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The Meaning of the Yogic Greeting: Namaste"As much as yoga is an exercise to bring all levels of our existence in complete harmony with the rhythms of nature, the gesture of Namaste is a yoga practice in itself." Says Nitin Kumar in an article for exotic India. The mudra (or hand gesture) of Namaste is a simple act that you will see displayed at Sanctuary at the end of the classes and sometimes at the beginning of a class too. It is made by bringing together both palms and all ten fingers together at the heart center, then, lightly bowing the head toward the teacher and others in the class. The simplest meaning is that the Spirit, Light or God in me greets, honors and bows to the same Spirit, Light or God in you. By performing Namaste before an individual or to a group we recognize the divine spark in each of those to whom we bow and also acknowledge within ourselves a common divinity we all have with us from birth through death and rebirth again. The Buddhists call this mudra, displayed by deities, the Anjali Mudra meaning to adorn, honor or celebrate each one from the heart. They and yogis from all traditions would agree that the gesture and verbalization of Namaste recognizes and honors the equality and sacredness of all beings. It is accepted as a humble greeting straight from the heart and reciprocated accordingly. The Divine Light in me bows to and honors the Divine Light in You; Namaste. |
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