Before Asana practice, comes the Yamas and Niyamas. While the Yamas bring us closer to truth by teaching us through our relationships with others. The Niyamas remind us that, the path to samadhi is taken alone.
The direct translation of the Sanskrit word, Saucha, is purity or cleanliness. It is often interpreted as body and environment cleanliness. But, Saucha is so much more.
Bringing Saucha into our lives and yoga practice
If we eat an apple full of pesticides, our body has to detoxify and digest the impurities. Before being able to absorb the goodness of the apple. The same goes for our yoga practice; If we ourselves are full of toxins when we practice. Then our efforts are diluted on dealing with impurities; before the real Yoga magic happens.
Saucha on the body and mind
On the physical level, the Shatkarmas help rid the body of toxins/disease and to preserve its effective functioning.
If foods contain lots of preservatives, additives and pesticides. Our bodies have to work hard to detoxify and eliminate them. Before even being able to absorb the goodness from what we eat and drink. So, be aware of what you’re putting in your body.
The real gift of Saucha is the purification of our minds. Do you streaks of impatience or a sharp tongue or do you allow yourself to wallow in self-pity, sadness, etc. Remember, that where attention goes, energy flows. You have the power to focus on what empowers or nurtures you. And sometimes its’ better to accept the muddy thoughts, meditate on them and release them with time.
Saucha on the Mat
Make your mat and the yoga space a happy-clean space to cleanse the body, mind and soul. Take a bath before your practice; that you and the others can take slow-deep breath, freely. Keep your practice pure or focused. We tend to dilute our practice by mixing it with cross fit, dance and what not. Remember, yoga is an art and science. Keep it authentic (pure).
Saucha in the environment
Minimalism is the new wellness trend.
Our environment often reflects our state of mind. When your bedroom or home is messy, your mind can often feel a little messy and cluttered. But, when we’re surrounded by a clean environment there’s a sense of having space to breathe and think more clearly.
Also, keeping the environment clean is symbolic to cleansing the internal environment (body).
Practice Saucha each and every day that your yoga practice can be the space where magic begins…
Iti Jain
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