Namaste Yoga
Namaste is a term that is often used in yoga, but it might be difficult for a beginner to understand just what it means. There are many different terms for a beginner to absorb and to understand, but not all of them have a perfect translation. This is common in the conversion of ancient languages and religious terms into new languages, especially English. Language is an important part of culture, and so it is quite possible for words to exist for certain feelings, certain events, and certain understandings that just do not completely translate into other languages. In this case, Namaste does not have a direct translation, but people who practice yoga understand its gist.
Most basically, Namaste is a greeting, like hello or goodbye. But there are many meanings that are associated with the expression, and that people might try to convey when they use it: I bow to you; the spirit in me meets the spirit in you; I honor the place in you which is of love, truth, light, and peace; I salute God within you; I behold hold within you; I greet the place where you and I are one. As you can see, there are many different options, but they all come down to a recognition of divinity and a sign of respect.
Namaste yoga tradition is strong in all forms of yoga. Regardless of the system of yoga you follow, Namaste yoga is the correct way to acknowledge and respect the divinity inside of people, along with the traditional Namaste yoga gesture.
Related Information:
Namaste is an ancient greeting in yoga that begins and ends each session.
Namaste is a word and gesture of respect in yoga.