Namaste: What it means, why some teachers say it and others don’t

You will notice that I usually say namaste at the end of class. Some teachers do, some don’t, some students do, some don’t — and both are completely okay. I wanted to share a little about the word and why people feel differently about it.

What does namaste mean?

Namaste comes from Sanskrit and doesn’t have just one meaning. Some common ways it’s translated are:

• I bow to you
• I greet you with respect
• I honour you
• The light in me sees the light in you
• The divine in me sees the divine in you

Not all of these are direct translations — some are more modern or spiritual interpretations.

Why do people disagree about using it?

The word namaste can be quite a divisive topic in the yoga world. Some people feel that using Sanskrit words without fully understanding them can be cultural appropriation. Others point out that in some parts of India, namaste is used very casually, like hello or goodbye. In other areas, it’s only used in more formal situations or when showing deep respect. Some people feel it should only be used in religious or spiritual settings, while others see it as a cultural greeting rather than a religious one.

Because of all these differences, people naturally come to different conclusions — and that’s okay.

Why I choose to say it

I personally like to say namaste at the end of class. I’ve spent a lot of time reading and learning about the word, its history, and the different opinions around it. I’m not religious, so I don’t necessarily connect with the more religious translations, however what does resonate with me is “The light in me sees the light in you.”

For me, saying namaste is a simple way to show respect and appreciation at the end of a shared practice. I feel comfortable using it because I understand its roots and the different views around it.

Where I don’t like to see it used

One thing I personally don’t enjoy is seeing the word used as a joke, like “Namastay in bed” on pyjamas or “Namasleigh” at Christmas. For many people, namaste has deep meaning, and using it this way can feel disrespectful. That’s just my view — and it comes from wanting to be respectful of where yoga comes from.

Do you have to say it back?

No — absolutely not. There’s no expectation for you to say namaste. I’d encourage you to read about the word yourself and decide how you feel about it. It’s always nicer to choose to say something because you understand it, rather than saying it automatically. If you choose not to say it, that’s completely fine.

So the next time you’re in a class and hear the word namaste, take a moment to notice how it feels for you. You don’t need to say it back, and you don’t need to feel any pressure to respond in a certain way. It’s simply an invitation — one you’re free to accept or leave.

Michelle x