As we continue our exploration of the eight limbs of yoga (road map for life), the Yamas (five moral code guidelines), we find the second, Satya, Truthfulness.
In the simplest sense this means not telling a lie. When I think of truthfulness, I think about internal truths, being true to oneself, principals and perhaps following a greater truth, whatever that may mean to you. All around us we see prevarication, it seems so simple that we should tell the truth, however, it is just not the standard. We see commercials for products promising skin that looks 20 years younger, weight loss programs that require no diet or exercise. Politicians make up things to back up their positions and we repeat them without fact checking, continuing the lie. We may engage in unhealthy or unkind behavior by employing rationalization, another form of lying. We can also spend time debating what is true versus fact (very different because truth can be subject to one’s personal belief system).
In the context of the Yamas, I believe the intent is clear. Sutra 11.36 says that when Satya is well rooted, actions and the fruits of those actions are aligned. In order to be truthful (or honest) with our words or action, we should be clear about the situation and what is motivating us to be truthful.
Another way to think about aligning actions and fruits of the action when practicing Satya, is to practice truthfulness with compassion. Before saying something ask yourself, (1) is it true? (2) is it necessary?, (3) is it kind? This is something that I have been consistently working on, it is hard, but it also works. It has brought some increase of peace in my heart.
For a bit more on Satya see the following links, thirst from ekart yoga and one that I posted previously by the yoga sanctuary which I loved for its straightforward simplicity:
Our Practice - Crescent Warrior With Kali Mudra
Whenever I discuss Satya I return to this pose and find inspiration in an article and video made by my YTT Instructor and friend, Coral Brown. Unfortunately, the links no longer are available for free but suggest googling Coral and Satya and you will find some information.
One of the poses she mentions is Crescent Warrior incorporating Kali Mudra. This mudra (hand posture) is named after my favorite goddess, Durga. The mudra represents her sword which slays illusions. She is 8 limbed and has a different weapon in each hand, each to wage war on bad stuff. I have a small statue of her in my studio and am constantly channeling her. As I have said before, you have not experienced yoga fully until you have attended a class with Coral as she tells the tale of Durga while you practice.
Come to crescent warrior and interlace your fingers except the index fingers which point upward representing the sword of Durga. While in crescent warrior, inhale raising arms overhead visualizing your sword cutting through dishonesty toward yourself or others.
Right foot top of mat
Bend right knee, stacking it over right ankle
Step left foot back on mat, feet hip width apart (remember the train track analogy for steadiness), heel stacked over toes (heel is raised you are on ball of foot.
Hips are facing forward, lift your arms overhead relaxing your shoulders, pulling your belly up and in.
See you on the mat!
Namaste,
Julia Anne
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