Tapas

Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,

This week in class we are considering Tapas.

If someone takes your coat, give him your cloak as well; if he makes you go a mile with him, go with him two.

-The Gospel According to Saint Matthew

If you really want to land a blow at a compulsion, defy it. Do just the opposite of what it says. It is a daring approach which appeals to everyone with a sense of adventure. If somebody has been unkind to you, go out of your way to be kind to him. It can require a lot of endurance simply to be patient with such a person, but we're talking about more than endurance now; we're talking about daring.

Try it: there is an exhilaration in it, and a special delight in seeing the other person rub his eyes in disbelief, "I was just rude to him, and now he's being thoughtful. What's wrong with him?"

Words to Live By: Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran

The homework is to learn how the discipline we bring to our Yoga practice - part of our Tapas can help us move through life as described above. Tapas means to use burning effort under all circumstances to achieve ones goal in life. Tapas needs to be applied in three areas: body, speech and mind. Practicing non-violence towards your own body is one way to practice tapas of body. Speaking kindly and truthfully can be one way to practice tapas of speech. Developing an even mind that stays balanced in sorrow and joy and practicing self discipline is tapas of mind.

Blessings,

paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
417 NE Birch St., Camas, WA 98607
360.834.5994

www.rushingwateryoga.com
info@rushingwateryoga.com

Serving Yoga to Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver Washington since 2003