Satya: Honoring Truthfulness

When Yoga is mentioned, most people think only of the physical practices of stretching, building strength and reducing stress.  Yes, we love those attributes of Yoga. But there is so much more! The physical part of Yoga was developed and designed to lead us to practicing the goal of Yoga which is understanding our minds, learning how to calm our minds and ultimately gaining complete mastery over our minds.  Many authorities on Yoga tell us that Yoga is actually the science of the mind.  Initially, even this concept seems so foreign. How do we learn Yoga as the science of the mind?  By going to the first Master Teacher, Sri Patanjali and then to our Yoga mats! Today, we look at his teachings on Truthfulness which is called Satya in Sanskrit, which is a key building block in developing control of our minds. 

The most important Yoga book is The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.  Written thousands of years ago (no one knows the exact date), The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali delivers the pure essence of Yoga to us in very short aphorisms called Sutras. It is important to note that the Sutras do not involve the concept of God or any deity, so readers need not be concerned about a conflict with religion or philosophy.  Contained within The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are the 8 limbs of Yoga, sometimes called Ashtanga (which literally means 8 limbs). The first limb is called the Yamas, which contains the teaching on truthfulness (the Yama of Satya is located in Book 2, Sutra 36).  While it may sound simple, practicing truth is far more than not telling a lie. It’s about living each day in alignment with reality, expressing ourselves verbally with integrity, and honoring our own authenticity in thoughts, words, and actions.

There are many books authored by various people offering translations of the Sutras from Sanskrit into English and giving explanations of the Sutras to help us better understand their meaning. Indeed, without explanation, the terse Sutras are nearly impossible to fully understand. An author that I have found very helpful is Deborah Adele.  In her book entitled The Yamas & Niyamas, Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice, she explains and gives guidance to the Sutra that address Satya or Truthfulness.  At page 43, Ms. Adele says 

Truth has the power to right wrongs and end sorrows.  It is fierce in its demands and magnanimous in its offerings . . . truth demands integrity to life and to our own self that is more than not telling a simple lie.

But how do we do this? Fortunately, Yoga classes provide the perfect opportunity to engage in this practice.

Satya in the Context of Yoga Class

How often do we force ourselves into Yoga poses that are uncomfortable, ignore our bodies reactions or compare ourselves to other Yogis in class? On the mat in Yoga class, Satya invites us to meet ourselves exactly where we are, without judgment or a desire to be other than we are. It is a reminder that Yoga is not a showy skillful performance or a competition; it is essentially a practice of focused self-awareness. Just as we strive to speak the truth to others, Satya asks us to be honest with ourselves about our capabilities, limitations, and intentions.  Each time we come to the mat, our bodies are slightly different, but will we notice and honor our bodies?  Yoga teaches us to always give our bodies deep attention and respect. 

Listen to Your Body’s Truth

On some days, your body may feel open, energetic and ready to tackle any pose; yet on other days, it may be stiff, tired or tight. How we use this physical feedback on the mat is very important. Practicing Satya means acknowledging the truth of what our bodies are telling us in each moment and adjusting our practice accordingly: maybe you take a resting child’s pose instead of pushing through another vinyasa. Modifications and the use of props are the signs of a true Yogi, someone who listens closely to what the mind and body need in that moment. You might silently say to yourself “I honor my inner truth and trust the wisdom it reveals.”

Yoga is Not Competitive: Release the Temptation to Compare

We are all tempted to glance at the Yogi next to us and wonder why we can’t fold as deeply or balance as easily. Satya asks us to recognize that each body has a unique composition of mind/body integration and to compare it with others needlessly distorts our truth. Your practice is about your journey, not anyone else’s. Satya asks that we honor the truth of how body shows up today. Sometimes a gentle practice is the most honest one, even when other Yogis seem to be having their best day.

Move Mindfully and with Integrity

Truthfulness isn’t just about avoiding overexertion; it’s also about doing the work honestly. When a pose challenges you, try resisting the urge to skip it and gently approach the pose with keen mindfulness, always making sure that you are not moving into pain or injury. Explore these poses at your own level with sincerity and patience. In other words, work with your body, rather than forcing or pushing it.  Place close attention on your inner voice and let its natural wisdom and truth be your guide.

Be Honest About Your Intentions

Why did you come to the mat today? What was your intention?  It may be obvious or so subtle that you hardly notice. Was it for exercise, peace of mind, clarity of thinking, social interaction or maybe just “me” time away from your busy day? Satya invites you to be aware of your intention or motivation - what brought you to the mat.  Then you can practice mindfully in alignment with it. With inward-turning awareness, you can set an intention of truthfulness to deepen your practice and then watch it unfold throughout your practice.

Align Thoughts, Words and Actions with Truthfulness

What we think, say and do is vitally important to our wellbeing of body and mind. Generally speaking, almost everything that we experience begins with a thought.  Being truthful with yourself as thoughts arise may help you avoid difficulties. This quote from Ms. Adele’s book explains this concept at page 50.

Being truthful with ourselves makes us trustworthy and frees up all the time we normally spend in guilt and regret for our dishonesty. Truth saves us from having to clean up, and as a bonus, we get to learn something in the process.

It is easy to see how being truthful to yourself will improve your relationship with others. Also, if your inner voice is full of self-criticism but outwardly you act like everything is fine, you’re out of alignment with yourself. Satya encourages congruence by speaking kindly to yourself in thought and word, so your actions reflect genuine respect for yourself. And then those around you will benefit as well.

Satya Beyond the Mat

When we practice Satya during a Yoga class, we build the habit of living truthfully. Then we can take it beyond the mat and into our daily lives. We become better listeners, more compassionate communicators, and more attuned to our inner compass. Truth becomes less about “being right” and more about living authentically and responsibly. An effective and simple practice is to ask yourself this question:  “What is true for me in this moment”. There is no need to answer the question; simply notice any feeling or sensations.  Allow your truth to unfold naturally without judgment.

A Gentle Reminder to be Kind

Satya must always be balanced with Ahimsa which means the practice of non-harming. Speaking the truth doesn’t give license to be harsh or to harm others; it asks us to deliver truth with kindness.  And, in certain circumstances, not speaking at all is the most desirable option. Your inner voice will know the best course of action if you listen truthfully, fulfilling the goal of Satya. Also, on and off the mat, balancing Satya with Ahimsa means honoring your truth without self-criticism. In life, it means letting your words and actions be honest and compassionate.

In Summary

Satya is not about demanding perfection, it’s about showing up as you are with honest and truthful awareness. The more we meet ourselves honestly on the mat, the more we can live truthfully off the mat. How wonderful!