I teach yoga four times a week at a Christian College with Christian professors and students. I teach yoga two times a week at the church I pastor. At the end of each class I always close with the traditional yoga greeting/closing and sign of respect Namaste. I say the following.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” Namaste means the light that is in me recognizes the light in you.
From time to time someone will ask why do you say that? I will explain that Namaste has several meanings. Literally it means bow to you namas (bow) te (you). It is often used as a greeting in India, usually followed by a bow with hands in prayer position. In yoga it is traditionally spoken from teacher to participant/student at the end of a yoga practice. It that setting it is said to mean the light in me honors the light in you. The usual response is to say namaste in return.
Jesus calls us to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
14 . You are like light for the whole world. A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden,
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Saying Namaste reminds me that God’s light in me is not exclusive to me and is not meant to be covered. We should shine out so the whole world might see. It is an inspiration for those who practice Holy Yoga to do the same. So lets live and practice yoga on and off the mat as children of the light.
Namaste
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