Yogic Learning: Saucha, Setting the Stage for Excellence
As I move along in creating the curriculum, protocol and online content for Architecture of Humanity, I am attempting to stay in complete integrity with the heart-felt knowing that we are not doing “the work” to get anywhere or achieve anything. We are simply using protocols, practices and tools that unlock and bring to consciousness the ways in which we have placed layers of protection over our True Nature. We are using psychobiological education, embodiment practices and yogic techniques that allow us to slowly and gently come back to the Soul: the being that was - and still is - your birthright.
Yoga is, for me, the predominant protocol that has allowed a gradual shedding of those layers of protection. It is a path to liberation and more than comprehensive in that vein. The offerings of yoga are far more than any one person will be able to practice and study in a lifetime. In 2014, this beautiful practice of yoga quite literally saved my life. I feel an immense love and appreciation to this ineffable practice. And so, of course, it plays a big role in the AoH curriculum.
Yoga as a way of living, is a purification process. Like nearly all other eastern philosophies, it is non-linear. One precept, then, can have multiple meanings. And, one single practice can be carried out in myriad ways across one’s life.
As aforementioned, yoga as a way of living came into my life 8 years ago. I feel so fortunate to have teachers who introduced me to the vastness of yoga which extends far beyond the physical practice (Asana). Saucha is one of those precepts. It translates to cleanliness, clearness and purity. It is one of the Niyamas of Yoga as outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra. If our mind and body are “dirty,” we will likely live a life of pain and cyclical failures. If we get caught up in negative thoughts and use substance to cope with the pain, we are having a relationship with these toxicities. They are bringing us farther away from the Self, and our freedom and excellence.
I am currently reading and following the practices outlined in numerous books by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD. I am pulling in his words and wisdom as I put together a suggested protocol for excellence and Sadhana practice for AoH practioners. He is a modern-day master and living link in the unbroken Himalayan Tradition. The ancient practices he elucidates in his writings are needed more now than ever.
Below, I have repeated his beautiful wisdom regarding Saucha, word-for-word. This path we are about to introduce allows us to realize our excellence. That said, it takes time, effort and dedication. Setting the conditions in your mind, body and surroundings is critical to begin the process. I am thrilled to join you and our community on this path!
“Cleanliness is twofold: external and internal. External cleanliness involves keeping your home and surroundings clean. For example, not only must you keep your meditation room clean, but the rest of your dwelling as well. The space outside your door should be clean. Your shoes should be clean and arranged properly, and your clothes should be clean, folded, and put in the right place. Dirty dishes compromise the sanctity of your home. Before you go to bed, all your household objects should be put in their right place. Make your bed as son as you get up. The goal is to maintain an environment in which your senses of sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing do not contact anything dirty, disorganized, undesirable, unpleasant, or unhealthy. “
“Internal cleanliness is equally important. This includes keeping not only your body and garments clean, but also your internal organs and mind. Apply the yogic and ayurvedic methods of cleansing your gastrointestinal tract. Fasting, juicing, sweating, and deep relaxation are all detoxifying. Eat food that is freshly cooked and nutritious. Maintain a lifestyle that ensures you will not suffer from indigestion or constipation.”
“Mental cleanliness requires that you refrain from entertaining negative thoughts. Of all negative tendencies, jealousy, anger, fear, and greed are the most detrimental to your practice. These tendencies are subtle and do not go away just because shortly before you began your practice you made a decision not to entertain them, so it is important to examine your habitual tendencies. Cultivate an attitude of friendliness toward those who appear to be happier and more successful than you are, compassion for those who are suffering, happiness toward those who exhibit virtuous qualities, and a nonjudgmental attitude toward those who appear to be wrong-doers. Identify your most stubborn negative tendency as well as the circumstances that trigger it - observe how this tendency asserts itself powerfully and without warning. Consciously cultivate a habit of practicing contemplation that which is diametrically opposed your most stubborn negative tendency. The great master Patanjali calls this contemplative process pratipaksha-bhavana. In other words, adopt a yogic worldview and meditative practice to cultivate a mind that is clear, peaceful, free from fear, and has the ability to maintain constant awareness of higher reality. Such a highly trained mind eventually loses the taste for harboring negative tendencies…”
“The selection of a place for undertaking this practice is as important as the time. Choose a quiet place surrounded by the beauty of nature…the cleanliness of the place and the aesthetics of the surrounding area should be befitting the standards of the queen of beauty and joy.”
“It is important that during this practice you are accompanied by select friends who understand what you are doing and have respect for it. During this practice, these loved ones ensure you have everything you need and ward off external disturbances before they come to your attention.”