SATYA - Journey into the Yamas

Exploring yoga beyond the asanas (postures) happens for some during their first class and for others it may take years.  Eventually we all arrive on the path, the eight-limbed path of yoga.  According to Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutras, the eight limbs of yoga are the Yamas (restraints,) Niyamas (disciplines,) Asanas (postures,) Pranayama (breath control,) Pratyahara (sense withdrawal,) Dharna (concentration,) Dhyana (meditation,) and Samadhi (ecstasy.)  Discovering these limbs and integrating them into our practice is a unique experience for students of yoga.  The individuality of the petals of our path eventually leads us to oneness.

We turn our focus in the next few months to the Yamas.  It is said that the Yamas are restraints that can guide us to a life with more order within the society we live.  The implication then is that the Yamas are a vehicle in which we hold back our human nature to allow our spiritual nature space to rule.  However, explore the Yamas further and we may find that they are wonderful guidelines for self-improvement by way of transforming and/or transmuting that which does not completely serve us individually and as a community.  Here is the opportunity to unite our human and spiritual natures rather than continue to have them in conflict. 

The five Yamas are:

Ahimsa                        Non-violence / Non-injury  

Satya                           Truth

Asteya                         Non-stealing

Brahmacarya               Moderation

Aparagraha                 Non-possessiveness / non attachment

We are going to kick off our practice for September with Satya, as it dovetails so beautifully with August’s practice of Integrity.

Satya encourages us to live in and with Truth, both in our words and deeds.  The challenge is to know what our truth is and then to use wisdom in how or when to express that truth.  Speaking harsh words that we believe to be our truth in a moment of anger, and without reflection may not only be an untruth but also is not living with Ahimsa.  Striping away false beliefs that cloud our minds and distort our truth is the encouragement of this Yama.  As we explore our perceptions to clear away any clouds of distortion we find our Truth.  First be truthful with yourself, above all else.

The Yamas are not meant to exist on their own, but are to be integrated.  As you practice yoga and focus on the Yamas, be aware of the overlapping connections, the mutual support they give you.  The path of yoga may twist and turn, divert and connect but yoga’s purpose, its goal, is to unite.  In awareness there is light which guides us.  Keep the light on as you move through life, using opportunities that may challenge you to practice living the Yamas.