At the close of each yoga class, I take my hands to prayer position and place my thumbs to my forehead between my eyebrows (called the third eye). Bowing to my students, I thank them for allowing me to lead and guide them through class and recite the following words: "The light and the divine within me, sees, honors, and recognizes the light and the divine within each of you. Namaste." Students reply in like.
Because this is a natural part of my practice, I didn't consider that those in a first time yoga class may think these odd, prayer like words, and even though they reply in turn, they may have no idea what they're repeating.
What does the word Namaste mean? Pronounced (Nah-Mah-Stay), Namaste is a Sanskrit word used to seal the end of a yoga practice. According toWikipedia.org, "Namaḥ" and "te." Namaḥ means 'bow,' 'reverential salutation' or 'adoration' and te means 'to you'. Therefore, Namaste literally means "salutations to you."
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The gesture of the hands in prayer along with Namaste suggests we are acknowledging the divine light inside each of us, that we agree that there is no difference between us. We are the same, we are one. This is such a powerful end to our practice; soul recognizing soul, honoring the light, love, beauty, truth and kindness within each of us. I leave feeling as if I'm in harmony with every student. It feels so right and so beautiful. I can think of no better way to end a class than by removing judgment and distancing ourselves from our troubles while allowing the light to shine in our hearts.
When I give students my interpretation of Namaste, their eyes light up as if suddenly filled with light and love.
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Until next week, I honor the light and divine in each of you.
Namaste.
~ Ginger
