As I briefly mentioned in last week's newsletter/blog, the first principle in the limbs of yogic tradition is non-violence or ahimsa. This week, I delve a little deeper into a few of the other limbs of yoga.

There are eight branches that make up the whole of yoga. The first two branches are the yamas and the niyamas. The yamas are five principles of how we treat each other. The niyamas are five principles of how we treat ourselves (Seiberling, 2018). I will take you through these next 9 principles in the coming weeks. This week, it is satya or truthfulness.

Satya Truthfulness

Satya is a Sanskrit word translated as truth or essence. It refers to a yogic science in that truthfulness means truth in one's thought, speech and action.

As I was doing some background reading for this article, it struck me that the word truth is thrown around a lot and used in many different contexts.

It seems that the term "truth" has been diluted in popular Western culture. "Speak your truth" is a very popular phrase, but what does that really mean? "This is MY truth" implies that it's mine and doesn't belong to you. The Truth Initiative, a non-profit organization with a noble cause, tells its truth about the "scourge of smoking, vaping, and nicotine." What is their truth? These are just some examples of how truth, the essence, can become distorted. In a western context, truth is the opposite of lies rather than truth being an extension of being.

We say things like find your truth. Everyone's truth is different. I prefer the translation of "truthfulness," because it is a word that is all-encompassing of the fullness of our true selves, our true essence.

Gandhi wrote that satya is derived from the word, sat which means ‘being’. Nothing is or exists in reality except Truth.

"And where there is Truth, there also is true knowledge." Knowledge of our inner essence or being. Knowledge from outside ourselves contributes to self-knowledge. In order to reach into our truthful essence. Anyone can turn facts into what is true for them. But the pure essence of truth is an internal examination of knowing ourselves. Gandhi spoke of three truths. The truth of the mind, truth in speech, and truth when we take action.

Pantanjali wrote in his ancient Yoga Sutras that “To one established in truthfulness, actions and their results become subservient." Patanjali considers satya as "a restraint from falsehood in one's action (body), words (speech, writing), or feelings / thoughts (mind).

Satya is, in Patanjali's Yoga, the virtue of restraint from such falsehood, either through silence or through stating the truth without any form of distortion.

Truth is an action of what you tell yourself and what you tell others. Finding the truth can mean experiencing feelings of discomfort. Yet, if we acknowledge our thoughts and feelings we can embrace the person that we are at our essence (Seiberling, 2018).

Upcoming Classes

Yoga nidra classes continue online at 7:30 ET Monday nights.

New Classes

I now teach two online yoga classes. Yoga for Strength & Flexibility and Yoga for Healthy Bones. Learn more by clicking on the links for these classes or register now. Classes begin are held every Thursday at 1:30 and 2:30, respectively. Registration closes 24 hours before class starts, so be sure to sign up by Wednesday.

Class Packs: Valentine's Special

Valentine's gift. If you are looking for a Valentine's gift, maybe a private yoga lesson will do the trick. Be sure to check the box for gift on checkout. Give a private two for one pack to your loved one. 5 packs and 10 packs for online group classes are still available at a discounted pricing.

Private Lessons

I continue my availability for face-to-face or online private lessons. Contact me via the form at the bottom every one of my web pages to set up an appointment.

Yoga for Organizations

Using yoga and meditation techniques, I am available to support an organization's institutional mission and values tailored to the needs of employees. Meditation and yogic exercise have been shown to promote wellness that boosts employee morale, effectiveness, and productivity (Sheelu, Garg, & Rastogi, 2022). If you know someone who may be interested in setting up a meditation or yoga class for a retreat or as a regular amenity in their organization please forward this link to them.

"The body cannot live without the mind." The Matrix (1999). The Wachowskis

References:

Gandhi, M.K. (1932). Chapter 1 Truth. Yeravda mandir: Ashram observances. The Ghandi Center at James Madison University.

Patanjali (n.d.). The yoga sutras of patanjali. Translated by S.S. Satchidananda (2012)

Seiberling, C. (2018). Yoga's yamas and niyamas 10 principles for peace & purpose. Kindle Edition.

Sheelu, S. Garg, V., & Rastogi, R., (2022) Employee wellness without stress and strain: application of yoga and meditation in management with an industry 5.0 perspective. Handbook of research on innovative management using AI in industry 5.0 . DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-8497-2.ch014.