Over the last decade it has carved out a place for itself in popular culture. We've seen it on sweaters, posters, wine glasses, basically anything that sells. But lately it is slowly disappearing from certain places… Is Namaste about to disappear?
Published at 1:10 am. Updated at 7:00 a.m.
In any case, it's at Studio Mile End. I've noticed that several teachers have recently stopped saying “Namaste” as was customary at the end of class.
To put it bluntly, I've always felt embarrassed repeating the word like the majority of students do… I feel like I sound wrong. So I whisper something different to fit in with the group. (It would make you uncomfortable if we walked past each other in leggings.)
It was never clear to me: What does Namaste really mean? In yoga there are several variations, but some revolve around: “The light in me recognizes the light in you.” In Sanskrit it is also a simple greeting. Has nothing to do with the popular expressions “Namastay in bed” or “Namaste, sti!” » that have emerged in recent years…
This revival of the word was also denounced.
English-language media in particular wondered whether we were dealing with a case of cultural appropriation; a theory that the co-owners of Studio Mile End also feared.
“I asked myself: Am I just saying this because people usually say Namaste after class? », admits Ariane Paradis. “The word has been thrown around in recent years and we want to do the exact opposite: highlight and pay homage to the practice of yoga. We are very aware that we are white women from Montreal… I'm not saying I'll never say Namaste again, but we make sure to respect the practice as much as possible. »
Rachel Jacobs clarifies that it is not the use of Sanskrit terms that bothers her, but the fact that Namaste is often stated without context. By replacing it with “thank you,” she hopes to avoid further diluting a practice that has already greatly distorted North American culture.
“I think Namaste is great,” says Geneviève Guérard. It's just that in a context like ours, a good thank you is more authentic to me. What will never change after 12 years of teaching is the respect and love I have for this practice. What will continue to develop is my thinking: Have I acquired automatisms? »
If you were still looking for a resolution for 2024, here you will find one that is no worse.
Important fact: No one criticized the trio for using the word Namaste.
This reflection arose from a sincere inquiry and did not lead to a radical position. There is no need to sound the alarm or borrow from American debates: we are witnessing a process characterized by openness.
At the end of the courses offered at Studio Mile End, some say “Namaste”, and Ariane Paradis thinks that’s perfect. It has become “a ritual for them” and the dynamic couldn’t be more authentic. That's what matters.
In addition, according to the hundred responses generated in a survey conducted on my social networks (with no scientific value), Namasté is still very widely used in yoga studios in Quebec. And sometimes for good reasons.
Pragasen Pillay has been teaching yoga since 2012 (in addition to teaching engineering at Concordia University). When we say Namaste in the north of India, in the south – where our ancestors come from – we use the word Vanakkam instead.
For him, these expressions mean: “I bow to the divinity in you, which is also in me” (house translation: I bow to the divinity in you, which also lives in me).
However, there is nothing sacred about this deity. When Pragasen Pillay says “vanakkam” to his students at Studio Meta 1111, he is addressing “the deeper part.” [d’eux] with which is connected [leurs] Light, truth, kindness and compassion, all divine qualities.”
It's very nice, but isn't there a bit of cultural appropriation when non-Indian and poorly informed people (me) say it too? Of course, Pragasen Pillay tells me: Yes.
Like the word Karma, Namaste has also been robbed of its meaning. But in his opinion it wasn't that serious. By saying the term without understanding it, we simply miss the chance to enjoy the deep connection to which it invites us.
And while Pragasen Pillay isn't at all against teachers replacing the phrase with “thank you,” he feels that “Namaste” has a positive vibe that can't do any harm. Even if we say it superficially. Maybe it's a word that makes us want to know more about the philosophy of yoga…
The nuance is back.
Furthermore, Pragasen Pillay does not systematically pronounce “vanakkam” at the end of a lesson. He avoids using the term in front of new students, for example, who might think there is something religious about it. Because of their faith, some people can only bow to their God. Prof. Pillay wants to take the time to explain to them that when he talks about bowing to the divine qualities of others, he is part of a tradition that goes far beyond gymnastics and is based on moral codes, but not on any authority Capital letter A
I think it's wonderful that people are actively thinking about these codes today. Some seek to remain faithful to a practice that enriches them without sacrificing a culture that is not their own. The nice thing is that all of this can be done very well with “Namaste”…or not.
It's all about intention.