Yoga Journal recently addressed the practice of yoga instructors ending their classes with the expression, "Namaste." What does "Namaste" mean? If you've wondered why this is part of our practice together, wonder no more!
The word "namaste" carries a multiplicity of meanings and comes from ancient tradition. Namaste comes from three Sandskrit words: nama, "to bow"; as, "I", and te, "you." Literally, Namaste says "I bow to you." The word Namaste is usually accompanied by a gesture called the anjali mudra; hands are placed together, palm to palm, at the heart, with the eyes closed and the head slightly bowed.
According to Aadil Palkhivala, considered one of the world's best yoga instructors, "The gesture Namaste represents the belief that there is a divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart chakra. The gesture is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another. . . . This is an especially deep form of respect."
As a fellow practioner, ending our time together with "Namaste" allows me to articulate my connection with you, my respect for your own life-force, and to acknowledge our time together. While we could begin as well as end class with Namaste, at the end of class our minds are more focused and peaceful. As your teacher, I pronounce Namaste as a symbol of gratitude and respect toward you, my students, and to my own teachers. When you choose to return the gesture and say "Namaste," you in turn connect with and acknowledge your life's teachers. Thus we all recognize our oneness when we move from our hearts.
Namaste is not a mechanical phrase. It's not the same as "Have a nice day," or "See you next time," or even "Take care." One popular explanation is: "I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells. I honor the place in you which is of love, of truth, of light, and of peace. When you are in that place within you and I am in that place in me, we are one." A bit less florid is this: "I bow to what is alive in you and you bow to what is alive in me;" this translation emphasizing the essence of our existence here and now, gratitude for the moment.
Mind/Body classes such as yoga seek to make a direct connection between the body, mind, and spirit. In the midst of our practice we learn focus, gain strength, exercise patience, and treat our bodies with respect and compassion. Often when we stand in tadasana, we place our hands in the "namaskar" position--a mini-meditation and glimpse of our own heart-filled light. As the class ends and I pronounce the word, "Namaste," I show my gratitude and respect for you and all that you help teach me in my own life's journey.
Namaste,
Nancy
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