This week at class we are looking at the Niyama (moral code) Tapas, which means discipline and not the small Spanish snacks 🙂
Tapas is the discipline to persevere and practise something even if it is difficult. When we do this, we reveal our true greatness. Discipline comes in many forms, it can be instilling a new habit, learning a skill, trying again at that task that is challenging, or tackling something that we’ve been putting off. Making sure you go to bed early so that you feel better in the morning or practising your yoga regularly are forms of tapas. You do things to better yourself, however challenging they may be.
Tapas is about having a burning enthusiasm to do what is right and this week we focused on the Warrior (Virabhdrasana) poses. These poses help us to harness our energy to do what is right, to burn away impurities and reveal our true greatness. The story goes that Lord Shiva was very angry and drew out a strand of hair from which the warrior Virabhadra immerged. If you would like to know the story behind Virabhadra here is a link https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/BIOG15159
When we are consistent with our efforts, we enable ourselves to be strong through challenges. And when we approach these challenges from a place of love and positivity we grow.
For me, my meditation practise has been a discipline that I have worked on for many years. To begin with it was difficult to find the time, to quieten the mind, to maintain the practise. But now it is a habit that is part of my life and I know that I am better for it.
What discipline have you instilled to help you grow?
