Digging Deeper into the Profound Practice of Satya (Truth) On and Off the Mat January 24, 2026

Buddha Thailand with Offerings

This week we explore the second Yama, Satya or truthfulness. As with Ahimsa, as yogis we strive to be truthful with our words, our actions and our intent, living with integrity, honesty and authenticity. Over the years, I have worked hard (and not without challenge) to practice the advice I learned as a child, “if you can’t say something nice, say nothing”. The Buddhists have principles of “right speech” which suggest that before we say anything we consider, is it true, is it necessary, is it kind?

In its simplest form, I believe these words of wisdom are worthwhile. In its simplest form, practicing Satya can be as simple as not blaming the faulty alarm for oversleeping or by being honest that your feelings were hurt by a friend’s inattention. Practicing Satya does not give us license to be “brutally honest”; being hurtful (those pants make your butt look big) is not practicing Satya. Tempering “the truth” with some ahimsa (nonviolence) or compassion is practicing Satya as it is intended.

Sutra 11.36 says that when “Satya is well rooted, actions and the fruits of those actions are aligned”. If we are being truthful (or honest) with our words or action, we should be clear about the situation and what is motivating us to be truthful.  Is its intent rooted in goodness or is there malice or ill will? An alternative translation says, “When one is established in truthfulness, actions and their fruit will correspond with one’s words.”

Here is where remembering our core values is important, what are the actions, deeds and motivations that define our being, our raison d'être? I realized many years ago that I did not want my legacy to be about banking. I am proud of the work that I did and was fortunate that it helped in supporting my family; I do not, however, wish for it to define my life, to be my dharma. While dharma has varying definitions, it can simply mean one’s life purpose. If we consider its literal translation, “that which upholds righteousness”, its meaning is powerful when considering one’s legacy.

Speaking up when it feels uncomfortable can be necessary. Remaining silent when your core values or consciousness are violated is not practicing Satya.  To practice Satya, we should speak purposefully with one mouth, while we listen with two ears. While speaking truths are important, what motivates these truths and the corresponding life that we lead, living authentically, truthfully is more critical. While it is not always easy to say what we believe, it is far worse to remain silent.  

Our Practice – Satya (Truth) On The Mat

When we practice Satya on the mat, we should honor our bodies and what they do for us. Be grateful and true about what we can physically do rather than forcing poses to meet expectations or spend time comparing our practice to others.  

I return to the inspiration I initially found for practicing Satya on the mat from my mentor, teacher and friend, Coral Brown.  Several years ago, I found an article and short practice video that she had made around the study of Satya. Coral is a distinguished, internationally known yogi and was my YTT teacher.  One of the poses she mentions is Crescent Warrior incorporating Kali Mudra. This mudra (hand posture) is named after my favorite goddess, Durga. The mudra represents her sword which slays illusions, lies or other untruths. She is 8 limbed and has a different weapon in each hand, each to wage war on bad stuff. I have a small statue of her in my studio and am constantly channeling her. I will say this again; you have not experienced yoga fully until you have attended a class with Coral as she tells the tale of Durga while you practice.  

Meditating On Satya – Truth

Pastor Martin Niemöller’s poem, First they Came, resonated with me many years ago when I first heard it, frankly, it has haunted me ever since. It constantly reminds me about the importance of speaking the truth and that not speaking up allows injustices to spread until there is no one left to defend us. It points out that indifference to the suffering of others ultimately leads to personal peril.

First They Came

First they came for the Communists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Communist

Then they came for the Socialists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Socialist

Then they came for the trade unionists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a trade unionist

Then they came for the Jews

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Jew

Then they came for me

And there was no one left

To speak out for me

“Try to remain truthful. The power of truth never declines. Force and violence may be effective in the short term, but in the long run it’s truth that prevails.” – Dalai Lama

See you on the mat!

Namaste,

Julia Anne