Namaste, a yoga greeting
In the yogic tradition, the spirit is often called our "true self" or "ultimate nature." These teachings hold that our spirits are alike - and that they're formless, immortal, and blissful. The familiar salutation, Namaste, a Sanskrit greeting typically said at the end of yoga class, translates - in short form - to "I honor you." Yoga practitioners place their hands in the Anjali Mudra or prayer position - a sign of respect and a greeting used in many cultures and in yoga - and will often bow slightly to themselves and to others in the room and say, "Namaste".My favorite explanation of this greeting is this deeply heartfelt version:
Namaste
I honor the place in you that is the same in me.I honor the place in you where the whole universe resides.
I honor the place in you of love, light, truth and peace.
When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me,
We are one.
-Source unknown
Read more about the meaning of Namaste at Yoga Journal.
Please be aware that, while yoga has a spiritual component, it's not a religion. You don't need to believe in any specific deity or even to believe in God to practice yoga. People of all faiths practice yoga. I encourage my students to embrace those aspects of the practice that have purpose and meaning to them and to disregard the rest. Modifying the practice to suit your needs applies not just to the postures but to the spiritual dimension as well.
Some text excerpts are from, "Healing Yoga for Neck & Shoulder Pain" by Carol Krucoff, E-RYT
