Greetings Sadhakas,
This week in class
we are considering the third Niyama - Tapas.
You are what your
deep, driving desire is.
-
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Desire is the key
to life, because desire is power. The deeper the desire, the more power it
contains.
Most people start
life with many small desires. Their power and vitality trickle away in many
different directions. None of their desires is deep enough to contain much
power. But there are people whose lives are molded by only a few, consuming
desires. Such people usually achieve their goals. Because their desires are
unified, their will becomes nearly invincible. To desire something deeply is to
will it, and to will is to achieve. If they want to become a great artist,
build a bigger pyramid, explain the movements of the planets, they devote their
life to that, and usually succeed. Wherever you find great success in life, it
is fueled by the intense unification of desires.
But the most
successful people of all are the rare men and women like Mahatma Gandhi and
Saint Teresa of Avila
who have but one desire. All lesser desires have been consumed in the great
fire of love for God.
Words to Live By:
Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is
to study the third Niyama or Tapas. 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. Observe for
yourself how unifying this practice of Tapas across these three areas can help
you navigate and stay on your path.
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
360.834.5994
www.rushingwateryoga.com
Serving Yoga to Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver Washington
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