Often performed at the end of yoga classes, the gesture Namaste is a special greeting traditionally used in Indian society. It is used in a similar way to the Maori acknowledgment and greeting ‘Kia Ora’. Namaste represents the belief that there is a divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart chakra.

The gesture is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another. "Nama" means bow, "as" means I, and "te" means you. Therefore, Namaste literally means "bow me you" or "I bow to you."

When spoken to another person, it is commonly accompanied by a slight bow made with hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed upwards, in front of the chest. It can also be done by placing the hands together in front of the third eye (eyebrow centre), bowing the head, and then bringing the hands down to the heart. This is an especially deep form of respect. The gesture can also be performed wordlessly and carry the same meaning.

The greeting is trans-cultural and trans-faith. As a Christian, you might interpret Namaste as an acknowledgment that you are greeting another creation of God. As a Secular Humanist you might perform the gesture as an acknowledgement of respect for another human being. As a Buddhist, you might perform the gesture as an acknowledgement of the Higher-Self or Buddha in each other.

A few other interpretations include:

"I honor the Spirit in you which is also in me”

“The entire universe resides within you.”

“The divine light in me salutes the divine light in you.”