In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali lays out a program of action that includes eight branches; asana, or physical practice, is only one. I find it important to review all eight branches regularly, starting with the first two, the Yamas and Niyamas – what I think of as the “10 Commandments” of yoga. Coming from a Jewish background, I like to note where the paths converge. This weekend, I’m thinking about the 2nd Commandment – “Thou shall have no other Gods before me” – and the Yama of Satya, or truth.
There are too many false gods possible these days: clothing, food, alcohol, ambition. None of these are bad in and of themselves, but they have a tendency to grow out of proportion to their usefulness. It’s not wrong to want my own business, for example, but I need to be truthful about how and why I’m doing it. I also need to be truthful about how I treat others as I proceed. Am I kind? Ethical? Using a spirit of service rather than one of self- aggrandizement? Using the precept of satya to think through my actions allows me to move forward in a spirit of honesty and humility.
Satya is also helpful when I consider my relationships with other human beings. As a people-pleaser, I want you to like me, and I want to act in a way that will facilitate this. However, “fitting in with the group” can easily become a false god. If I am out with friends and everyone else orders a drink, I can certainly order one myself. However, the truth is that alcohol and I have a fraught history: wine gives me shooting pains in the jaw, and hard liquor often causes me intestinal discomfort. Honestly, is it worth it? Do I really have to drink to be a part of the group? What is the honest answer to that question?
Our relationship with asana also depends on satya. Far too many of us, myself included, get caught up in the false god of “the “perfect pose.” This can actually cause us harm; in Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend), for example, our stomach should be pressing against our thighs, whether or not our legs are straight. Pushing to touch the floor with straight legs no matter what is dishonest; if our bodies aren’t ready, we can hurt our hips if we don’t move with respect. Are we willing to practice satya by giving our muscles permission to stretch at their speed rather than at the speed we think they should move?
Spiritual truth is spiritual truth. Note the relationship between the precept of satya and the Second Commandment in Judaism. Feel free to extend the comparison to your heritage, religion, or branch of spirituality. Practicing satya is not always comfortable, but it invariably makes me truer to myself. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
Yoga Cielo Stellato 