In Mayan culture, In Lak’ech basically means “I am another you,” and Ala K’in means, “And you are another me.” It is my understanding that this phrase can either be said together (as shown in my title) or separately as a reply to one another. So if we met and I said “In Lak’ech“, you would reply back, “Ala K’in.”
I was reminded of this lesson during a meditation practice taught to us during satsung. During meditation we would say a mantra in honor of different people in our lives. If I remember correctly, we honored ourselves, a significant other, family member, close friend, acquantance, someone we’re not getting along with, people, and finally the world. We would think of that person, say the mantra, take a few deep breaths, and then repeat for the next person.
Doing this exercise helped me to remember that no matter how different we human beings may be, we are much more alike than we sometimes care to admit. We all feel the same emotions: happiness, sadness, sorrow, determination, excitement, surprise, fear, etc. We all want to feel support, friendship, family… love. While every human being may be different, we are all looking for the same things, just in our own way.
Although they are in different languages, I find In Lak’ech Ala K’in and Namaste to be very complimentary phrases to each other. To me, Namaste means honoring the divinity and uniqueness in another person, to honor their “Self”. Yet while honoring thier individuality, In Lak’ech Ala K’in is a reminder than we are also ONE. There will never be another Self just like you and yet, I am another you. We are uniquely the same. We are similarily different. A brain teaser no doubt but an interesting notion nonetheless.
Current themes in my blog have been happiness, peace, understanding, Self, and love. It has been interesting to watch these concepts continually weave into one another as my yoga journey progresses. There are times I’ve felt so profoundly alone and yet other moments surrounded by love and friendship. It is a journey that continually empowers while still humbling me. I find solace in knowing that every person in my life is another me, and I another them.
I think this knowledge will greatly benefit me as I continue to live my yoga and live my truth as best as I can. I bow to the divinity in you knowing I also bow to the divinity in me. We are one. In Lak’ech Ala K’in.
Namaste.
Namaste,
I’m sure you know by now I’m a big fan of sayings is all languages, and I am so excited to add this one to the mix! This may sound…well, I’ll just say (write) it and see how it reads (sounds). In Lak’ech Ala K’in reminded me of the way the Navi in Avatar greeted one another with “I see you”. It was so much more than “I see you with my eyes”, it was seeing everything in one another and recognizing the connectedness of each individual yet acknowledging our individuality. You continually provide me with inspiration quips to carry me through the day! Thank you!
In Lak’ech
Om Shanti
Ala K’in, Yoginiray. Ala K’in. 🙂
I’m so glad you mentioned Avatar’s “I see you” because I definitely agree! I wanted to include it in this post but thought I would be repeating the same concept too many times. So thank you for including it and “seeing” the same thing I see!! And thank you for the honor of being another you and you another me! 🙂
Namaste
Loved the phrase and response, and I also like the whole notion of Namaste. I’m just returning to a meditation and yoga practice after years of being away from it. Stumbled across your site while looking for a picture of the symbol I’d like to have as a tattoo 🙂
Hi Madison,
First of all, congratulations on beginning a new mediation and yoga practice! Wishing you all the best along your journey!
Thank you for reading my blog and look forward to reading yours as well. And keep me updated on your new tattoo! 😉
In Lak’ech, my new friend.
[…] In Mayan culture, In Lak'ech basically means "I am another you," and Ala K'in means, "And you are another me." It is my understanding that this phrase can either be said together (as shown in my title) or separately as a reply to one another. So if we met and I said "In Lak'ech", you would reply back, "Ala K'in." I was reminded of this lesson during a meditation practice taught to us during satsung. During meditation we would say a mantra in ho … Read More […]
Ala K’in 😉 It is good to ‘meet’ you.