Yoga, as described by Patanjali, is an 8 limbed practice that ultimately unites the practitioner with a Higher Power. This union does not come about easily or quickly. Time and effort are needed for self-reflection; for growth and development to increase personal awareness; for maturation and a blossoming of compassion for others; for an understanding of the I within and among the We; and for acceptance of the responsibility that is needed for the I-We relationship living on a shared planet.
Guidelines on how we view, relate and treat others plus how we view and treat ourselves can be found in Patanjali’s first and second limbs of yoga: the Yamas and Niyamas. The Yamas are a ‘How-To’ for compassion, generosity, honesty and peace which brings about societal well-being. Adding my own interpretation and correlation in parentheses, the Yamas are:
1. Ahimsa—compassion for all Life
2. Satya—commitment to truthfulness *
3. Asteya—non-stealing
4. Bramacharya—sense control
5. Aparigraha—take only what is necessary
*Asteya will be discussed below.
The Niyamas govern personal development and give a code for living the Truth. The Niyamas are:
1. Sauca—purity
2. Santosa—contentment
3. Tapas—disciplined use of our energy
4. Svadhyaya—self-study
5. Isvarapranidhana—celebration of the spiritual
Asteya means a commitment to truthfulness. Truth. What is truth? If perception is reality and reality is truth it may be challenging for some to come up with a definitive description. However, non-truth has all kinds of definitions! There are shades of grey; you dodge the issue or stall for time; or sidestep or tap dance. Used cars sales people aren’t the only ones who have been known to stretch the truth (another euphemism for lying) think of political campaign ads or the way Madison Avenue marketing-types manipulate the consumer into buying ______ (fill in the blank with any of the latest and greatest gadgets), it might make you think truthfulness a concept of a bygone era.
To be sure some of our Founding Fathers commented on telling the truth or honesty. For example: “Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom” by Thomas Jefferson and “Honesty is the best policy” spoken by Benjamin Franklin. Bill Clinton’s “It depends on what the definition of IS is” gives a more modern assessment on honesty. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart uttered the phrase “I know it when I see it” in connection with a case involving obscenity. In a similar vein, however sketchy the defense or difficulty in defining truth, you know in your heart of hearts what truth is.
Have you ever considered what the effect of lying might be on your health? Turns out your eternal health isn’t the only thing in jeopardy! Stress and anxiety are created when you lie because (most) people know it’s not right. Apparently this isn’t confined to big whoppers, even small white lies contribute to an un-ease that can lead to dis-ease, disease. Stress lowers the immune system leaving your body vulnerable to actual illnesses like colds or flu. Another possibility: The guilt over lying can manifest as a headache. Other, even surprising, side effects attributed to lying can be found in this article. Lying can be relationship-enders. Lying can become habitual where you’re no longer lying to others , but yourself as well. Eric Hoffer’s quote “We lie loudest when we lie to ourselves” could be a wake-up call for some, but sobering for all.
Benjamin Franklin’s quote really does seem a wise policy indeed. But a commitment to truthfulness doesn’t equate to a free pass for cruelty. Blunt, uncensored words disguised as speaking truth really come from a place of hate. The Dalai Lama preaches kindness as his quote: “Practice kindness whenever possible…it is always possible” reveals. Words are powerful. Choose them carefully.
The journey that is yoga is full of (self) discoveries. It is a journey of reflection and refinement –physically, mentally/emotionally and spiritually—to a place of health and wellness for you, us and Earth.
Comments