I was home for Thanksgiving, and my parents and I went to visit my grandmother in the assisted living facility. We were all sitting around chatting when suddenly grandma looks at me and says, "You've gained weight. You're fat, you need to lose some weight." What a sweetie, no?
Anyhow, it got me thinking about Satya (truthfulness) and Ahimsa (consideration for self and others). We all know that we're not supposed to lie and we're not supposed to hurt people. What is interesting to me, as a human and a yogi, is striking that right balance between these principles. At what cost to Ahimsa do we tell the truth? And at what cost to Satya do we spare someone's feelings? I don't know the answers, but this is what make the yamas and niyamas an interesting study. Let me know when you figure it out! ;)
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Here's what my Mom had to say on the subject:
ReplyDeletePerhaps we should examine why we are expressing "the truth." What is our motive in speaking (from our perspective) "the truth." Is it a universal truth? Is it necessary to share this "truth?" Is it a truth that was solicited?
I got another comment from a friend and student, Lisa... for the record, she's being very generous with Grandma, she was always like that!
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Love this letter! Love the ‘taking chances’ and the HILARIOUS grandmother blurb. I can’t wait until I’m older and have lost some of my judgment (which is literally what physically happens to the brain as we age) and can say out loud whatever the heck I’m thinking!! Lol!