Satya - truthfulness

Satya means truthfulness in Sanskrit. In the Yoga sutras of Pantanjali, the eight limbs of yoga are described. The first limb is yama, or moral discipline. The second yama is Satya.

BKS Iyengar’s translation of Sutra II.36 - "One who is truthful experiences quick results of actions." When our thoughts, words, and actions are in alignment with the truth of our being, we will most efficiently manifest the life we want.  

The spirit in you longs for the truth and resonates wherever there is truth. Have you felt that resonance in your physical body? Before we consider the second yama, it is important to keep in mind the first yama, ahimsa (nonviolence) . Consider - will your words or actions create more suffering or eradicate it?

Sufi saying:

“Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates.

At the first gate, ask yourself ‘Is it true?

At the second gate ask, ‘Is it necessary?

At the third gate ask, ‘Is it kind?”

In this week’s asana practice we embody satya by opening the throat and neck. These areas tend to get tight and painful when we do not speak our truth.

When we can become quiet and turn inward from all the noise outside, all the attachments of our senses, we can find that quiet space within and listen to our inner truth. Then we can speak our truth and act our truth from there.