mark Wickmund says "Thank you, namaste, and good luck" at the end of the orientation films found in the Swan and in the Pearl, respectively, the former with only one hand. Kelvin Inman also uses this greeting. ("Live Together, Die Alone") The gesture is used subtly by the Others (Ben and Tom in particular) without the verbal part of the salutation.

"Namaste" is also used frequently by employees of the Hanso Foundation in The Lost Experience. It is also regularly used by Alvar Hanso in his letters and public speeches.

It was also in a painting that was in Charles Widmore's office. ("Flashes Before Your Eyes")

Achara uses the Wai, a Thai greeting similar to Namaste. ("Stranger in a Strange Land")

Commonly written "Namaste", it is pronounced as "Namastay"
with the first two a's as the first a in "America" and the
ay as in "stay", but with the t pronounced soft with the
area just behind the tip of the tongue pressing against the
upper-front teeth with no air passing (as the t in "tamasha").

- Jai Maharaj

Namaste Sign seen upon Ben's arrival

When Ben arrived on the Island, a sign with the DHARMA Initiative logo appears, with "Namaste" appearing prominently in capital script, and punctuated by an exclamation mark. ("The Man Behind the Curtain")

Definition

Definition(s) according to Dictionary.com:

"a conventional Hindu expression on meeting or parting, used by the speaker usually while holding the palms together vertically in front of the bosom."
"a bow and gesture of greeting or parting with the palms together in front of the chest; also, expressing respect through this gesture and bow"