Greetings Sadhakas,
This week in class we will be exploring the meaning of Tapas.
On the one hand I
felt the call of God; on the other, I continued to follow the world. All the
things of God gave me great pleasure, but I was held captive by those of the world.
I might have been said to be trying to reconcile these two extremes, to bring
contraries together: the spiritual life on the one hand and worldly
satisfactions, pleasures, and pastimes on the other.
– Saint Teresa of Avila
Saint Teresa of Avila was a remarkably
spiritual woman. Even as a girl she could say passionately, "I want something
that will last forever!" Yet this woman who was to become one of the
world's greatest mystics went through twenty years of doubt and struggle before
becoming established in God. If Teresa took twenty years, can people like you and
me think of doing it in less? Her words can inspire all of us, for everyone
begins with doubts and conflicts. Little people like us are likely to be
haunted by them - and to feel frequently disheartened for a long, long time.
When you have
doubts about your capacity for spiritual progress, don't be defeatist. Remember
these words of Saint Teresa and keep striving, keep on trying. This is all we
are expected to do.
Words to Live By:
Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is to reflect on the effort
you have been putting towards your practices -
not just yoga asana. Consider the
third Niyama, Tapas, which is translated as discipline, austerities, and heat. Tapas can also mean effort. Here Saint Teresa is presents a clear picture
of the meaning of Tapas.
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
360.834.5994
www.rushingwateryoga.com
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