This month our Moving into Meditation class continues study of the Yoga Ethic of Tapas.  The principle of Tapas, self discipline, is part of Yoga’s Eightfold Path of living a conscious life.  The powers of “I Will” and “I Won’t” correspond to Patanjali’s Yamas and Niyamas.

“I Will” roughly corresponds to the five individual guidelines or observances, in Sanskrit called the Niyamas:

Saucha  – purity, care for one’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being

 Santosha   – contentment, willingness to accept what is

Tapas – self-discipline, inner-fire, ardor

Svadhyaya – self-reflection, study of wisdom teachings

Isvara-Pranidhana – surrender to that which supports our lives, devotion

“I won’t” corresponds to the five social guidelines or restraints called the Yamas:

Ahimsa – nonviolence, compassion for self and others

Satya – truth in thoughts, words and deeds

Asteya – not taking that which has not been freely given, generosity

Brahmacharya – moderation, conservation of energy

Aparigraha – non-covetousness, generosity in spirit and action Continue reading →

This month our Moving into Meditation class continues study of the Yoga Ethic of Tapas.  In his article, Yoga Philosophy Basics:  The 5 Niyamas, yoga scholar Rolf Sovik, translates Tapas as self discipline.  He advises practitioners:  “Through the ardor of Tapas, choose to make healthy changes in your life . . . Self-surrender is . . . the act of giving ourselves to a higher purpose.”

Radiance and clarity are the core of Tapas. The term ardor – originates from the Latin “ardere” to burn. With Tapas, we are gathering the fire within—overcoming sloth and inertia while becoming active and engaged.

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