In almost every yoga class, the teacher ends the class by saying "Namaste.
" The newcomer to yoga may not know the meaning or fully understand its importance.
Since it's such a common statement, rarely will you ever find an instructor actually discuss it in class.
I suppose they think it's a given.
It's such a beautiful gesture though; I think it's worth discussing.
Literally translated, Namaste means, "I bow to you.
" The gesture goes much deeper than that though.
To perform Namaste, we place our hands together (prayer pose) at our heart chakra, close our eyes and lightly bow the head.
This is a deep form of respect.
Simply put, Namaste intimates: The Light in me greets the Light in you The Spirit in me meets the same Spirit in youIn other words, it recognizes the equality of all, and pays honor to the sacredness of all.
Namaste is significant because it is a humbling gesture.
Namaste is done as a recognition that we are all equal, that we are one.
For a Yoga teacher and a student, Namaste allows them to come together, to connect, and to honor the sacred space that they are creating during their practice.
For the teacher, Namaste is a way to show gratitude for his/her students and for the privilege of being able to share their experience and knowledge with them.
For the students, Namaste is way to approach their yoga practice with an open heart, a way of really offering their heart to their practice.
The true essence of yoga practice.