Yoga of Maharishi Patanjali - The Promise of Satya
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By :
Paul M. Jerard Jr.
Submitted
2008-11-26 19:15:23 |
In the Yoga Sutras, Satya is the second Yama (restraint) mentioned by Maharishi Patanjali. Yet, what exactly is Satya? In short, Satya is honesty. If you want to see a controversy, bring up the subject of honesty applied to law, politics, or business ethics.
A promise made by a hand shake is worthless in most courts of law. Some of us have learned very expensive lessons, when a partner failed to keep a promise. Hence, we sign contracts to hold both parties to a promise.
This is the time of the prenuptial agreement, sometimes called the premarital agreement (a contract between two potential marriage partners). Imagine needing a legal contract to trust your spouse.
Imagine again that you are wealthy beyond imagination, without a contract and going through a divorce. The court systems do a massive business, defending honesty, and the right to be deceptive at the same time.
Honesty has become a paradox within itself. Have you ever seen an honest candidate lose because he or she spoke the truth? Deception seems to be in public demand. Yet, we know that truthfulness is the correct path because most parents teach their children about the value of being honest.
This is the key to expanding Satya: It starts at the "grass roots level," within your home. Truthful words, deeds, and thoughts must start within our minds and then expand to our family members. Keeping promises becomes an outgrowth of a family, which cultivates honesty.
You should still protect yourself in business matters. One could debate about all the reasons why a partner would, or would not, break a promise, but what does it matter when the deed is done? Therefore, a contract is wise for both parties in a business relationship.
If you had a survey of truth, you would notice a wide variety of opinions. Only a little more than three centuries ago, innocent people were executed for being witches, in Salem, Massachusetts. Did the executioners think they were doing an honest service for humanity? Sadly, they might have believed they were taking the right action.
Did those accused of witchcraft do the wrong thing by telling the truth, and denying they were witches? Picture yourself being accused of witchcraft: If you lied by agreeing that you were a witch, and repented, your chances of living through the experience were very good.
The truth may not be popular and it is never a deception. However, be careful not to be carried away with current popular opinion. At one time, the Sun was believed to revolve around the earth. To speculate otherwise, could cost you your life.
We are much more fortunate than our ancestors. We live at a time when most of us are free to practice Yoga, speak the truth, and worship as we please. Preserve the value of Satya - it starts in your mind and is as easy as keeping a promise.
Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications |
Author Resource:-
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html
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