This week the Yama we are considering is Satya/Honesty.
When practising satya we should also remember ahimsa, kindness – we know the saying “better to be kind than to be right”. If what we say or do might harm someone or something then perhaps its better that we refrain. In the same way, when we make judgements of ourselves which we think are honest are we still being kind?
In our observations, thoughts and actions there should be truth. The sound “sat” in sanskrit is pure, unchanged and this is what describes truth.
- We can practise feeling this truth by pausing and being present to see things as they really are.
- We can slow down and think before we speak, is it true, is it necessary, is it kind?
- We can quieten the noise and emotions within ourselves to reveal who we truly are.
“When the mind becomes clear and serene, the true-self reflects without discernment, and we realise the truth in its own original nature” – Sri Swami Satchdananada
As we embrace the truth, we emit a positive and true energy and in return truth follows us. When this happens we can all live life without fear.
Whilst practising asana we should have satya(honesty) and ahimsa(non harming) in our observations and actions. We practise within our limits so that we can nurture our bodies to fulfil our purpose in life. We are not led by our ego, our emotions or our fears but by the truth – our breath. When the breath is steady and relaxed, we can move with ease and when we move with ease we feel great.
In class we also remembered this beautiful mantra to help guide us to this clarity:
Om Asato ma sat gamaya,
Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya,
Mrityorma amritam gamaya
Lead me from the unreal to the real
From darkness to light
From death to immortality.
Below is one of my favourite renditions of this mantra by Deva Premal.
Something else that I came across for any film buffs out there. This mantra is featured in the ‘Navras’ soundtrack from the movie ‘The Matrix Revolutions’. – who would have known 🙂 It’s not a version that I enjoy but interesting to know.
Have a beautiful day and I look forward to hearing your thoughts x
