Namaste: Words & Meaning to Share Beyond Yoga
TODAY IS INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY, which is just perfect as we all need a few reminders to take care of ourselves in a loving, peaceful manner. And, when we think of how stressed and overwhelmed our wedding clients can get at the idea of planning their wedding so far from home, we are grateful to share the reminder with them as well. First and foremost, that peace begins with a greeting that in and of itself can suck the stress right out of a troubled mind.
NAMASTE, pronounced ‘na-ma-stay’, is both a Hindi and Nepali word which is spoken in India and Nepal as a greeting, just as we would say “Hola” or “adiós” here in Mexico. An ancient word that has stood the test of time, Namaste is Sanskrit and dates back to as early as 1500 BCE.
TYPICALLY SAID with the hands pressed together and held near the heart, as well as with the head bowed, almost as if in prayer, Namaste is a lovely salutation that is beautiful and calming. But let’s break it down into its most basic translation: “Nama” means bow, “as” means I, and “te” means you. Therefore, Namaste literally means “bow I you” or “I bow to you.” So, whether on the frenetic streets of Mumbai or in a yoga class on the beach in Los Cabos, the message this one simple word and its accompanying gesture conveys is one of honor and peace. But there are many translations that take the message even further… and we love them all and we know you will too.
Here are just a few of the societal and spiritual meanings for Namaste:
- “I honor the place in you which is of love, truth, light, and peace.”
- “I bow to the divine in you.”
- “I honor the sacredness and equality in us all.”
- “I acknowledge the soul in one by the soul in another.”
- “We are all one when we live from the heart.”
ANY AND ALL OF THESE definitions are perfect for weddings too, don’t you think? In fact, to repeat them to each other during your wedding ceremony, or as a daily mantra in the weeks leading up to it, could be magical. Powerful, really. As practicing yoginis, we know that Namaste also represents the idea of two individuals coming together energetically to a place of connection and timelessness. If offered freely and with deep feeling in the heart and mind, the greeting of Namaste can inspire a deep union of spirits to blossom for eternity. Wow. Just wow.
So, NAMASTE, dear friends. Namaste.
