Aloha and Namaste

 Two Words, One Meaning   
     Whether you express the words, Aloha and/or Namaste in Hawaii or in yoga class, these words have similar meanings. Both words are very powerful and mean much more than a simple literal translation. In fact, spanning East and West, across seemingly separate cultures, Aloha and Namaste are interchangeable.
     Hawaii is dubbed “The Aloha State” and Aloha is synonymous with the Hawaiian Islands. It is traditionally spoken or written as a greeting or “sign off” with the intention of a kind welcome and respectful farewell. It is unquestionably the most commonly used Hawaiian word.
     There are many translations for the often-used expression of Aloha. One interpretation is “the breath of God”. Historically the word Aloha was spoken when two people were physically very close to each other and could actually feel one another’s breath. As the word Aloha was exchanged from one person to the other, the breath of each person was shared. And so the translation, “breath of God” was adopted. The two people sharing their breath were believed to be sharing the breath of God.
     The Sanskrit word, Namaste, also has many translations. One definition that I often share with my yoga students is, “I honor the Light of Life in you”. This salutation honors the spark of Light within each one of us. That spark, that Light, that breath of God is all the same- it is our connection with each other and to who we are.
     Whether you are blessed to live in Hawaii or are fortunate to be spending your vacation here, remember the potency of these words, Aloha and Namaste. As you speak them, feel their meaning. Both Aloha and Namaste recognize the Oneness of us all. Both of these powerful words can be exchanged to foster that recognition of Oneness, that sense of shared breath, that communion as shared sparks of Light.

Aloha and Namaste,
Jennifer Weinert