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The Niyamas - Saucha: External & Internal Purification

saucha/purification the eight limbs of yoga the niyamas

Purify To Shine

"As a result of purification, one establishes a detachment from the body and is not influenced by others" ~ The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Sutra II.40

The word ‘saucha’ means to cleanse or purify. This niyama teaches us that it's beneficial to not only cleanse our bodies and surroundings, but there are many benefits for our spiritual journey when we purify our emotions and mind.

In this blog, we'll explore the importance of Saucha and how it can enhance the quality of our lives.

Brief Yoga History: Yoga Sutras + 8 Limbs of Yoga

The true meaning of Yoga is the union of body, mind, soul, and spirit to reduce suffering.

According to the practice, we often suffer because of not knowing our true Self and the illusion of separation of our individual consciousness from Universal Consciousness.

So taking a step back... where do the Niyamas come from?

The five Niyamas are the 2nd Limb of Yoga, within the 8 Limbs of Yoga, which are 30+ concepts that come from the Yoga Sutras. If you'd like to dive deeper into the other Limbs, I have written the additional blogs below so far:

1st Limb of Yoga - The Yamas

2nd Limb of Yoga - The Niyamas

3rd Limb of Yoga - Asana

4th Limb of Yoga - Pranayama

5th Limb of Yoga - Pratyahara

6th Limb of Yoga - Dharana

7th Limb of Yoga - Dhyana

8th Limb of Yoga - Samadhi

The Yoga Sutras contain 196 verses, which discuss the aim of yoga and how you strive for freedom, liberation and self-realization - the 8th Limb of Yoga, also called Samadhi.

The Yoga Sutras were transcribed by a man (and most likely many of his colleagues and students) named Patanjali, presumably from India, estimated to have lived between 2nd century BCE to 4th century CE, and act as a practical guide to assist you on your journey of remembering the ultimate union.

According to the Sutras, beginning the pursuit of self-realization is the most significant step in life – as they make us aware of our pitfalls and how to overcome them.

The Meaning of Saucha

Where the Yamas are helping us deepen our relationship with the external world, the Niyamas are helping us to enhance our relationship with our internal world.

As we purify ourselves externally and internally, we create a sense of calm and peace and the mind and emotions can start to calm.

It's not a coincidence that we feel more at ease when we are fresh out of the shower, or when our house has been freshly cleaned. It's the same for our minds. When we can let go of repetitive thought patterns and emotions that weigh us down, we begin to experience the magic of Saucha.

"The practice of Saucha is helping us to cleanse and purify so we can be with each moment. As we lose the heaviness of waste and clutter, we begin to feel lighter, more spacious and expansive. Our bodies become alive, our minds more clear, and our hearts more compassionate." ~ Deborah Adele, The Yamas & Niyamas

How To Apply Saucha to Your Practice & Life

ON the mat:

Are you practicing with a clean body and nasal passage way?
Are you practicing with an empty stomach, bladder, and colon? This can make the practice more enjoyable.
Are your mat and props clean?
Are you practicing in a clean space?
In each pose, can you close your eyes more, so you can cleanse the eye sight, removing distractions and feeling more?
Can you use the poses to intentionally breath in each pose?
Notice your breath and lungs, how smooth is your breathing?
Can you use the poses and our breath to cleanse your mind of thoughts?
Once the mind is more clear, notice how that effects your emotions.

OFF the mat:

Once you purify externally, can your notice changes internally?
Does cleansing the body and mind affect your energy levels at all?
Does cleansing the body and mind affect your emotions at all?
Think about what you are putting into your body on a daily basis: food, water... anything else?
Think about what you are mentally consuming each day: reading, watching and is it negative or positive?
Think about who you are surrounding yourself with each day and what type of conversations you are having... are they positive or negative?
Think about where you are each day, and is it uplifting or inspiring?

Benefits of Practicing Saucha

Purification of the physical, mental, emotional and energetic states
Harmony in the mind, cheerfulness, clarity in thinking, purity of intellect
More focus and concentration
Deepened relationship to the 5 senses which is how you begin to meditate and balance thoughts and emotions
Deepened relationship overall to Self.

Mantra and Active Meditation Technique for Saucha

Om aim hridayam namaha

Hridaya means “spiritual heart” or “heart center

Chanting the heart mantra ignites the heart fire to burn through whatever blocks us from recognizing our true Self.

Options include:

Sit or lay down and say or sing mantra silently or out loud.

Could wear Mala beads and move fingers along beads for each verse.

Listen HERE and sing with music

Conclusion

Practicing purification of our bodies, minds, emotions and energy helps us to experience a greater sense of inner peace, because by cleansing, we improve our relationship with the present moment.

Would you like to start embodying these amazing concepts to enhance your life and the lives around you?

Check out my 8 Limbs Yoga Tribe!

This is where you get access to weekly virtual classes, videos, discounts on in-person classes, events and retreats, community and support.