Satya, the second of the Yamas (restraints), roughly translates to "Non-lying," or restraint from untruth. Satya applies not only to our words, but also our thoughts and actions.
Words - This is the most obvious form of satya... We all know we're not supposed to lie to others when we speak. The interesting thing to note here is the cases when satya conflicts with ahimsa (see previous blogpost). If telling the truth to someone causes harm, it becomes a gray area. That's where the practice of discernment comes in - considering all the factors of a situation to make the wisest decision possible. Consider the consequences of telling the hurtful truth versus keeping it to yourself. Which will cause more harm in the long run? Don't sacrifice your relationships to maintain truthfulness unless it is absolutely necessary. Fortunately, for most of us, that dilemma won't present itself that often in life, so in general, practice telling the truth. :)
Thoughts - This may be the most difficult form of satya, since we often don't know when our thoughts are untruthful. Our thoughts are the results of our life experiences, and because we don't know anything else, it's often nearly impossible to see our own distortions. That's why it's so important to have loved ones around you to help you identify and challenge your thoughts and beliefs. Be sure to listen!
Actions - Here, I'm referring to the idea of integrity - being the same person at all times. We often develop several "identities" based on our different environments - we behave a certain way at work, a different way at home, and a completely different way by ourselves. Try to develop satya - restraint from untruth - in all environments of your life. Be yourself 100% of the time.
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