Namaste: What Does it Mean?

The word Namaste is a Sanskrit word that means “I bow down to you in reverence or respect.” The word is mostly used when two people meet or when they are departing from one another. It’s said by joining both your palms together and then bowing your head a little bit.

The gesture is both formal and informal and can be used by both the young and the elderly. If you say it to an older person, it shows your gratitude and respect towards them. If you say it to a younger person or someone your own age, it’s a simple gesture. That is why is important to know the meaning of namaste before using it.

What Is the Meaning of Namaste

If all the spiritual traditions of yoga could be summarized into one word, it would be Namaste. Although those who practice hear the word often, many are unsure as what the meaning of Namaste really is.

More Than Just a Word

Namaste Yoga is done by putting your hands together and bringing them near to your heart. Although the exact position of your hands can vary, most yoga students are advised to ensure their index fingers always point upwards. The next step is to gently close your eyes, say the word Namaste and bow your head. In yoga, this is a way of calming yourself or focusing on something you like e.g. an upcoming exercise routine. As opposed to kissing another person on the cheek or shaking hands like in other cultures, this is a non-contact form of spiritual and respectful greeting.

Why Is It Special?

Namaste is an ancient practice that helped people deepen their self-understanding, connect to other people’s minds with their souls as well as develop and maintain their body’s flexibility and strength. The idea was to help them pay attention to what their bodies wanted and could easily handle without pressing beyond limits. Here are two broad benefits of this practice:

Psychological Benefits

Namaste Yoga has psychological benefits that include its ability to reduce stress, improve your mood, and find ways to cope with stressful situations. This is because it enhances learning efficiency, encourages positive thinking, aids memory function, improves the feeling of well-being, and instructs you on how to focus on positive things.

Physical Benefits

Some physical benefits of this practice include its ability to promote circulatory and cardio health, decrease blood pressure, and help the body to rest. In addition to this, it helps the body relieve pain, gives it additional vitality and energy, prevents some illnesses, causes you to feel and look younger, as well as increases its flexibility.

When Should You Do Namaste Yoga?

Wherever you are going into a yoga class, there are high chances you will bring along some tension or stress from the outside world. As such, it’s important to always do Namaste yoga as the first thing to get your class started right. However, you can also do it at the end of your class. It will cleanse your mind from any worries and help you focus on your workout.