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.

Guided Relaxation

We contemplated the energy we realize in caring – the concern and passion we have for life.  How do we bring our energy to the care-taking of our earth-home and all its creations?  For the first time, humankind’s influence on the environment is so overwhelming that our activities, rather than natural processes, will now determine the fate of the Earth.

Having great power over so many, we have a greater duty to use it benevolently.  We are entrusted with the responsibility of caring for the earth for all beings . . . living today and future generations. What animals, plants and places are we willing to care for? Perhaps bring those that you hold most dear into your heart right now.

Our willingness to witness, to not turn away from difficult truths about our earth home is Tapas. We deepen our Tapas by living with consciousness and intention. To stay awake to the earth and all of its living beings. What are we conscious of? Consider: what are the consequences of our actions? How do they affect the greater circle of life? Can we generate the energy we need to refrain from taking more than we need in consideration for others? Our willingness to practice generosity, enables us to experience the joy of giving.

Pranayama – Active Breathing

Begin active breathing nourishing our bodies, our “Me,”  as we breathe in . . . . nourishing the green beings – bacteria, algae, plants and forests our “We” as we breathe out . . . Our very act of breathing taking us beyond the edges of our skin . . . we feel being in the web of life . . .

Inhale deeply, hold the breath in & Exhale completely with each line:

May we feel Earth’s energy as our inner fire.
May we feel Earth’s rivers and oceans as our inner waters.
May we feel Earth’s air and wind as our breath.
May we feel Earth’s lands as our bodies.

Inhale fully, Exhale completely, suspend the breath with each line:

May our energy nourish seed, bud and blossoming life.
May our inner waters flow rising and returning as clouds and rain.
May our breath carry song and lift birds in flight.
May our bodies be refuge and sanctuary to endangered life.

We incorporated these themes throughout our asana practice – moving with intention and breath.  In sitting practice we followed Dr. Richard Davidson’s suggestion to explore the mind state of “metta awareness.”  We drew this inspiration from the Sam Harris podcast, The Science of Meditation, A Conversation with Daniel Coleman and Richard Davidson. This is a fascinating discussion about the different mind states that arise in meditation.  With intention and practice these states can develop into traits that evidence greater compassion in our every day lives.  May the light of our awareness guide us on the path of wisdom and compassion.