When the melodious "Namaste" is heard, everyone immediately conjures up a mental image of a yogi with his hands folded in front of his heart. Hardly any other word symbolizes the teachings of yoga more. It is the traditional, highly respectful greeting in India and other Hindu-influenced countries. But this respectful gesture encompasses far more than a greeting and farewell. It is through this that we pay respect to the divine that we all carry within us.
In our article, you will learn where Namaste comes from, how to perform it correctly, and what significance it has for yoga and meditation.
Namaste: what does that actually mean?
Namaste is a greeting that expresses great respect for the other person. In doing so, we also recognize the divine in the human heart. Like all words commonly used in yoga, Namaste also comes from Indian Sanskrit. The word is composed of these syllables:
- nama: to bow
- as: I
- tea: you
Literally translated from Sanskrit, Namaste means something like "I bow to you." But the figurative meaning goes much deeper. For most yogis, it has a very special meaning and a high priority in yoga practice.
This is what Namaste stands for:
- Respect for yourself and others
- unconditional self-love
- gratitude
- Mindfulness
- Finding and preserving energy
- the divine that every human being carries within
A very famous definition was coined by Mahatma Gandhi. He was friends with Albert Einstein, who once asked him about the meaning of Namaste. Gandhi then wrote him a wonderful explanation:
"I honor the place in you where the entire universe resides. I honor the place of light, love, truth, peace, and wisdom in you. I honor the place in you where, when you are there and I am there, we are both one." - Mahatma Gandhi
Tip for your vacation in India: If you're ever in India and are greeted with "Namaskar," your counterpart will use the somewhat more formal greeting. However, it has the same meaning as the respectful Namaste.
How do you say Namaste?
For the Indian greeting Namaste, the hands are placed in Anjali Mudra. Mudra means sign in Sanskrit, and Anjali means offering. To perform the Anjali Mudra gesture correctly, you only need to keep a few things in mind. Place your palms together in front of your heart chakra. Close your eyes and tilt your head toward your heart. You can either say the greeting out loud or recite it mentally to yourself. To activate your energy center and express especially deep respect, bend your head forward and touch your third eye with your index fingers.
When do you say Namaste?
In India and Hindu-influenced countries, people typically greet each other with the respectful gesture of Namaste. The gesture is thus a part of everyday life. In this country, it has gained popularity through the practice of yoga and meditation. It begins and concludes each yoga practice. Some asanas are also accompanied by clasped hands. For example, in the morning greeting, each round begins and ends with Anjali Mudra. The word is not spoken but indicated by the hand position in front of the heart chakra.
Namasté and its significance for yoga
Yoga enriches the lives of many yogis and yoginis. In addition to a respectful greeting and farewell, Namaste has a deeper meaning for yoga and meditation. We focus our energy in the heart, awaken the divine within, and focus our awareness on our center. Our body and mind are meant to be perfectly balanced.
When we gently join our hands for the Namaste, we simultaneously connect the right and left hemispheres of our brain. The feminine is connected to the masculine, and yoga strives to resolve all opposites. Only in this way can we unite our entire energy.
When yoga is practiced in a group, the gesture represents the unity the group forms. Namaste creates a connection that reminds us of our human condition. Whether beginner, advanced, or expert, everyone is equal and connected on a higher level.
Perhaps you've already experienced this change yourself. When you perform the gesture of farewell, respect for one another, and gratitude at the end of your yoga practice, you'll notice how your energy has shifted. You feel balanced, full of energy, and content.
What does Namaste mean for your life and your yoga? Does it give you inner peace, self-love, or contentment? Does it help you treat others with more respect? We look forward to your comments! Namaste.
