The word Namaste is a combination of two Sanskrit terms: Namah (I bow respectfully to you) and Aste (let there be). A literal translation makes little sense; rather, it is the spirit of the greeting that is significant, one that is deferential, cordial and executed with grace and a certain humility.

Most frequently used at the end of a Yoga session in the Western world, Namaste or Namaskar is the word uttered as a traditional greeting in India and parts of Nepal accompanied by folding one’s palms across the chest, as in prayer. Typically, elders and equals in age were greeted with a Namaste, though in modern situations words like “What’s up” have become increasing popular with the youth.