Truth, Love, Freedom, & Yoga

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are the most well-known texts related to the ancient Yogic traditions of India. What Patanjali has synthesized in these texts is not of his own creation, but more of a collection and alignment of deep and ancient traditions and practices. The Sutras are where, according to Patanjali himself “The teachings of yoga are presented”. In verses 2 and 3 of the Sutras, he explains “Yoga is the stilling of the changing states of the mind.” “When that is accomplished, the seer abides in its own true nature”. As seekers of Truth, we must align ourselves with our own true nature in order to access the deep seed of intuition that we have all been armed with. With proper use of yoga and meditation we facilitate an alignment within ourselves of our mind, spirit, and body. Spending an inordinate or imbalanced amount of time practicing yoga or in a state of meditation can lead to chronic right- brain imbalance. While achieving a state of eternal bliss, may seem like something to strive for, one should understand that bliss itself is not the goal. In the Sutras, Patanjali presents the Eight Limbed Path as the steps on the journey to Self Realization. The final limb, Samadhi, is often described as enlightenment or bliss.  While these are both aspects, of Samadhi, it is perhaps better described as a state of total self collectedness. It could be suggested that bliss is in actuality the feeling that comes when one is truly emancipated from mental slavery. 

In our modern world we often see the phrase “mind, body, and spirit” used. Perhaps we can benefit from re-ordering these principles as “mind, spirit, and body”. Similar to the the trivium process- grammar, logic, and rhetoric, there is a proper, linear order towards manifestation through action. Aligning our thoughts (mind), and our emotions (spirit) is the balance of the masculine (mind) and feminine (spirit). When these forces align, and an intention is introduced, the Generative Principle comes in to play and the manifestation of the intention is birthed (the offspring of the mind and spirit) through action (body).  Actions are what matters in this three-dimensional realm. What we create with our actions is our responsibility, not unlike the responsibility that comes with creating a child. 

Satya, or Truthfulness, is the second of the Yamas. Its root is the Sanskrit word “Sat”, which means “That which exists, that which has no distortion, unchangeable”. Satya is specifically an understanding that Truth exists outside of one’s own thoughts and emotions. It is an understanding that Truth is unaffected by our perception, our understanding of it, or our lack thereof. Satya starts with Truthfulness to oneself. In the Sutras, Patanjali invokes “To one established in Truthfulness, actions and their results become subservient.” Living a life established in honesty with oneself and others and understanding that Truth is Real and Unchangeable will manifest results that are rooted in Love and Truth. Ignorance and Fear are incompatible with Satya.