SAUCHA, the first niyama (spiritual observance) of PURITY purposefully follows the 5 yamas (spiritual disciplines) as it requires great discipline to live according to Pantanjalis (reknown father of yoga, author of yoga sutra) eight-limbed path of a the yogi.

Discipline and Purity (Saucha).

As a transparent, pure life requires direction and diligence, a yogi must first practice the 5 yamas (spiritual disciplines) before embarking on the practice of the 5 Niyamas (spiritual observances), beginning with the practice of Saucha (purity).  In other words, a yogi must recruit all the resources of body, mind and spirit in the diligent intent of living a honorable life that includes the yamas of non-harming, truthfulness, non-greed, control of the senses, and non-accumulation before he is prepared to practice the first of the 5 niyamas – purity.

It is interesting and important to note that Patanjali purposefully directs the yogi to begin his yogic life with the practice of outward disciplines (yamas) which then naturally lead him inward with the practice of the spiritual observances (niyamas) before he directs them to the physical asana of Hatha postures.   The message patanjali sends to the aspirant yogi is that the practice yoga first and foremost is a spiritual path that requires great discipline and self-reflection. 

Saucha is the purposeful movement of purity in thought, intention, action and word.   One must be diligent when practicing this particular niyama not to assume a  judgmental or condescending attitude.  If the concept of “purity” is interpreted with rigidity it is distorted. A more practical way to understand saucha is to simply observe that the embracement of impure thought, word, action or deed causes one to suffer.

A good rule to follow in the practice of this first spiritual observance of purity is to be sure that our intentions are rooted in love (presence), goodness, kindness and compassion.

Saucha (purity) means both bodily and moral purification.  Purification is much in evidence in Yogic practice.  The breath controls, postures, hygienic processes, and dietary of Yoga all contribute to psychophysical purity, whereby body and mind are prepared for the progressive refinement of consciousness that is the Yoga of Meditation.  Yogins are instructed to change the quality of their body cells by eating sattvic (purity) foods as sattva is the guna which predominates in pure consciousness. 

It is clear in the sacred text of yoga that internal (ethical) purity is obtained by obeying the abstinences and observances. 

Because cleanliness is a natural effect of living a pure life, it is a great launching point to begin the internal practice of purity by cleaning up our external environment. 

Practice: evenness of mind, thoughts, speech and discrimination.  Keep the environment clean and orderly . Maintain orderliness surrounding the self and thoughts. Include energetic practices into our daily routine that clear and purify our energy.

 In essence the practice of purity is a practice of love (presence). 

 All my love ~ Chrystal Rae