What are ITIES? ITIES are words which end in ity. Each one of these words can change our life and lead to becoming a Jiwan Mukta. They are interconnected and they are all virtues.

Swami Sivananda summed the ITIES in a song. When one sings it, they end in rhyme.

Serenity, Regularity, Absence of Vanity,
Sincerity, Simplicity, Veracity
Equanimity, Fixity, Non-Irritability
Adaptability, Humility, Tenacity
Integrity, Nobility, Magnanimity
Charity, Generosity, Purity.
Practice daily these 18 ITIES
You will soon attain immortality
Brahman is the only real entity
Mr. So and So is a false non-entity
You will abide in eternity and infinity
You will behold unity in diversity
You cannot attain this in the university
But you attain this in the Ashram.

What do we understand from this song?

Develop strength and quietness of mind. It will empower us.

Swami Satyananda said that Pratipaksha bhavana helps in developing the Ities. This is a technique whereby we learn to superimpose a positive quality over a negative quality.

My understanding is that if one develops even one ITY, the others will fall into place. The effect of for instance taking serenity which is the foundation of the ITIES, we are developing pratyahara. Pratyahara is sense withdrawal and this leads to connecting with your inner self.

Do not feel burdened by the ITIES. Just go with flow. Your daily sadhana will further enable you. It is the awareness and the consciousness which will guide you.

You can hear the song about ITIES on YouTube. And it is in the Master’s Voice. Close your eyes, it is an ancient recording but you will feel the presence of Divinity. It is called Song of eighteen ities by Swami Sivananda. What I love about it is the non-judgmental tone of the song and his concern for us.

Extracted from the Yoga magazine, Bihar School of Yoga.

Aim Hrim Klim