Why do you say ‘Namaste’ at the end of a yoga class? | The Times of India (2024)

As yoga is gaining popularity, so is the salutation – Namaste, which yogis give to each other at the end of a class. While yogis are now spread across the globe, yoga is an Indian discipline and saying Namaste at the end of a session is very significant. The zen yogis may be saying it at the end of their classes but do they really know what the word means? Not likely.

<p>THE MEANING OF NAMASTE: Namaste is derived from Sanskrit word ‘Namaskar’ which literally translates to ‘I bow to you’. When one says Namaste to another, he slightly bends forward with his hands pressed together, with his palms touching each other. This hand position is known as Namaskar Mudra.<br></p>readmore

<p>WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DO NAMASKAR MUDRA: When you press your palms against each other in a Namaskar Mudra, the sunya or the vacuum element in our bodies is strengthened. It leads to better absorption of the divine energy by our bodies.<br></p>readmore

<p>WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU UTTER NAMASTE: After you have joined your hands, you say namaste to the person you are greeting and you bow down. As you do that, your body connects with the second element, that is the Earth Principle.<br></p>readmore

<p>YOUR BODY DURING SAYING NAMASTE: As the two elements of Vacuum and Earth Principle are manifested in your body, it also connects with the other three elements – Water, Air and Fire. This leads to a more positive energy and aura to flow from the person who is saying Namaste. This all leads you to feel more centred and more present in the moment.<br></p>readmore

<p>TRANSFER OF ENERGY WHEN YOU SAY NAMASTE: When you say Namaste at the end of a Yoga class, you transfer this positivity in the person you are saying it to. It makes both of you more connected.<br></p>readmore

WHY NO PHYSICAL CONTACT DURING SAYING NAMASTE? Against the western culture of shaking hands which facilitates a faster exchange of energies, in Namaste, you only bow down to a person while your hands form a Namaskar Mudra. This is done because you are bowing down to the spiritual energy within a person, rather than his physical aura. When you do physical contact, negative aura from other people can flow towards you, which does not happen if you say Namaste.