Satya – Truthfulness

Satya, or truth in Sanskrit, is the first of restraints, contained within the Yamas (the first of the eight limbs of Yoga, prescribed by the great sage Patanjali). In Sanskrit Satya is also defined as “sate hitam satyam” which translates to “The path to ultimate truth (Sat) is Satya (i.e. the real truth)”.

What does truth mean to YOU?

           Is it about not lying, or also not deceiving while speaking truth. Is it also about thoughts? How about actions?

What is the difference between truth and “ultimate truth”?

Satya can be seen on two layers, which ultimately merge into one. The first layer is the layer of truth, as we know it today. Speaking truth, not lying, being honest, sincere and genuine. This is the layer of truth as way of conduct, how to speak and act towards others in the world. This also includes right action and right thought, as our thoughts can be as powerful or destructive as our actions. Satya is sometimes translated as “correct” or “right”. For example, in Buddhism: Satya Karma – right action.

The other layer, of right action or right thought may also be towards others, but is deeper in the sense that ultimately one that lives a life of truth will merge into the ultimate truth, that which is beyond the separation of you and I. We know when we are describing something with distortion and we recognize when we are conducting business in a selfish way (The first layer).

How about decisions we make? Does it ever happen that our mind convinces us that the way we live or a decision we make is the right way when deep inside, in our intuition, we know this is not what we should really be doing? Does fear come to play a role in our decision-making and keep us from living the TRUE life we really desire and need to be living? Living in truth, helps us transcend our mind into a cleaner karma that ultimately leads into the the ultimate truth.

Apply the Satya to Your life

Living a life of Satya starts with our basic action of choosing our toothpaste. The decisions we make when no one is watching. Would we act in that same way even if we had an audience? I like to pretend I am enlightened (or that my students are watching), and whenever I need to take an action, I ask myself if this were the way an enlightened person would act now.

Then comes the question of a way of life, of how we make our living. Does our mind create stories of why we have no choice but to do what we do? Are we locked in fearful circumstances?

Set the Intention to Step Into Satya

Change starts with an intention. No matter what the goal is, the intention is the process we go through. When we can find our intentions to be clear, to be true to what our core being, or instinct knows is right, we are on the path to a life of Satya, a life of compassion where everything we do, think or speak matters. Living the life of Satya we will soon find that place of “True Self”, the place where all the little “I” disappear into one ocean of truth, one being. This is a place where our concern is no longer more important than the concern of the totality of beings, or the energy that flows through all – The Ultimate Truth. Starting with the baby steps of intentions, right now, leads automatically to the bigger realizations, to the life of bliss.

Awareness of Reality

Truth is, it take a lot of awareness to practice truthfulness. From the little things to our mission in life. Take time to reflect and ask yourself, what steps can you take in order to live more of a truthful life. Are you true to yourself? to your true self? Are your actions and aspirations true to the benefit of all beings? Make it real, make it count. Take decisions that are true to living in Satya. You will sleep well, when are living a life of truth.

Share the Satya

If you enjoyed this article, please leave us a comment below! How do you practice this Yama in your daily life? Share this article with some friends and start a discussion!

Come and practice with us at Doron Yoga & Zen Center, either one of our retreats or maybe even a teacher training course!

Dive into the Doron Yoga Manual for much more clear and easy to understand information about how to bring yoga theory into your day to day life in efficient and practical ways!

Blissful Living,

Doron