A Greeting form

Bowing is a universal gesture of respect and reverence. In many
cultures, it is the predominant form of social greeting, and most
religions incorporate it into their rituals of worship. In many
cases, bowing signifies not only respect but also an acknowledgment
of the shared divinity between the bower and the recipient. Bowing
can also be a turning in toward our own divinity when we bow our
heads in prayer, contemplation, or meditation. Bows range in form
from a slight forward nod of the head to a full body prostration on
the ground, and range in meaning from a simple greeting to a
complete giving over of the self to the divine.

If you have ever bowed or been on the receiving end of a bow, you
know that it is different from a handshake or a hug. Bowing has the
quality of consciously evoking spirit and conveys a sense of
reverence for the people involved. The word "Namaste," which
accompanies bowing in yoga, actually translates as "The divine
spirit in me acknowledges the divine spirit in you." When we greet
one another with this kind of awareness, we can't help but be more
conscious that we are deeply connected to one another and to
everyone, because this divine spirit resides in all of us.

There are simple bows and complicated bows, and subtle variations
carry different meanings depending upon where you are, who you are,
and a number of other factors. But we can all practice bowing by
simply bringing our two hands together in prayer and pressing the
thumb side of our hands lightly into our chests. Keeping a long
spine, simply bend your head gently down so that you are looking at
the tops of your fingers. Close your eyes and breathe consciously,
paying homage to your spirit, the same spirit that resides within
all of humanity.