Saucha
“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves”
Saucha can be interpreted as purity or cleanliness. It is the first of the Niyamas.
Sutra 2.4 as interpreted by T. K. V Desikachar - ‘When cleanliness is developed it reveals what needs to be constantly maintained and what is eternally clean. What decays is the external. What does not is deep within us.’
Saucha could be kept simple. Brush your teeth twice a day, maintain personal hygiene, watch what you eat and drink. Yoga and Ayurvedic practices have cleansing practices or kriyas. These include nasal rinsing with a neti pot, tongue scraping, pranayama/breathwork and detoxing rituals.
On a deeper level can we clean our thoughts, words and actions? We can use the Yamas (compassion, truth, non stealing, moderation, non attachment) to reflect on our thoughts, words and actions.
Accepting that we are not and never will be perfect is also part of Saucha. Perfection clouds and taints purity. Acceptance of who we are and making changes in line with who we strive to be is Saucha.
“The path through trouble is always made a step at a time, a breath at a time, a day at a time.”
Resources and References:
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali , Translation and commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda, 2019
The Heart of Yoga, Developing a Personal Practice, T.K.V Desikachar, 1995
Threads of Yoga by Pamela Seelig, 2021
