Namaste!
I am commonly asked, after my yoga classes, what that word is I say at the end. Simply put, I spell it and I say Namaste-it is used as a sacred greeting. Yet there is so much more to Namaste than that.
In yoga classes, we often bring the hands together in Namaste position (prayer position) or anjali mudra. As well, bringing the hands together in Namaste, followed by a bow, often concludes yoga classes. We could even use the expression; do Namaste with the feet, as an explanation to bring the soles of the feet together. Namaste is useful and pertinent for opening, closing, as well as during yoga classes. So what does it really mean then?
Namaste is a Sanskrit word that literally means, "the divinity within me bows to the divinity within you" or "the soul within me greets the soul within you”. Used alone, the word itself is not really all that, though. Therefore, Namaste can be used as a greeting and a farewell, similar to Ciao. However, Namaste is more than just bringing hands together or a greeting or a phrase. It is so much more than a spoken greeting or a gesture with the hands.
Namaste, the word and the hand gesture of bringing the palms together at the heart centre is generally accompanied with a quick bow and unbroken eye contact. The beauty of Namaste is that is signifies a heart to heart connection, when expressed in earnest. It becomes even more beautiful when those expressing it become increasingly more conscious and aware of its true meaning.
With this in mind, and in the spirit of its message, may it help enrich and inspire you.
Namaste!
Andrea