Having read Héctor García’s & Francesc Millares’ Ikigai, I was so excited to dive into Namasté. This book didn’t disappoint—it’s beautifully structured, easy to follow, and deeply enriching. It takes the complex, ancient wisdom of Indian philosophy and presents it in such an accessible way, making it a universal guide to understanding yoga and Indian culture.
For someone who has been practicing and studying yoga for years and is fascinated by Indian traditions, I loved how they explained key concepts like Namasté, Om, Karma, Dharma, Nirvana, Samsara, and even Tantra. It’s not just about yoga postures or breathing techniques; it’s a deep dive into the philosophies that underpin this way of life.
They also beautifully convey how Namasté—“the divine in me honors the divine in you”—is not just a greeting but an embodied practice, a way of living with mindfulness and connection, the cornerstone of Indian philosophy.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the comparison between Indian and Japanese philosophies. For someone fascinated and in love with Japanese culture it was such fun to sort of "reread" Ikigai and see and appreciate all the similarities. It was so fun to revisit its themes and see how the authors connect the Japanese way of life with Indian spiritual concepts. Both philosophies share parallels, like the emphasis on mindfulness, purpose, and interconnectedness, which made the book even more engaging for someone equally captivated by both cultures.
If you’re a yoga practitioner, a lover of Indian or Japanese culture, or just someone seeking a deeper understanding of these rich traditions, this book is a must-read. The author's writing makes ancient wisdom feel relevant and super digestible, turning complex ideas into practical concepts.
What is the Book About?
Namasté by Héctor García & Francesc Millares is a comprehensive yet digestible guide to Indian philosophy. The book explores yoga’s origins in ancient India and its evolution over centuries, providing insights into yoga postures, breathing techniques, and meditation practices.
Beyond the physical, the book delves into the spiritual and philosophical aspects of yoga, explaining concepts like Karma, Dharma, Samsara, and Nirvana. It also examines the deeper meaning of Namasté as a reflection of mindfulness, interconnectedness, and respect for the divine in all beings. The book is filled with practical advice, clear explanations, and inspiring stories, making it valuable for someone wanting a general overview of many concepts of Indian philosophy and yoga.
Themes and Reflections
The Philosophy of Yoga: The book explores yoga beyond its physical practice, diving into its spiritual and philosophical roots.
The Meaning of Namasté: García unpacks the profound significance of this greeting and how it embodies mindfulness and respect.
Mindfulness and Connection: The book emphasizes how yoga fosters a sense of unity with oneself, others, and the universe.
Indian and Japanese Wisdom: Through comparisons to Ikigai, García highlights the parallels between Indian and Japanese philosophies, showing their shared emphasis on purpose and mindfulness.
Here are a few questions for reflection & Book Club discussions for this book:
What inspired Héctor García & Francesc Millares to write Namasté, and how does it connect to their previous work, Ikigai?
How do the authors describe their initial impressions of Indian culture, and how did they evolve throughout their journey?
What are some of the key spiritual practices discussed in the book, and how do they relate to modern life?
What lessons does García and Millares learn from their interactions with Indian spiritual teachers?
How does the concept of mindfulness play a role in the book, and how can we apply it to our daily lives?
How do the authors connect Indian spiritual practices to everyday life, making them accessible for readers?
What message do the authors hope readers take away from Namasté about the meaning of yoga and interconnectedness?
Have you read Namasté? Did you find its insights into yoga, mindfulness, and Indian philosophy inspiring? How did the comparisons between Indian and Japanese traditions resonate with you? That was one of my favorite parts of the book.
Let’s discuss this beautifully written guide and share the lessons we’ve learned about living with purpose, mindfulness, and connection.