Definition of Namaste
Namaste is one of the few Sanskrit words commonly known outside the Hindu world. Those involved in yoga, Eastern spirituality and the New Age movement use it as a greeting and blessing.
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Literal Meaning
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Namaste is derived from the Sanskrit "namas" (to bow/show reverence) and "te" (to you). Thus, the literal meaning is "I bow to you."
Religous Acknowledgement
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As an acknowledgment of people's inherent spirituality, Namaste means "I bow to the divinity inherent in you" or "I respect the divinity in us both."
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Yoga
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In yoga, Namaste is used to set up the correct atmosphere for a session and attune classmates to one another and the teacher. It means "The light within me honors the light within you."
Formal Greeting
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Namaste is also used as a formal greeting which confers a deep sense of respect. The accompanying bow with hands pressed together is called the Añjali Mudrā. Even without the word, the bow confers the meaning of Namaste.
Other Interpretations
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Namaste has been used as equivalent to "amen" or as a simple blessing. As a concept, it can be used by different people to express different aspects of spirituality, as explained on the Light and Love Reiki website.
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