We greet people whenever we meet them. Namaste is one such popular salutation which is not just confined to India now but is used in other countries as well. The literal Namaste translation breaks down into three sections- ‘Nama’ means bow, ‘As’ means I and ‘Te’ means you. Thus, the meaning of Namaste is ‘I bow to you’ or in other words, ‘greetings, salutations or prostration to you.’

Most often, one holds the hands together in the prayer position at the heart chakra. This gesture is an acknowledgement of the soul in one by the soul in another. For a teacher and student in the yoga class, Namaste allows the two to come together energetically to a place of connection. If it is done with a deep feeling in the heart, then a deep union of souls can blossom.

The importance of Namaste in Yoga

Yoga originated in India about 5000 years ago. And now, apart from Indians, many other people across the globe now practice yoga. But the question that one will have now is that how Namaste is significant in Yoga. Namaste in Yoga is used as a salutation two times- one at the beginning of the yoga session while the other at the end of the session.

In the beginning, we greet by saying Namaste to welcome every soul with an open heart. This means the divine spark in one bow to the divine spark of the other. In the end, Namaste has said again to thank everyone for practising yoga with a quiet conscience. The practice of Namaste yoga implies that we all are one regardless of any differences. Even the yoga instructor does not believe himself to be better than his learners in the class.

Namaste Pose/Prayer Pose

Namaste Pose, also known as Pranamasana is the starting pose for Surya Namaskar or the Sun Salutation poses. It is an easy and effective yoga asana that is significant as you move forward from simple yoga poses to the complex ones. During Namaste yoga classes, this pose is often used at the beginning and the end of the yoga practice. The Namaste pose helps to centre the body and mind. This posture also helps to strengthen the upper body while getting rid of the tension and improving the blood circulation to the shoulder joint.

How to do the Namaste pose?

• While standing, place the palms together in front of the heart’s centre.
• Allow the shoulders to roll down the back and the elbows to rest at the sides of the rib cage.
• Breathe in normally.
• You can also close your eyes if you wish to.
• A particular mantra is also chanted while it is practised as a part of Surya Namaskar.

Some precautions that you should take while doing the Namaste pose

• Avoid this posture if you have any chronic or recent injury at the hips or the knees.
• Also, do not attempt to do this posture if you have elbow problems.
• If you have high blood pressures then refrain from doing this pose.

The benefits of the Namaste pose to the body

• The Namaste pose has a positive effect on the muscles of the thighs and the nerves.
• Enhances the flexibility of the hips.
• Makes the wrists flexible.

When are you supposed to practice the Namaste pose?

When you reach the yoga class, the chances are that you may be facing some stress or tension due to the outside world. Thus, Namaste pose will help you to cleanse the mind from all the worries so that you are completely focused on the yoga practice.  It is the very first thing that you should do when you get to your yoga class. It is done at the end as well.

Hence, if you practice yoga as a daily routine, then you will be aware of the existence in a way that allows you to forget all the worries. It is not just an exercise that you attend and then forgets when you walk out of the yoga classes. Overall, anyone who dedicates themselves to it will feel a wide reach of benefits. Truly, yoga can be a much-needed retreat from the busy, non-stop lives we lead. Give it a try and enjoy the benefits it offers.