Introduction of Saucha

Saucha is a Sanskrit word that means ‘cleanliness or purity.’ It represents the state of mind in which one feels physically and psychologically healthy and at peace. In Yoga, Saucha refers to how a person lives their life. The practice of Saucha Niyama can be translated as purity of mind and body, that is, keeping oneself clean to maintain health. In this article we will discover what is saucha and why is it important for all of us?

what is saucha

 

Saucha, along with the other niyamas of Ashtanga Yoga, are guidelines for living a meaningful and purposeful life according to the teachings of Yoga. Saucha can be translated as purity, cleanliness, or simplicity. It is the practice of making choices in our daily lives that support physical and mental hygiene and environmental friendliness.

Living with saucha creates an internal environment conducive to happiness, health, and peace. We also set the stage for deeper self-exploration and more meaningful connections with others.

What is Saucha?

Saucha niyama is first of the five niyamas, or positive duties, outlined in Eight limbed path of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. It can be translated as purity, cleanliness, or simplicity. Saucha niyama encourages us to keep our thoughts, words, and actions pure and free from pollution.

This doesn’t mean that we should avoid all impurities, but rather that we should be aware of the effects of our actions on ourselves and others. We should strive to live with intention, mindful of our choices’ impact on our well-being and those around us.

One way to practice saucha niyama is consciously choosing environmentally friendly and sustainable products. Another way to practice saucha niyama is to eat clean foods that nourish your body and avoid processed foods full of toxins. You can also practice saucha niyama by decluttering your home and living space to move through life more efficiently and with less stress.

By incorporating saucha niyama into your daily life, you will create more peace, harmony, and balance within and in the world around you.

Why is it important to practice Saucha in Daily life?

Saucha is the Sanskrit word for cleanliness, and niyama is the second of Patanjali’s eight limbs of yoga. Saucha is important in daily life because it leads to a pure mind and body, allowing us to be more present and aware. A clean environment also supports a healthy immune system. When we practice saucha, we are less likely to become sick, and if we do fall ill, we recover more quickly.

Here are some ways we can incorporate saucha into our lives:

1) Physical cleanliness: This includes both outer cleanliness (bathing, grooming, etc.) and inner cleanliness (eating fresh, high pranic and wholesome foods, drinking plenty of water, exercising).

2) Mental cleanliness: Keeping our thoughts positive and pure. One way to do this is by meditating regularly.

3) Emotional cleanliness: Constructively handling our emotions which might involve journaling, talking to a therapist or counselor, or spending time in nature.

4) Spiritual cleanliness: Connecting with the higher being regularly. This could include attending a place of worship, participating in yoga or meditation classes, or simply spending time alone in reflection or prayer.

How can one practice Saucha in daily life?

The ancient yoga text Hatha Yoga Pradipika mentions the Shatkarmas, meaning the six acts of cleanliness or Shatkriya, which are yogic practices for the purification of the nadis, body, and mind. These Shatkarmas are: Neti, Dhauti, Nauli, Basti, Kapalbhati and Tratak.

One can practice Saucha in daily life by keeping a clean and orderly environment at home and work. This includes regular cleaning, decluttering, and organizing. One can also practice Saucha by eating healthy foods and maintaining personal hygiene. These practices can also be referred to as Saucha Off the mat, which includes

  • Keeping a clean and orderly home
  • Practicing regular self-care
  • Eating healthy foods
  • Maintaining personal hygiene

The same applies to practicing saucha on the yoga mat. We need to be free from all impurities, then only yoga will give real results.

Saucha on the mat

  • Wiping down your yoga mat and props after each use.
  •  Putting away your yoga mat and props after each use.
  •  Wearing clean yoga clothes to class.
  •  Practicing personal hygiene.

Benefits of practicing Saucha in Yoga

The benefits of practicing Saucha in Yoga are many and varied. Here are some of the benefits you can experience:

  • Improved physical health and well-being.
  • Increased energy levels and stamina.
  • Improved mental clarity and focus.
  • Enhanced emotional balance and well-being.
  • The deepened sense of inner peace and calmness.

Various aspects of practice of Saucha:

Practicing Saucha at home

If you want to bring the benefits of Saucha into your home life, there are many things you can do daily to practice this Niyama.

One way to practice Saucha at home is to keep your abode clean and clutter-free. This will create a sense of orderliness and peace in your environment. Another way to practice Saucha is to be mindful of your food and ensure it is nourishing and wholesome.

You can also incorporate Saucha into your personal hygiene routine by taking care of your body with regular cleansing rituals. And finally, one of the most important ways to practice Saucha is through your thoughts and actions toward others. Make sure you are speaking and behaving with integrity, kindness, and respect.

Practicing Saucha in Yoga class

When we think of saucha, we typically think of cleanliness in the physical sense. However, saucha also refers to mental and emotional cleanliness. In yoga, we strive to keep our minds clear and free from clutter and negativity.

This allows us to be more present in the moment and better able to focus on our practice.

One way to practice saucha in yoga class is to arrive early and take a few minutes to center yourself before class begins. This will help you to start your practice with a clear mind and a fresh perspective.

Another way to practice saucha during your yoga practice is to be mindful of your thoughts and emotions throughout the class.

If you find yourself getting caught up in negative thinking, simply let those thoughts go and refocus on your breath. Finally, be sure to take some time after class for Savasana (corpse pose) so that you can integrate all that you’ve learned during your practice.

Practicing Saucha in your diet

The practice of saucha, or cleanliness, can be applied to your diet in a few different ways. One way to practice saucha in your diet is to make sure that you are eating clean, whole foods.

This means avoiding processed foods and choosing foods that are free from toxins and chemicals. Eating clean foods will help to improve your overall health and well-being.

Another way to practice saucha in your diet is to be mindful of the food that you are eating. Pay attention to the energy of your body after eating food. Consume food that energizes you, provides nutrition, and makes you feel light.

Conversely, avoid foods that deplete your energy and leave you feeling sluggish or bloated. So, be mindful of the diet you are taking and how it is affecting your body.

Finally, practice saucha in your diet by being intentional with your food choices. Choose foods that will nourish your body and support your health goals.

Be deliberate about what you put into your body and let go of anything that does not serve you. When you eat with intention, you can achieve optimal health and well-being.

Practicing Saucha in the mind

When we think about saucha, we usually think about physical cleanliness. But saucha also refers to the cleanliness of our minds. Just as we regularly clean our homes and bodies, we also need to clean our minds.

One way to practice saucha in mind is to meditate. Meditation helps to still the mind and allows us to become more aware of our thoughts and emotions. We can then let go of the negative ones and focus on the positive.

Another way to practice saucha in mind is to be more mindful in our everyday lives. This means paying attention to what we are thinking and feeling in each moment without judgment.

If we find that our thoughts are negative or harmful, we can let them go and focus on something positive instead. Practicing the saucha in mind can create more peace and harmony in our lives.