What is the meaning of namaste?

Connect with others with the namaste gesture !

At the end of a yoga class, you often hear the Sanskrit word namaste pronounced by your teacher, accompanied by a palm-to-palm gesture at the heart. It is more than a ritual to say goodbye, it is a soul-to-soul union between the teacher and his students. Originating in India, it shows deep respect, a greeting stated in the Vedas (sacred texts of Vedism) or simply to say hello. Its variants are Namaskar, Namaskaram and Namaskaara. In this article, you will discover the meaning of namaste and how to perform the gesture correctly.

The origin of the word namaste in India

The origin of namaste dates back many years, in India, during the ancestral Hindu period, thanks to the spiritual masters of yoga. At that time, Sanskrit (a sacred language from Buddhist and Hindu religious writings) was spoken there. Today, it is a very widespread expression in Asia and increasingly in the West.

What does namaste mean in French?

The Sanskrit word namaste is divided into 3 parts: Nama , as and te . Nama means to bow, greeting and reverence. As means ''I''. And finally te translates to ''to you''. The full term thus means ''I bow to you'' or ''I greet you''.

The meaning of namaste is purely spiritual. Indeed, in Buddhism and Hinduism, in everyone there is a part of light or divinity, present in the heart chakra. According to beliefs, this part would be the same in everyone. Which means that the expression namaste means ''I greet the sun, the light or the divine that is in you'' or ''my light greets your light''. Thus, this word allows to show the greeting as well to say hello as goodbye, but also to thank, ask or show respect.

Know that there is another meaning to the term namaste. Namas can be translated as ''nothing is mine'' showing that the ego fades away to make way for the heart and authenticity without having expectations.

The expression namaste is accompanied by a gesture called mudra which is not a religious act.

How to perform the namaste gesture?

The namaste gesture is performed with the palms joined in front of the heart chakra, fingers upwards and elbows to the side. Then, close your eyes and bow your head. The variation is to place your hands in front of the 3rd eye chakra (between the eyebrows), bow your head and then bring your hands to the level of the heart. In India, only this namaste mudra is performed without pronouncing the word.

The Namaste Yoga Link

At the beginning of a yoga class, namaste can be said to convey a hello. But, more generally at the end, because the body and mind are more relaxed and the energy more positive. The yoga teacher makes the gesture to show gratitude and respect towards the students. In return, the students connect with their teacher. Both parties thus unify their energies. In addition, the practice of yoga is a way to let go of judgment, expectations and to be fully aware of the present moment. Then, you are freed from the ego, which makes less noise in your head. A deep connection is born from soul to soul!

Don't know what chakras are? Find out what chakras are in the Tayronalife blog.