Yoga for the Raw Lifestyle Part III: Saucha (Purity)
by Ellen Livingston
The Yamas and Niyamas are an ancient code of ethics created to guide yogis toward a pure life, and they make up the first two limbs of the eight limbs of ashtanga yoga. The Niyamas are about constructive discipline, or self-regulation which will help the practitioner to maintain a positive environment in which to grow. The first of the five Niyamas is saucha, which means purity in both mind and body. This requires making choices about what you take in through all channels - eyes, ears, nose, mouth, mind.
Impurity can be viewed as any entanglement of consciousness in things or circumstances which have no constructive relationship with the higher goal of yoga, Self and God-realization.
We can purify our body through a vegetarian diet, pure air and water, sunshine, and the asanas, or physical postures of yoga, as well as regular bathing and other healthy lifestyle practices. In yoga tradition the body is considered to be the vehicle for nurturing the spiritual being, a means to an end but not the end in itself. Purity of body facilitates spiritual development and self-realization, the ultimate goal of yoga. When the body is healthy, free of blockages and without pain, we can direct our energy to the higher development of our mind and heart.
A pure mind and heart results in cheerfulness, one-pointedness, and a clear vision of the self. With a pure mind, unencumbered with extraneous clutter and imbalances, we can maintain emotional equilibrium and express clear intentions. We are free to show loving affection and true appreciation of others. We feel worthy of good experiences, and can feel and express our gratitude. Our energy becomes clear and effective, and our life becomes pure self-expression.
There are many ways to cultivate purity of mind. Looking at some of the remaining eight limbs of yoga, we can exercise pranayama (breathwork), self-study, and study of the scriptures. We can practice meditation, concentration, and surrender (to God). We can also chant, sing, repeat mantras, practice japa (repeating the Lord's name), fast, observe silence, and engage in various rituals. We can laugh, love, spend time in nature, clear away clutter of all kinds, and turn off the T.V. We can help to clean up our planet, protect the rights of children and animals, engage in right livelihood, serve others, and keep a daily journal of our appreciations.
Saucha, or purity, is freedom from everything which cannot be brought into harmony with the higher aim of yoga, our self-realization and spiritual union with God, or however we choose to name our source.
In an ancient Upanishadic hymn, a sage prays:
Oh Lord,
May my body become pure.
May I be free from umpurity.
May I know myself as Divine Light.
Oh Lord,
May my mind become pure.
May my self become pure.
May I know myself as Divine Light.
Oh Lord,
May I realize You with my purified understanding.
May I realize the highest bliss with my purified understanding.
May I realize You who are the highest bliss with my purified understanding.
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