The meaning of namaste
What does 'namaste' mean? How do I practice and fit 'namaste' into my daily yoga ritual?'Namaste' is a Sanskrit word, literally meaning 'bow, I, you'.
nama=bow
as=I
te=you
Namaste=I bow to you
To offer 'namaste' we place the palms together at the heart centre, close the eyes and bow the head. We can also bring the palms together in front of the 3rd eye centre, bowing the head and then bringing the hands down to the heart space.
'namaste' represents a deep form of respect, representing the belief that there is a divine light located at the heart chakra within each individual. The placing of the hands in 'namaste' also honours the soul of one by the soul of another.
By bringing the palms together at the heart space we increase the flow of divine love and by bowing the head and closing the eyes we aid in surrendering the mind to the divine love in the heart.
Usually a teacher will seal a yoga class with a 'namaste' sign to connect with fellow yogis in a less active and more calm and peaceful environment thus freeing all from the ego-connection and therefore allowing for blossoming of the mind, body and spirit union.
Truth then flows freely and all are free to live as they wish!
namaste x