Satya
Yama, the First Limb of Ashtanga, Part 2
By Baba Prayag
The second of the five essential principles of Yama is Satya. As stated in the prior post, Yama refers to our integrity - both in how we conduct ourselves and how we remain part of the same whole. In the last post we talked about Ahisma, or “non-harming,” and also briefly touched on how our words might also cause harm. In addition to avoiding the use of harmful or abusive language, we should also be mindful of the truthfulness of our words and actions.
Satya is generally translated to mean “truthfulness,” but we shouldn’t limit our practice of this principle to simply avoid lying. Being honest or truthful goes well beyond just the words we use. An intentional practice of Sayta means that we strive to be honest in our actions as well. After all, speaking the truth means very little when your actions directly contradict your words.
Not “keeping your word” or lying to others seems like an obvious thing to avoid, but we should also keep in mind what consequences might result from our dishonesty. You may have learned that any form of dishonesty used against another, often leads to your own share of hurts. Think of the damage done when a friend or loved one can no longer trust you to be honest. This could result in the diminishing of that connection if you don’t lose the relationship altogether.
We should also consider the scenario that Non-Duality presents. Remember that harm done to others is the same as doing harm to ourselves, and vice versa. It’s not difficult to imagine a scenario where we tell ourselves we are able to do something that we don’t have the time or resources to do and then as a result, others that relied upon us doing that thing are affected.
There are also times when the impact made on others is somewhat removed. For instance, we can get carried away with lying to ourselves about how we look (“I’m ugly”), our intelligence (“I’m dumb”), and our value (“I’m worthless”). Most of the time we use these narratives as an attempt to falsely justify the actions others have taken against us. But if we spend enough time pushing this rhetoric, those that would treat us with loving-kindness might find it challenging to find ways to connect, despite them knowing that these things aren’t true. Unfortunately, this behavior can also be “taught” to young ones that might be looking to grow through our example.
This is perhaps the most important way we can impact others when we practice Satya. In living by example, what the principle of Satya is actually telling us to do is to be the embodiment of truth. The translation of the word into English loses some of its meaning, whereas it isn’t as simple as being honest. More to the point, the “truthfulness” of Satya means to be “full of truth;” the truth that we are one, we are all part of the whole, the self that is soul of the universe.
With peace and loving-kindness. Namaste.
