Namaste
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| #goals |
na - ma - stay
What does the word Namaste mean and how should it be used?
It is a term that is thrown around a lot improperly, so let's get to the roots of Namaste.
The word Namaste is Sanskrit, a language dating back to 1500BC.
The reason we hold our hands in prayer to our heart chakra (Anahata) is because we are transferring energy. The divine spark in us is recognizing the divine spark in another.
The literal translation of Namaste is "I bow to you" which is why we bow in our prayer hands touching our Anahata with our eyes closed when we say it. This is a very deep expression of respect.
"Namaste is an Indian expression used as a greeting or a parting, by putting the palms of the hands together in prayer position. It means, "I honor the Spirit in you which is also in me." This, of course, is also a way of saying, "I recognize that we are all equal." -Deepak Chopra
Ideally, Namaste should be done both at the beginning and at the end of class. Usually, it is done at the end of the class because the mind is less active and the energy in the room is more peaceful. The teacher initiates Namaste as a symbol of gratitude and respect toward his/her students and his/her own teachers and in return invites the students to connect with their lineage, thereby allowing the truth to flow - the truth that we are all one when we live from the heart.
I prefer to do it before and after my practice. I often reflect on a mantra in the beginning or focus on what I want out of the class, etc.
