Cultural Appropriation and Namaste Part II: to use Namaste or not
This is the second of our two-part series blog on the cultural appropriation and the use/misuse of the word namaste in western culture. In Part 1, Bryana shared about her own realization that she needed to change the name of her business after learning more about the history and current pop-culture misuse and cultural appropriation of namaste in the West.
In this Part II, we offer up some of our personal experiences with the use of the word namaste as it relates to teaching yoga.
At the closing of a yoga class, it is typical for a yoga teacher to nod in acknowledgment to her students, press her hands together, bow, and say “namaste” and the students may opt to do so in return. Yoga teachers, scholars, educators, and folks of South Asian decent/culture have questioned this practice as cultural appropriation. This conversation is being had between yoga professionals, practitioners, and all over news and social media outlets.
While this is an important conversation, I must admit that it is one that I am still learning about myself. I have not made any hard and fast decisions about it, other than the big switch of changing the name of my yoga business from Northern Namaste Yoga to Northern Yoga and Wellness (more in Part I of this series). I cannot say that I have the right answers for this, but I can share what my current practice and mentality is around it.
When is it appropriate and respectful to use the word namaste? Some say- never. Some say- always. Some say- sometimes.
It is the opinion of some scholars, individuals, and communities, that the use of namaste is to be strictly limited to those of South Asian or Indian culture. Some say it is respectful to use namaste in the appropriate context, and with the appropriate meaning. Some individuals and groups practicing and teaching yoga feel that the use of the word, as long as kept respectful, continues to honor and observe the rich history of yoga. For these folks, it boils down to intention. Is your use of the word respectful and intentional?
For myself, I am continuing to listen and learn from leaders in the yoga community. I have been experimenting with using, and not using, the salutation at the end of my yoga classes. Most often I simply say “thank you”, and try to observe how that resonates with me and my students. Sometimes I do say “namaste” and try to observe how that resonates with me and my students. I plan to experiment with other closings and how they feel. Amanda is now ending her classes with an intentional breath and a “thank you” as well. We are learning and growing together.
Above all, I believe it is the most important to view myself as a lifelong student of the practice. Although I am a teacher, and a teacher of teachers, I am first and foremost a student. I am continuing my education; I am open, listening, and learning. I believe it is my role as a teacher to bring awareness and invite inquiry, self-study, education, and discussion among others in the field as well.
I encourage a read of highly respected leaders on this topic:
Indu Arora’s article: “Do you Namaste?”
Susanna Barkataki’s blog: Namaste- 60+ Options for Confidently Ending Your Yoga Class
Above all I believe it’s important to learn more about this topic and know why you say it, or not, and have a respectful reason for it that honors the history of yoga.
At Boreal Bliss, our journey in lifelong learning, as well as understanding and respecting the history of yoga certainly doesn’t stop here. We have a few more specific actions we will be discussing and taking soon. We also promise to never stop learning and growing.
Do you use the word “namaste” at the closing of your yoga classes? Why, or why not? Let us know if you have any helpful insights to share! Feel free to email us at: hello@borealblissyogaretreats.com
Thank you!
-Bryana
