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In the Western world, yogis have embraced the custom of closing yoga classes with a bow of Namaste. In this way, the teacher and students thank one another for the time spent together and to close the yoga practice.

At the base level, this Sanskrit word is literally translated as “I bow to you.” This is a traditional Indian greeting which is accompanied by the gesture of Anjali Mudra. This is sometimes called “Prayer position” or “Prayer pose” in the West.

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Anjali in Sanskrit means “to offer” or to “salute”, and Mudra means “seal.” This pose is meant to honor and celebrate this very moment.

To practice the gesture, bring the palms together at the heart center, close the eyes, and bow the head. It can also be practiced by bringing the palms together at the third eye, bow the head, and then bring the hands to heart center. In India, it is understood that the gesture means Namaste, so it is not necessary to say the word “Namaste” when bowing.

The intention of placing the palms together does not indicate a form of prayer. This misconception comes from the fact that the Anjali Mudra has been called “Prayer pose” in the West. This gesture is one we associate with Christian, Hindu, and other religious practices, but it does not have the same meaning in yogic practices.

Yoga is not a religion and Anjali Mudra is not used to worship any divine being. The practice of yoga is secular in nature and the practice embodies mutual respect between practitioners, teachers, and the respect of oneself and one’s body.

The gesture of Namaste represents the belief that there is a divine light in every individual that is located in the heart center (or heart chakra). The gesture is the acknowledgment of the divine light or soul, by the divine light or soul of another person. Saying “Namaste” or “I bow to you,” tells the person that you are seeing them as they are. The spiritual teaching of Namaste represents the idea that all are one.  No matter our outward differences we are all more alike than we are different.

One of the most common translations of the word Namaste is “The divine light in me bows to the divine light in you.” In a yoga class, this exchange between a teacher and students allows them to come together and connect in the knowledge that we are all one when we live from our hearts.