If you have ever attended a yoga class or meditation, you have probably heard your teacher say "Namaste" at the beginning of the session, to welcome you or at the end of the session, to thank you. But what does this word actually mean in Sanskrit? In this article, we will explore the deeper meaning of NAMASTE. Let's get started!
Origin & Meanings
Literally, Namaste comes from Sanskrit:
Used daily in India as a sign of greeting , to thank and to express a mark of respect , The origin of the term Namaste is deeper and more spiritual.
Namaste calls for recognition of the light that each of us carries within us and of the universal love that connects us to each other.
Beyond words, a powerful symbolic gesture
Beyond the word, Namaste is linked to a three-step mudra with very strong symbolism. It involves joining both hands in prayer in front of the heart, closing the eyes and bowing the head.
Through this gesture, we recognize that there is a divine light within each of us , located in the heart chakra, Anahata , which recognizes and salutes the light within oneself.
Namaste, today
Practiced today during yoga classes, Namaste allows all participants to unite their energies and connect. If the gesture is made with the heart and letting one's mind surrender, a union deep can arise between souls.
At the end of a yoga practice, Namaste is a great way to express gratitude to yourself, to those around you, to your loved ones, your friends, etc.
Expressing gratitude
To go further, I suggest you take a notebook and a pen and answer the following question:
What are 3 things I am grateful for today?
I gave it a try, and here is my gratitude list:
- Enjoying doing yoga while watching the sunrise
- Giving myself a bouquet of flowers, grown by the farmers on the farm next to my house
- Receiving a message from one of my best friends
It's your turn! Feel free to share your gratitude in the comments! It's always inspiring for other readers.
Namaste,
Roxanne
