NAMASTE is an ancient sanskrit greeting still in everyday use in India and Nepal.
Usually said with palms joined, in front of the heart and with a gently lowered head. Simply put it’s a humble greeting straight from the heart – it recognizes and honours the equality of all.
Translated roughly, it means <The light in me recognises the light in you; I bow to the light within you>.
Much like the Hawaiian greeting Aloha, Namaste is more than just a word – it’s a lifestyle – it’s an intention, it’s an attitude towards each other that promotes kindness and tolerance without judgement – it’s an awareness of the value of life and the natural world.
In Yoga we use this rich symbolic statement as a simple way to offer a deep acknowledgement towards each other – a gesture of compassion and understanding that whoever you are, whatever you’ve done or failed to do, it doesn’t define or taint you.
There’s something finer, more honest and true about you – about me – about every living thing.
It is to that essence that we direct the greeting and bring yoga classes to a close…. Namaste.
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