The first and second of yoga’s eight limbs are the five yamas and five niyamas. The primary significance of these 10 ethical practices cannot be understated in today’s chaotic world. Non-violence (Ahimsa) and truthfulness (Satya) sadly appear absent in global, national, regional, and local affairs. The second yama, Satya, is described by Deborah Adele as not safe, but good; not pleasant, but trustworthy; and not easy, but growth-filled. For anyone attempting to live with integrity, we recognize the courage it takes to claim our truth and express it willingly.
Gandhi, stated in his autobiography, that his life was an experiment with truth. In his truth-telling, he succeeded in gaining freedom without violence for his impoverished country. This accomplishment remains a testament to the power of truth. Truth is a choice between fear and love. On a moment-to-moment and day-to-day basis, watch your choices and ask yourself, as in the poem below, “How would truth respond here?”
Love’s Mastery
In the great void of no self, no thought,
no senses lie the seeds of love. Here,
a dark night of the soul shakes loose
two possible paths.
Will we fear not knowing and fight what is
or willingly witness the shadowy
darkness, and trust this view
to annihilate what is false?
Truth is a choice. Breathe love in.
In the shadow, love’s candor hails forth;
there, darkness is the servant,
and loving light is the master.
The Universe hears all appeals
to crack open the heart, so echo
these words into the world,
“How would love respond here?”
For more yoga actions and teachings, click here. Namaste.
