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Satya

Yoga Sutras
Sutra 2.36

satya-pratiṣthāyāṁ kriyāphalāśrayatvam

To one established in truthfulness, actions and their results become subservient.

Translated - Swami Satchidananda

Actions and their result stem from thoughts. As Gandhi puts it : "Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny." Wether we are conscious of our thoughts or not, they are shaping our reality. Our true nature or Self holds boundless possibilities, and as we live in truth, we tap into this power. However, this inherent essence often gets obscured by the layers of false beliefs and conditioning (samskaras) we accumulate over time, further perpetuated by the influence of the illusionary nature of the material world (maya). Maya casts a veil of illusion over our perception of reality, causing us to identify solely with the external aspects of our existence—the physical body, intellect, emotions, and ego. When we are less conscious, our words and actions may not align. We may say one thing but do another. We might wish for one thing, but our beliefs present a different outcome. Becoming more conscious and mindful of our thoughts allows us to recognise the patterns and conditioning that influence our behavior and choices. By aligning our thoughts with truth and authenticity, we can bridge the gap between our intentions and actions. As we dissolve the layers of false beliefs and samskaras, we free ourselves from the limitations of Maya's illusion, enabling us to live in greater harmony with our true nature. When we become firmly established in the practice of truth, our words become so potent that whatever we say comes to realisation, reflecting the profound impact of living in alignment with truth on shaping our reality.
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