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To be truthful, or not to be

Writer's picture: Shaini VerdonShaini Verdon

Updated: Feb 26, 2019



Satya, Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

For a long time I have been struggling with the Truth, what is truth and should we lay our truths upon others? The practice of Satya has given me a lot of clarity in this, I use it when needed during Yoga retreats and it resonates deeply. So let me share this practice with you.

Satya, one of the five yamas (restraints) in Patanjali's Yoga Sutra, means "truthfulness." Just because something is true, however, does not mean that it needs to be said! Being thoughtful with your words and avoiding harsh language and hurtful gossip is just as important as speaking the truth when practicing satya.

One way that works greatly for me and brings in a moment of mindfulness is asking yourself these three questions to help determine whether something should be said:

Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?

Having joy in all these practices is a very important factor to me, so during the last retreat we added a fourth question, Is it funny? :-) which I would like to ad only can work if it applies to the first three!

Through practicing satya you can not only sweeten your own life, but also "contribute to the well-being of the whole world."


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