on clearing space, inside and out

yamas & niyamas summer series, week six

shaucha

self-purification, cleanliness

written by diane, moondog yoga instructor

Saucha (self-purification, cleanliness) is the first of five niyamas. All the yamas are in service to saucha, which provides mental clarity. The goal of yoga and meditation is to achieve a positive mind, one pointed focus, and we can't get there without doing some cleaning. And I'm not talking about just a clean body.

The goal of yoga and meditation is to achieve a positive mind, one pointed focus, and we can't get there without doing some cleaning.

Yoga provides many practices that cleanse: neti pot and tongue scraping cleanse the physical body. Pranayama, agni sara, breath work, even asana itself, work to achieve purity in the subtle, energetic body. Diaphragmatic breathing and systematic relaxation purify the nervous system and thus the mind.

We thrive in an environment that is harmonious, organized, and pleasant. Forces that are not conducive to our intention, like a water in a dirty drain, block the internal functions of the body. Distractions and distortions are a sign of an impure mind.

All the niyamas (observances) flow from saucha, as you'll see.

---

this summer's series

the yamas & niyamas

each week this summer, june and diane are exploring a different yama or niyama, the ethical heart of yoga practice, beyond the poses. catch up on previous posts or follow along each week right here on the blog.

we would love to hear how saucha is showing up for you -- on the mat, or in the quieter moments in between.

light your lamp & you light the world --
june and the moondog team