Saucha

Saucha is the first of the five Niyama (freedom from all observances), which form the second limb of yoga as described in “The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.” The Sanskrit term can be literally translated as “purity,” “cleanliness” and “clearness,” and it covers the cleanliness of body as well as the purity of mind. Purity of thoughts lead to purity of the body, which attract energy to perform actions.

Practice of Saucha starts with the external environment by keeping the surroundings clean. It also includes purity of bodies from both outside and inside, relationships and the way you communicate with other.

How you can incorporate Saucha practice in daily lifestyle:

  1. Consider committing to a cleanse. Eliminate drugs, alcohol, caffeine, gluten, sugar, dairy or meat.   Try removing one of these, or all of them for a day or week or longer, just see what happens and how you feel. Removing one at a time will give you the opportunity to see how each of these things affects your system.
  2. Stop using swear words. Everything you say continues to be repeated in the universe. Say something good to other and it will make you feel good as well and vice versa.
  3. Taking care of our “mother” of earth and keep it clean anyway you can. Use as many “green”, organic and recycled products as possible as they are so much less harmful to the earth and environment.
  4. Eat the trinity root foods everyday. There are choices like onions, garlic and ginger. These are excellent for the body to take in.
  5. Keep your living space as clean and organized as possible. Create serenity in your life by living in a neat and clean environment.

Ref: https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/7436/saucha

 

Sam