The meaning of Namaste: Bowing to the Cosmic Connection

So, you've probably heard your yoga teacher say that namaste means "honouring the divinity with you." But what does that really mean? Let's dive deeper into the profoundness and cosmic magic behind this ancient Sanskrit term.

Namaste, pronounced NAH-muh-stay, acts as a bridge between Hinduism and yoga, connecting these two cultures. Translated directly, it means "bowing to you" or "I bow to you," commonly used as a greeting.

When your yoga teacher says namaste, they're not entirely off the mark. They are, in fact, honouring the divinity within you. To grasp the significance of this, let's turn to the wise words of astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.

"The atoms of our bodies are traceable to stars that manufactured them in their cores and exploded these enriched ingredients across our galaxy, billions of years ago. For this reason, we are biologically connected to every other living thing in the world. We are chemically connected to all molecules on Earth. And we are atomically connected to all atoms in the universe. We are not figuratively, but literally stardust."

In simpler terms, our bodies are made up of tiny building blocks called atoms. These atoms can be traced back to stars that created them in their fiery cores, subsequently exploding and spreading these cosmic ingredients throughout our galaxy billions of years ago. So, in a sense, we are all connected to every living thing on Earth because we share the same biological origins. Moreover, we are chemically connected to every molecule on our planet, and even more astonishingly, atomically connected to every single atom in the vast expanse of the universe. This is not just a poetic metaphor; it is a scientific reality that we are all made of stardust.

So, the next time you bring your palms together in the namaste gesture, take a moment to appreciate the cosmic significance. We're not just a bunch of random atoms; we are intricately linked to one another and the entire universe. When we say namaste, we are not only acknowledging the divinity in others but also recognising the same divine spark within ourselves.

Despite our countless differences—whether political, religious, or any other way we like to categorise ourselves—we are all just minuscule specks in the grand scheme of things. We're nothing but a bunch of atoms joyfully dancing to the celestial symphony. Eventually, we'll bid farewell to this temporary existence and return to the source from which we came. In a way, namaste serves as a gentle reminder of our humble place within the vastness of existence.

So, let's keep calm and namaste on, knowing that we're just a temporary collection of atoms, moving to the rhythm of the cosmos.

Namaste Zahir Akram - eternal seeker If you're eager to delve deeper into the world of yoga, we invite you to explore our Yoga Teacher Training program. Whether you're starting from scratch with our entry-level 200-hour course or seeking advanced knowledge with our 300-hour course, our training equips you with the skills to become a certified yoga teacher. However, this journey isn't limited to aspiring instructors alone. If you share the same passion for learning and desire to expand your understanding of the art you adore, like me, then this course is perfect for you. Embrace the opportunity to deepen your love for yoga.