Saucha / Cleanliness

When we talk about cleanliness, we are considering several different angles; first the physical body, inside and out, then the subtler layers of Heart and Mind, and we also include our relationships to others and the world.

Yogis have a long history of taking care of the physical body. Our asana and pranayama practices are ideal to purify the body, physically and energetically. Also, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, a classical manual on yoga practices, presents several Kriyas, or cleansing techniques, to help clean the inner, physical environment. So, we bathe, caring for our skin and hair, but we also scrape our tongues, clean our nostrils, sinuses, eyes, throat, lungs and stomach (and someday you can ask me about the green coffee enemas that were encouraged during a yoga retreat!). These internal cleansing techniques are essential to achieve a clear, strong and healthy body; which sounds like the goal that most of us have for our yoga practice. AND, as a word of caution, please learn and practice these techniques under expert guidance.

A clean and clear physical body is only the start of our Saucha practice. Another important aim for a yogi is to keep our relationships clean as well. When our relationships with others and the world are messy or heavy, our journey inward becomes extremely difficult. We will be pulled back out again and again by the mental strain of managing and worrying about what is coming our way. It may even be that we do not feel safe enough to turn our attention inward for fear of letting our guard down. The first half of the Yogi Code, Yama, can be considered part of our Saucha practice as it helps to clean up our relationships through practices like non-harming, truthfulness and non-stealing.

We are also looking for cleanliness and clarity at the subtler levels of heart and mind. For the heart, we consider the path and practices of the Bhakti and Karma yogis. Developing deep, love and affection for all of Nature, whether embodied as a Divine being or simply what you see around you, is an ancient and powerful way to heal, open and clear the heart. In most yoga teachings, including the Bhagavad Gita, you will hear advice to offer the fruits of your efforts to something greater or higher than your own personal goals. This is another effective way to work with your heart space. For the mind, we engage in a wide range of concentration and meditation techniques. Over time and with diligent practice, these practices will create a clear, quiet and spacious quality in the mind.

While all these considerations will make us smell, look and feel good, what we are really achieving is a clear lens through which the Light that we are can shine clearly and inspire those around us to do the same. This effort might be the best way for us to contribute to a better world, not just for ourselves but for others as well.

Let’s keep going, yogis!

Peace.

Peter