Namaste

A student approached me after class.  When this happens, typically it is to ask about another class, or a question on how a pose might help something in their body that needs attention.  This student is new to my classes.  New to the studio.

She said she noticed in this class and the last two classes of mine that she attended, that I did not say “Namaste” when I ended practice.  She wanted to know why.  Had I been following the controversy on social media? 

I wasn’t moved to say it. 

But I used to say it all the time.  It didn’t feel genuine.  It wasn’t my voice.  I felt awkward.  I would pause right before I said it, thinking that I shouldn’t.  But I said it anyway.

This brings up more thoughts about how to use language in yoga classes – am I just saying things because “that is what is done”?  Or am I speaking from the heart and saying what is needed in the moment.  Sometimes what is needed is silence.  I have been to many classes where instructors adopt the latest trend in language, not thinking about what it means.  Or does it have meaning.  Such as “place your hands in prayer in front of heart center.”  Why say center?  It has no meaning.  We all know where our heart is (and it is not truly centered, but that is more of an anatomy lesson).

Namaste, translated as "I bow to you", is a respectful greeting that can be interpreted as anything from "salutations" to recognition of the divine in another person. It is a Sanskrit word.

I am not Hindu. The meaning that we give namaste in yoga is a distinctly Hindu one, something along the lines of "I bow to the divine in you" or "I see the same divine light in you as I see in myself." While I think these are beautiful and powerful phrases, they assume a certain level of Hinduism that I don't take lightly.

The path of yoga gradually reveals to us the underlying nature of reality, in which the "Divine" is universally present in all people, beings and things. But even that explanation takes on Hindu terminology and a Hindu relationship to God. Personally, I have not progressed far enough on the path of yoga to make this statement unequivocally and with integrity. I can understand it in theory, but that is a far cry from the first-hand experience and understanding I prefer before adopting language and teaching into my life.

The idea behind Namaste is a beautiful one, at least the way it has been generally appropriated in western yoga. A recognition of effort and goodness in others. I prefer to say these things clearly, concisely and in my own language. I gladly offer respect, gratitude, honor and joy when I feel them. I simply use those words.

This is not to say you shouldn’t say it.  I am not here to lecture teachers on what is appropriate or not.  That quickly takes you down a rabbit hole.  Do we stop saying namaste?  Do we stop calling asanas by their Sanskrit name? Do we stop putting Sanskrit on the walls of our studios, or have statues of Buddha, Shiva, Ganesh in the practice space? Do we stop creating our studio logos to incorporate a mandala?  I feel if you take a firm stance on one, and want all to follow your lead, you need to look at everything else.

Instead, look at what works for you.  Bring that inquiry within vs. projecting it out in judgment of others.

What do I say to end class? 

Thank you.