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APRIL, 2024 LIVING A WHOLE LIFE

Do not love half lovers.

Do not entertain half friends.

Do not indulge in the works

of the half talented

Do not live half a life.

Do not accept half of a solution.

Do not believe in half truths.

Do not dream half a dream.

You are a whole

that exists to live a life,

Do not half a life.

-Khalil Gilbran

SEPTEMBER, 2023 SHOULD WE BE USING NAMASTE?

In recent years there has been much controversy over the use of the word Namaste as a closing for the end of a yoga class. This has been on my mind for a while so when I first started to teach I used the phrase, “May the light inside of me honor the light inside of you.” I was of the understanding that this was a translation of Namaste.

So I decided to start my research by asking about 20 yoga professionals I know how they felt about the use of Namaste if they use it, and why or why not. This group of people included veteran teachers some with 20+ years of training all over the world, yoga teacher trainers, yoga studio owners, yoga school owners, and new teachers.

Many of the people I spoke with believed the same translation that I did; “May the light inside of me honor the light inside of you”. This response came from both new teachers as well as veteran teachers.

The teachers who use Namaste at the end of their classes did so with the intent of that believed translation. Out of those who didn’t close their classes with Namaste, some were unsure if using the word Namaste would be considered cultural appropriation (the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society), or they had students who were uncomfortable about its use. All the people I spoke with, no matter the closing they used had the same good intentions toward the practice of yoga, the culture from which it came, and appreciation for their students.

So what does Namaste mean?

Based on old Sanskrit which is found in the Vedas texts (ancient texts from about 1500-1200 BCE in which modern Hinduism grew), the literal meaning is “bowing to you” or “I bow to you”.

In more modern times, the entire phrase Namaste is from “Nama” meaning bow or obedience, and the shortened pronoun “te” means “to you”. The noun “namah” is a derivative of the word “namati” which means (she or he) bows”.

The use of Namaste began to appear in the English-speaking community in the mid-20th century. It was associated with stories about the newly independent India and its leader Nehru. Paraphrasing from an article in Time Magazine, 16 August 1948; “the traditional “Namasthe” (greeting) is as much a part of his public manner (Nehru) as the “V” or victory sign is for Churchill.

Many people in South Asia culture use the word to meet and greet an elder, and it is not used upon departure. It is typically a more formal greeting for respected elders, teachers, etc.

The use of the word has evolved in India in recent years; you may be likely to hear it as someone enters a restaurant or shop or as a general greeting. This is thought to be the result of the term coming back to India from eager Western tourists who have adopted the use of Namaste along with other words from old Sanskrit including Karma and Nirvana.

So, to use Namaste or not?

I have learned that everyone I asked had a similar intent when they closed their class. They want to honor the practice of yoga and the culture it came from, and they want to thank their students and share what they love.

Being aware of the culture behind any practice you take on in life is important. It shows good morals, respect, and honor for the practice you wish to make a part of your life. It’s not a special religious or cultural request that you use what you take with respect and dignity, it’s just common sense. That’s something we can all understand, whatever culture you come from, religion you practice, or language you speak.

References:

Susanna Barkataki; M. Ed. E-RYT-500, C-IAYTI and Rina Deshpande Ed. m. , RYT500 and Adal Palkhivala, founder of the College of Purna Yoga.14 June 2021. The Yoga Journal;. “The Meaning of Namaste” Rita Geno, editor.

Allison Whipple, (date unavailable). “Doing Away With Namaste”. Shutupandyoga.com

Isabelle Pikorn. (no date available). “The Precarious History of Namaste”, InsightTimer.com

Kumari Devarajan. 17 August 2020, “How Namaste Flew Away from Us”,NPR.org/codeswitch

Susanna Barkataki, 1 February 2022, “Namaste- Confidently Ending Your Yoga Class”, Susan Barkataki website.

JANUARY 2024 WHAT’S UP WITH RESOLUTIONS?

“Just a reminder

that you don’t have to

make resolutions.

Or huge decisions.

Or big proclamations.

You can just setsome sweet intentions

and take each day

as it comes.”

Victoria Erickson

Author, Rhythms & Roads