Truth That Liberates: The Yogic Practice of Satya

PRACTICE WITH US:365 Sadhana Sangha https://practice.omsom.yoga/365-sadhana-sandha/join100 Hr Asana Sadhana Dharmahttps://practice.omsom.yoga/asana-sadhana-dharma-otoBali Retreathttps://omsom.yoga/bali-retreat-2025300 Hr India & Berwickhttps://omsom.yoga/300-hour-advanced-hatha-yoga-training-2025200 Hr Berwickhttps://omsom.yoga/200-hour-yoga-teacher-training-berwick-2025On this week's episode: SatyaWhat is Satya?Satya is often translated as truthfulness—but in the yogic tradition, it is about more than just honesty. It is about living in alignment with truth in thought, word, and action.True Satya involves seeking clarity, authenticity, and integrity—not just avoiding lies.Etymology of SatyaSat (सत्): that which is real, unchanging, eternalYa (य): to be, to embodySatya (सत्य): to be in truth, to embody realitySatya invites us to perceive reality beyond illusions, projections, and conditioned beliefs.Satya in ThoughtBe honest with yourself about your emotions, fears, and desires.Question conditioned beliefs to uncover what is truly real.Satya in WordsSpeak truthfully with compassion.Before speaking, ask: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?Satya in ActionAlign decisions and behaviours with your deepest values and inner wisdom.Live in alignment with dharma rather than external validation.Practical Ways to Cultivate SatyaSelf-inquiry through journaling or meditation.Observe when and why you might distort truth.Speak with awareness, balancing honesty and ahimsa.Act in integrity—even when it’s uncomfortable.Practice discernment (viveka) to see beyond surface-level experience.Textual Sources for an Expanded Understanding of SatyaYoga Sutras of Patanjali (2.36):"Satya-pratiṣṭhāyām kriyā-phalāśrayatvam"Translation: "When one is firmly established in truthfulness, their words become so powerful that whatever they speak manifests."Source: Swami SatchidanandaBhagavad Gita (17.15):"Anudvegakaram vākyam satyam priya-hitam ca yat"Translation: "Words that do not agitate, that are truthful, kind, and beneficial—this is the speech of one in alignment with dharma."Source: Eknath EaswaranFinal ThoughtsSatya is not about brutal honesty—it’s about conscious truthfulness.When we pair truth with compassion, we create clarity, connection, and freedom.Living in truth allows us to co-create reality in alignment with our deepest self.Thank you for listening to the Om Som Yoga & Ayurveda Podcast.Please share this episode with someone it might support, and connect with us on social media or via our website.Instagram: ⁠@OmSom.yoga⁠Website: ⁠OmSom.yoga⁠We operate a yoga studio in Berwick, Victoria, Australia, offering classes, workshops, and Yoga Teacher Training programs. We'd love to connect with you wherever you are on your journey.OM.