Truth That Liberates: The Yogic Practice of Satya

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On this week's episode: Satya

What 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 Satya
Sat (सत्): that which is real, unchanging, eternal
Ya (य): to be, to embody
Satya (सत्य): to be in truth, to embody reality

Satya invites us to perceive reality beyond illusions, projections, and conditioned beliefs.

Satya in Thought

Be honest with yourself about your emotions, fears, and desires.

Question conditioned beliefs to uncover what is truly real.

Satya in Words

Speak truthfully with compassion.

Before speaking, ask: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?

Satya in Action

Align decisions and behaviours with your deepest values and inner wisdom.

Live in alignment with dharma rather than external validation.

Practical Ways to Cultivate Satya

Self-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 Satya

Yoga 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 Satchidananda

Bhagavad 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 Easwaran

Final Thoughts
Satya 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.

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