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Superari • April 23, 2020
Saucha
A Yogic teaching which helps with isolation. There is a beautiful principle within Yogic Philosophy which is called SAUCHA. This is a Sanskrit word which means Purity or Cleanliness. This principle, which is one of the NIYAMAS or Personal Yogic ‘Codes of Conduct’, refer to purity or cleanliness … of thought, action, mind, body and soul.
It has been in my mind especially given recent developments with Corona Virus. We are rightfully concerned about the external forces which are driving this virus but very little attention has been given to how we, as individuals, can cope and handle this type of problem. Just as we focus on who we are allowing in and out of an airport, so we must observe what we let in to our minds, body and soul … especially if we want to have as strong an immune system as possible.
This is where Saucha has really helped me. The more I study it, the more it plays out in my life practically and positively.
Here are some simple ways which you might find incorporating Saucha in to your life, especially at this time:
1. Declutter: Your environment is a reflection of your mind and vice versa. Every now and again, purge parts of our home - paperwork, or the kitchen, or clothes etc. And do it regularly. This ensures that physically, dust and debris is cleared from the air; emotionally we can let go of old energy and reminders of the past which can trigger negative memories or thoughts; and mentally, we create more space in the mind to think clearly and wisely. It’s also a great way to spend spare time if you’re in isolation at the moment.
2. Fresh air: Where possible, allow fresh air into your home and in your environment and / or take walks regularly. This helps to keep the air in your home (and lungs) pure and light, and also helps to keep your respiratory and circulatory systems healthy. If you do have symptoms or have a cold though, keep your chest warm with a scarf or jumper so as to not worsen your condition.
3. Move. Every Day. Movement is Medicine. Whether it’s a few stretches or postures in the morning or a full on HIIT workout - whatever it is, do not become stagnant. Movement helps the body and organs to detoxify and importantly, will make you feel more positive due to the release of happy hormones!
4. Drink Water. Of course this won’t be news to you. But did you know that according to Yoga teachings, water actually becomes energy (or CHI or PRANA) once consumed - so it directly impacts how much energy or ’spark’ you may have. Room temperature water is good - nothing too hot and nothing too cold - as it won’t disrupt your internal temperatures.
5. Be careful what you consume .. and I don’t mean just food. Eat your greens, and dark coloured veggies (these will tend to be richer in nutrients). AND, watch out for what your mind is consuming. It is easy to get distracted by the endless news feeds or social media conversation. Some of it is important but for the most part it, it’s just opinion or thoughts or sensationalist headlines which are designed to get your attention. What we let in to our minds directly impacts our nervous system. And what impacts our nervous system will also impact the immune system. Instead, consume information which is uplifting or truly informative.
6. Be kind. There is something strange about how obsessive we can become about running out of food or loo roll .. especially when so many people don’t have access to goods so freely, or are vulnerable. Find a food bank and give them what you don’t need. Don’t overbuy unnecessarily and check in on your friends and neighbours, especially if they’re elderly or may need extra support.
I’m not for a moment suggesting that all of this will prevent the virus from spreading. I hope that at the very least, it is a reminder of your own inner strength and of the power of positive habits. Stay on your track. Keep a good routine. Ignore the unnecessary hype. Be kind. Move regularly. And eat well. These are all things which will help, on the inside and out!
A few months ago a wonderful journalist reached out to me from Women’s Health Magazine. She was based in the US and had felt compelled to write something about her experience of Yoga and how, in many ways, it has veered so far away from its roots. Of all the articles, texts and teachings I’ve contributed to, this is possibly the most important. Finally, a mainstream magazine has given space to the idea that Yoga today is a far cry from what it originally set out to be. In the article I made a few key points, but the one that I think most summarises what I feel is that Yoga, especially when taught years ago in India, was minimal, disciplined and in many ways hard. It was ‘simple and stripped back’, as the main reason we practice Yoga is to connect with our own energy and a higher power. It was simply a matter of meditating, and practicing, meditating and practicing. Now we have become so enamoured with yoga clothes, props, accessories etc that many have forgotten the entire reason behind what we do why we do. Teachers would spend years training their students, without even any promise that they would become a teacher at all. It was the studying, the learning and the inner evolution of that student which was the way of Yoga. I believe that teachers play a huge role in holding on to the essence of Yoga. It isn’t about making it exclusive, far from it. But Yoga is a science. It takes many years to learn the basics, and a lifetime on top of that to continuing progressing and evolving. If we could just take our time, teach students in the right way by helping them to evolve as people first, we have a chance of holding on to the absolute gift that Yoga is - a way of life, that changes your life.
The one thing Covid has damaged that the media isn’t even talking about So much of the news agenda and conversations around Covid covers the spread of the pandemic, how it’s impacting our work life, the economy, education .. the list goes on. But as a friend and a Yoga teacher to people, the conversations I’ve had the most with people in the last six months are centred on one topic: relationships. Covid has placed us firmly in the spotlight of one another. It has shone a light on each of us as individuals, and on our relationships. There has literally been no place to hide. And let’s be honest. It’s been painful. Whether you live with your mum and dad, partner, kids, or on your own, there hasn’t been a more intense time than this to see our relationships as what they are. And as a result, we have seen the very best, and the worst, in each of us. This situation is further warped by an obsession many people have to present their lives as perfect through social media. It is an utterly strange situation when we really think about it. Recently I have seen many marriages and relationships break. If this applies to you, remember one thing. You haven’t failed. However long you have been in a relationship, and however it is that you’re exiting out of it, you have not failed. We are going through extraordinary times, and no matter what you may think or feel right now, Covid has escalated a path that you were likely walking anyway. As much as it has been a curse, it has also been a great blessing. Equally, if Covid has brought you closer, that’s a wonderful thing. So celebrate it. Whichever side of the fence you sit on, or if you’ve simply struggled to be single, remember that our relationships are there to help us to grow. The people we have in our lives are there because often, we have something to learn from them or we have something to teach them. When that process is done, when your karmic connection is complete, that specific relationship will end. Today, on International Yoga Day, I wanted to share one piece of advice that was given to me a while back which has helped me, both with the relationships I have with myself, and with others. Hold on to this principle when speaking to one another: No comparisons No complaints No criticisms Naturally, your energy will become more positive, you will speak over more meaningful topics and your will allow space for your reactions to be calmer. Don’t be afraid to seek help if you need it. Our relationships play such a big part in our life. No one has got it all right. Happy International Yoga Day. Namaste.
I get asked this question a lot – any books you would recommend as part of my Yoga practice? The truth is that over the years I have been inspired by many scriptures, all philosophies and all ways of practicing Yoga. I was raised as a Hindu, went to a Roman Catholic School, studied the Bible, have great friends who are Muslim and one of my favourite Yoga teachers is Jewish! I don’t believe that one system fits everyone – I believe there are beautiful teachings across all faiths and philosophies and if we seek to understand differences, they eventually become similarities. Books have been my solace, my friend, my teacher and my guide for as long as I can remember. So here are my recommendations on books I would recommend for you to read, regardless of your belief systems or style of Yoga practice: Please note these are in no particular order and they do not relate so much to physical Yoga practice. I’ll create a separate list for that: 1. The Bhagavad Gita – Swami Prabhupada: At the heart of these Hindu scriptures is a core teaching of being even-minded regardless of what happens in your life. The teachings describe – through a conversation of Lord Krishna and Warrior Arjuna – how Yoga, Meditation and Good Living can help us to conquer the mind and make decisions wisely. An absolutely beautiful read and life-long companion. 2. Tao De Ching [The Book of The Way] - Lao Tzu There are many versions of the Chinese scriptures, but my favourite is by Lao Tzu. Loosely meaning ‘The way of integrity’, this book of 81 verses contains thought-provoking teachings on how to live simply and without expectation. If there’s a book that highlights the power of spiritual simplicity, it’s definitely this one. 3. I Am That – Talks with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj This book is a no holds barred conversation with Sri Maharaj which will encourage you to look within yourself. There isn’t a book out there which has made me realise more that the process of self-realisation truly begins within. The ability to deconstruct your thoughts, beliefs, and to probe all the concepts you believe to be true and question them deeply is in many ways the most powerful thing one can do for the mind. As it is only from there can we begin to reconstruct who we really are. It’s not a light-hearted read but it is the kind of book where the right 2 sentences can totally change the way you think. 4. The Gift – Poems by Hafiz, translated by Daniel Ladinsky For the romantics amongst you and if you have a love of Rumi’s teachings, The Gift, by Hafiz, will make you laugh, smile, have faith, chuckle and feel moved in one sitting. It’s written in a way that only Sufi poets can, with a gentleness to its words which will stay with you for a very long time. 5. The Dhammapada by Eknath Eashwaran The late great Eashwaran was a Master at translating religious scriptures and interpreting them in a way that we can really understand. His teachings can be found in written books and audiobooks, both of which I’d recommend. His interpretation of the Buddhist scriptures – the Dhammapada – is a very special read as it covers topics which we can often shy away from and explains them in such a reassuring way. Look no further if you need some comfort reading for your soul. 6. The World in Transition by Daya Mata and Paramahansa Yogananda One of my very first books as I began my spiritual journey, it is extraordinary how despite being written over 20 years ago, how relevant the topics covered in this book are today. Yogananda was one of the very first Yogis to introduce Yoga to America, especially to California, and Sri Daya Mata was a disciple and teacher of Yogananda’s movement. If you’re wondering why things are happening the way they are in this world today, this offers a little spiritual insight which you’ll surely find useful. 7. Ikigai – The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Garcia and Miralles Inspired by Japanese principles, ways of living and case studies of people who have lived a long and happy life, this book, though light to read, gently encourages you to think about they way in which you’re living your life. It is beautifully subtle but resonates very deeply. Though written very recently, this book is already an international bestseller and I can see why. It will also make a wonderful gift for a friend of family member. 8. Around the World in 80 Plants – Jonathan Drori If you know me you’ll know how much I love the magic of gardening. I recently came across this beautifully illustrated book, which highlights 80 plants while explaining their history in an often surprising and humorous way. It is written with such tenderness and clarity – and will make you see all sorts of flowers and plants in a completely different way. This book simply reaffirms to me that Nature is magical, beautiful and we are such a big part of it all. If you want to feel closer or more connected to the world, get this book as quickly as you can. 9. Stepping into Happiness – Dadi Janki My mother gave me this book a few years back, and it is one that I have only recently truly started to understand deeply. It offers, in my view, the best explanation of what depression means, and how to handle it. Dadi Janki, the late great leader of the Brahma Kumaris Global Spiritual University, was a force to be reckoned with. She worked, travelled and gave talks right until the very last moments of her life. She died at 104 years old. And yes, you read that right. 10. God Makes the Rivers to Flow – Eknath Eashwaran Eknath Eashwaran collates prayers and teachings from a wide range of religions and philosophies in this absolutely beautiful book. I have had it for at least 10 years, I found my favourite ever prayer in it’s first few pages years ago and I still use it regularly today. Get your hands on a copy even if you don’t pray much at all. I’m pretty sure there’ll be something in there that resonates to you. Here are the links of the copies I have. I really hope you find as much joy and peace in these books as I have. 1. The Bhagavad Gita As It Is https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bhagavad-gita-As-It-Is-White-vinyl-/313060437679 2. Tao De Ching [The Book of The Way] - Lao Tzu https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tao-Te-Ching-Lao-Tzu/dp/1690029994/ref=sr_1_4?crid=ZKQPYJEDRUXE&dchild=1&keywords=tao+te+ching+by+lao+tzu&qid=1620998704&sprefix=tao+te+ching+%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-4 3. I Am That – Talks with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj https://www.amazon.co.uk/That-Talks-Sri-Nisargadatta-Maharaj/dp/8185300534/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=I+am+that&qid=1620998752&sr=8-1 4. The Gift – Poems by Hafiz, translated by Daniel Ladinsky https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gift-Poems-Hafiz-Great-Master/dp/0140195815/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+gift+hafiz&qid=1620998821&sr=8-1 5. The Dhammapada – Eknath Eashwaran https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eknath-Easwaran-Dhammapada-Classics-Spirituality/dp/B00HTJO3F8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LKIY40Y86Y5&dchild=1&keywords=the+dhammapada+by+eknath+easwaran&qid=1620998853&sprefix=the+dhammapada+ek%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-1 6. The World in Transition by Daya Mata and Paramahansa Yogananda https://www.amazon.co.uk/World-Transition-Finding-Spiritual-Security/dp/087612015X 7. Ikigai – Garcia and Miralles https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ikigai-Japanese-secret-long-happy/dp/178633089X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ikigai&qid=1620998969&sr=8-1 8. Around the World in 80 Plants https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781786272300?gC=5a105e8b&gclid=CjwKCAjwv_iEBhASEiwARoemvMdP_WtNBjbcgx598mIPdGv2B2kvBWZfUHqbPnWxTG3dgJ8bNF8xoBoCzx4QAvD_BwE 9. Stepping into Happiness – Dadi Janki https://www.inspiredstillness.com/brand/dadi-janki/ 10. God Makes the Rivers to Flow – Eknath Eashwaran https://www.waterstones.com/book/god-makes-the-rivers-to-flow/eknath-easwaran/9781586380380