Last week, I wrote about AHIMSA (Teaching Yoga Philosophy to Children | Ahimsa), the principle of non-harming. This week we will look at SATYA. Satya translates as ‘non-lying’ or ‘truthfulness’.
Satya means truthfulness, or ‘not lying’
A lot of the time it is easiest to explain this concept to really young children as ‘not lying’. Not lying about whether they took an extra goldfish after mom said no more. Not lying about who put the paint or crayon on the wall. Or not lying about who left the door open and let the cats out (again) — doesn’t that happen at your house too?!
It is also important to teach our children — and to remember ourselves — that not only is lying hurtful to the person you have lied to but when we lie we also hurt ourselves. We are not being truthful to our selves, our hearts and our beliefs.
Sometimes we can find ourselves in sticky situations. Ahimsa, kindness and non-harming, always supersedes Satya. So, what does that mean? Have you ever been in a situation where you know that if you tell the truth it will be hurtful to somebody? When you want to be honest but also kind as well? Sometimes life can be challenging and as our children get older and can begin to understand these concepts we need to share our experiences with them and let them see us in action as we speak the truth and remember that kindness is extremely important.
The best words of advice I have received are ‘ask yourself the following questions before speaking:
1. Is it true?
2. Is it kind, non-harming?
3. Is it necessary?’
Our children are going to be faced with these sorts of dilemmas throughout their lives. Let’s help support them in making wise choices and following their hearts while they do so. Demonstrate showing kindness towards family, friends, the environment and more, all while being truthful and honest.
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