Namaste full form

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! The scene at the end of a typical yoga class: The teacher sits cross-legged at the front of class, takes a deep breath and, pressing hands together in a prayer position, leans into a deep bow and reverently intones the word “Namaste.” Dutiful yoga students mirror the pose and bow low in return, whispering namaste in unison. It’s so common that yoga doesn’t seem like yoga without this ritual. But recently, yoga practitioners have been looking more carefully at how, when, and why they’re using the word “namaste.” Do we actually understand the meaning of namaste? Are we using it properly? Should we use it at all? Some yogis are concerned that the term, which holds cultural significance in South Asia, has been so misused that it has lost its true meaning—and thus its significance. Here, we offer “Namaste 101” to help you understand the term and know how to use it with care. See also: What is the meaning of namaste? Ask most people in the yoga community to translate “namaste” and the common reply will be something like, “The Divine in me honors the Divine in you.” It’s a lovely sentiment that has inspired many a yoga studio poster. But is it accurate? “ Nama means bow; as means I; and te means you,” says yoga teacher Aadil Palkhivala. “Therefore, namaste literally means ‘bow me you’ or ‘I bow to you.’” The “Divine in you” interpretat...

About 12 years ago, I double-parked and ran into an Indian food restaurant located in a strip mall in my hometown. I’d had an incredibly long day at work and was craving comfort food and my sofa. When I blazed through the door, I was greeted by a man who stood about the height of my chin. He was the host, the cook, the waiter, and, as I quickly learned, he was also the owner. He met my cyclone of an entry with a steady kind gaze, and then simply pressed his palms together at his heart, and with a slight reverent bow, said “Namaste.” I had heard the word before, of course, but that moment was different. In that second I felt as though I had just been handed the Nobel Peace Prize. Simply for being me. I felt seen in a way I never had. Not even by my family or friends or anyone I’d ever dated. That feeling was created by that single word and his authentic gesture. It transformed not only my day, but also my belief in the power we all have to influence one another with our words, actions and presence. My craving for chutney had somehow ignited my investigation into the history of Namaste. The Meaning of Namaste Namaste is a Sanskrit word comprised of the root words “namah” and “te”. The meaning of namah, as described by Wikipedia, means “bow” and “reverential salutation or adoration”. It also means “obeisance” – not a word you may be tossing around with your homies, which means “a movement of the body expressing deep respect or deferential courtesy; a bow, curtsy, or other sim...

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Though it has its origins in India, Namaste is now known and used throughout the world. Much of this has been due to its use in yoga. Students will often bow in respect to their teacher and say "Namaste" at the end of a class. In Japan, the gesture is "Gassho" and used in similar fashion, typically in prayer and healing practice. The Meaning of Namaste In Sanskrit, the word is namah (to bow) and te (you), meaning “I bow to you.” In, other words, "greetings, salutations, or prostration to you." The word namaha can also be literally interpreted as "na ma" (not mine). It has a spiritual significance of negating or reducing one's ego in the presence of another. The Spiritual Significance of "Namaste" The reason we use Namaste has a deeper spiritual significance as well. It recognizes the belief that the life force, the divinity, the Self, or the God in me is the same in all. Acknowledging this oneness and equality with the meeting of the palms, we honor the god in the person we meet. • Ashtanga (Ashta=eight; Anga=body parts): Touching the ground with knees, belly, chest, hands, elbows, chin, nose, and temple. • Shastanga (Shashta=six; Anga=body parts): Touching the ground with toes, knees, hands, chin, nose, and temple. • Panchanga (Pancha=five; Anga=body parts): Touching the ground with knees, chest, chin, temple, and forehead. • Dandavat (Dand=stick): Bowing the forehead down and touching the ground. • Abhinandana (Congratulations to you): Bending forward with folded hands t...

There is one very familiar saying you are most likely to come across at the end of each yoga class – Namaste. But what does it mean? Where did it originate? Why is it so commonly used in the meditation and yoga community as a greeting and a goodbye? Are we using Namaste correctly as intended? * We may earn a commission for featured products/services through our affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Origins of the Word Namaste The expression Namaste is a Sanskrit word that holds many meanings. The literal translation is "I bow to you," with nama, meaning "bow," and te, meaning "to you." However, if you ask any yoga teacher, they'll quickly correct you on the meaning of Namaste that differs from the literal translation. The actual meaning of Namaste is "I bow to the divine in you." How come? The word Namaste is deeply rooted in the Hindu and Indian culture, impacting the final meaning behind this famous expression. There is a belief with Hindu roots that says that "God resides in everyone." Therefore, any person you're greeting with Namaste deserves a bow to the divine. Namaste is a way of showing respect and honor to another person and the divine within them. When you say Namaste to someone, you recognize the sacredness in them. You acknowledge that they are not just a physical body but a being of light and love. There are other interpretations of Namaste that you might find more suitable such as: • I honor the place in you where the entire universe dwells. • My soul rec...