“Namaste” is a word that resonates deeply within the yoga community and beyond, often heard at the close of a yoga class or as a greeting in spiritual circles. Many understand it to mean “The divine within me recognizes the divine within you.” But is this understanding complete? Delving into the origins and diverse interpretations of Namaste reveals a richer and more nuanced meaning, one that stretches from casual greetings in India to profound spiritual acknowledgments in the West. Let’s explore the depth behind this commonly used Sanskrit term and understand its true significance.
Origins and Sanskrit Roots of Namaste
To truly grasp the meaning of Namaste, it’s essential to break down its Sanskrit components. The word is derived from two parts: “namah” and “te.” “Namah” signifies “to bow,” “salutations,” or “reverence.” Interestingly, further etymological exploration reveals that “namah” itself originates from “na mama,” meaning “not mine” or “not me,” indicating a sense of humility and surrender. The second part, “te,” simply translates to “to you.”
Putting these pieces together, the most literal translation of Namaste is “prostrations to you” or “I bow to you.” This straightforward translation already hints at a gesture of respect and honor. However, the depth of Namaste extends far beyond a simple polite greeting.
Deeper Spiritual Meaning: Recognizing the Divine
The interpretation of Namaste as “The divine within me recognizes the divine within you” is a widely embraced and beautiful understanding, particularly in spiritual and yoga contexts. This interpretation taps into the concept of Atman, the universal self or soul that resides within each individual, according to Hindu philosophy. By saying Namaste, we are acknowledging the presence of this divine spark, the Atman, in both ourselves and the person we are greeting.
This understanding aligns with the principle of Ishvara Pranidhana, often translated as devotion to the Lord or surrender to the divine will, which is a key concept in yoga philosophy. Namaste, in this light, becomes more than just a word; it’s an expression of recognizing and honoring the divine essence that connects all beings.
Namaste in India and Traditional Yoga: A Common Greeting
While Namaste carries profound spiritual connotations, its everyday usage in India and Nepal is more akin to a simple “hello” or “welcome.” It serves as a polite greeting in both formal and informal settings, used when meeting or parting ways. In this context, it’s similar to saying “good day” or “greetings” in English.
Interestingly, within traditional schools of yoga, the verbalization of Namaste at the end of a class isn’t always a standard practice. As highlighted in the original article, teachers in certain classical hatha traditions, like those following Pattabhi Jois or Swami Narayanananda, might not use Namaste verbally. Pattabhi Jois often simply said “Thank you, thank you,” or nothing at all. Similarly, Dharma Mittra typically concludes with blessings and reminders about yogic principles rather than Namaste.
Suddha Weixler, director of the Chicago Yoga Center, points out that in his tradition, thanking students for their presence and kindness was preferred over Namaste. Gloria McCartney, a Sivananda teacher, explains that Sivananda-certified teachers often chant mantras instead, and while they may use the Namaste hand gesture, the word itself is seldom spoken. Narayana Chaitanya, director of Chicago’s Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, reinforces the idea that while the meaning is “prostrations to you,” the mantra “Om Namah Sivaya” is used as a more common all-purpose greeting and salutation in their tradition.
This perspective underscores that while Namaste is deeply rooted in Indian culture and spirituality, its specific usage, particularly in the context of ending a yoga class, isn’t uniformly applied across all traditions within India itself.
Western Interpretation and Adaptation: Evolving Meaning
In the West, particularly within the yoga and spiritual communities, Namaste has often taken on a more explicitly spiritual and symbolic meaning. While acknowledging its origins as a general greeting, Western practitioners have largely embraced the interpretation of “the divine in me recognizes the divine in you,” imbuing the word with a deeper significance beyond a simple “hello.”
Per Erez, director of the First Person Healing Arts Studio, notes that his use of Namaste began after teacher training at Kripalu, where “Jai Bagwan” (honoring the spirit) is also used. He often explains the longer, more spiritual translation of Namaste to make its intended meaning clearer in a Western context. Lourdes Paredes, a Vinyasa flow teacher, shares that she uses Namaste as it was passed down by her teachers with the understanding of recognizing and honoring the light within another.
Tom Quinn, co-director of Yogaview, describes Namaste as “a simple but profound gesture of reverence,” emphasizing that intention transforms the mundane into the sacred. This highlights a key aspect of the Western adaptation: the conscious intention and spiritual weight assigned to the word, often going beyond its everyday usage in India.
Per Erez further suggests that modern Western yoga is an “amalgam” of diverse influences, and borrowing and adapting practices like Namaste to resonate within a new cultural context is a natural evolution. However, he also acknowledges that this adapted, more overtly spiritual use of Namaste might be perceived as somewhat humorous or different from its common usage in South Asia.
The Gesture: Hands in Prayer Position (Anjali Mudra)
Accompanying the spoken word Namaste is often the gesture of pressing the palms together at the heart center, or sometimes at the forehead or above the head. This hand gesture is known as Anjali Mudra or Pranamasana. The gesture itself enhances the meaning of Namaste, embodying respect, reverence, and connection.
Gloria McCartney mentions using the Namaste hand position even when not verbally saying the word, signifying “I see the God in you.” This underscores that the gesture itself carries the essence of Namaste, communicating respect and recognition of the divine, even without spoken words.
Conclusion: A Multifaceted Greeting of Respect and Connection
In conclusion, the meaning of Namaste is multifaceted and rich, extending beyond a simple definition. While literally translating to “prostrations to you” and functioning as a common greeting in India and Nepal, Namaste has evolved, particularly in the West, to embody a deeper spiritual significance. It represents the recognition of the divine within oneself and others, fostering a sense of connection, respect, and reverence.
Whether used as a simple greeting or a profound spiritual acknowledgment, the essence of Namaste lies in its intention – to honor and recognize the inherent worth and divinity within each individual. This understanding allows for a more conscious and meaningful use of this powerful Sanskrit word, enriching our interactions and spiritual practices.
