Physical Satya

This is a four part-article:

On a physical level, satya manifests as action that reflects the truth. Action is especially important here, as one of the few clues that Patanjali has left us is Sutra 2.36, in which action and the consequences of action are discussed. Speech, which often comes to mind when thinking about honesty, is left unaddressed. I consider true speech to be one subset of action, not the sole or primary focus of satya.

It is clear, then, that Yogic action must reflect the truth. On one level, this is as simple as the time-worn aphorisms, ‘actions speak louder than words,’ or ‘walking the talk.’ Honest speech is important, but it’s quite shallow and practically worthless if you say something that is technically accurate and then act against what you’ve expressed.

Your actions have a great potential for communication. Be sure they’re saying what you want them to! All your behavioral choices, the food you eat, the way you eat it, your body language and demeanor, the way you spend your free time, or the work you do, communicates something. Surprisingly, this is often subconscious and we often do not know what we’re communicating, leaving us unaware of contradictions that exist between action, speech, and values.

I have learned quite a bit about my mind, including my subconscious, by being aware of and decoding my actions. Your actions not only communicate to others, you have the opportunity to communicate with yourself if you take the time to listen.

The Yogini rests in the crossroads where action and reality intersect. Action reflects satya, not desire.

Exercise: Truth flows naturally in the absence of deception, as sunlight enters when cobwebs are swept away from a window. To untie the knots of falsehood, we can be mindful of the motivations that underlie our actions. To reiterate: in any interaction you have the opportunity to communicate love, respect, compassion, care, or its opposite: contempt, dislike, fear, aggression. Make the conscious decision to allow your action to flow from truth by committing yourself to be an expression of love and compassion. When you notice that the impetus for your action lies instead in greed, fear, aggression, or aversion, pause for a moment. Is that action really necessary? Can you follow the root of that action a little bit deeper into your mind? (See also: Emotional Satya)

An easy way to express respect for another being is to listen fully. Avoid planning your response, thinking about other responsibilities, and generally waiting for your conversational partner to stop talking. When you truly listen, it is obvious to the other person, and you will be communicating your respect for them very effectively.

This is a four part-article: