Tapas are the self-disciplined actions that we take to achieve a goal. Self-discipline is defined by Webster correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of improvement. Tapas means to do things that lead to the control mind fluctuations. Tapas is usually defined as austerity. But that word conjures up too many negative beliefs.
Many religious traditions recommend austerities for their cloistered populations. When we went to the Kumbha Mela in India we passed a group of naked sadhus (those who do not use clothing but smear their body with ashes) sitting cross legged on the dirt in meditation. Surrounding each were about ten urns of fire. On top of their matted locks they also had a vessel of fire. The temperature was in the high nineties at the time, and we were all drenched in perspiration. These sadhus sat there without moving or sweating. On our way back which must have been at least 2 hours they were still sitting there not moving. This is what we usually think of as austerity. The physical body was experiencing the heat, but through mental discipline, the body did not react. Mind and body are one. Other traditions use other austerities, but all are just to control the mind.
Control of the mind results in strong will power. It results in being able to achieve that which we set out to do. It is something we all wish we had more of. We set out each New Year with goals and wishes and by the end of January they begin to fade.
Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras explains what happens when we set out to discipline the mind or embark on self-improvement. He calls them turbulences of the mind. To study these is very important, because we begin to see a patten that the mind goes through. We need not judge. Let us look at the 6 disturbances of the mind that keep us from self-actualization. These reflect the nature of the mind. If we know them, we will be able to understand ourselves.
- Vyaadhi = physical sicknes. sWhen the mind does not want to do anything, we become sick.
- Styaan – mental laziness. If there is no disease but a lack of inspiration, we create mental obstacles. We have enough energy but waste it. If our mental energy is not used, we become unhappy.
- Samshay – doubtfulness. With a doubtful mind we cannot do anything. We must believe in what is to be done; that is why we do things.
- Pramaad – a certain kind of ego. Even if we are not doubtful, there is pramaad. If all opportunities are provided, you know that it is good, and you want to do it, but the mind does not let you do it, then it is this ego. We think so highly of ourself in the subconscious mind, that we do not need it and therefore do not do it.
- Aalasya – physical laziness. This is not physical inability.
- Avirati – absence of detachment. Through attachment to the objects of the world we lose mental control. Mind will always follow that which we love or are attached to.
We look at these six and this way we do not need to disempower ourselves with judgement. These tendencies are part of the mind, even though the conscious mind tells it want to do. We need to accept the possibility and set out to overcome them. Any time we judge ourselves, we steal our ability.
Self-discipline or tapas is necessary to develop mental strength. Some practices are: yoga, physical exercises, prayer, meditation, journaling, gratitude etc or any thing that we do on a regular basis to develop a healthier body and mind. One of the best ways is mindfulness. Mindfulness means being aware of what we are doing at all times. How many times have we misplaced something and are looking for it because we where not mindful? Being mindful in every action, especially in the morning is discipline. When we get up immediately we begin to think of the day and what needs to be done and do the morning routine on auto pilot while the mind is going on and on. But this is the time to reflect and become mindful, so that the day will go smoothly. After the initial, I have to get up and go to work today, just be very mindful of every action. In the shower feel the water running down your back, feel the toothbrush going into all the corners of the mouth, taste the toothpaste etc. This is practicing tapas in the morning. Then sit down and do some breathing exercises and stretches. Taste the breakfast as if it is the first time you tasted it. Become aware, be in the moment. Do not allow the mind to run all over the place. When it does, just remind it gently to return to being mindful.
For spiritual students we recommend that every part of life becomes tapas. In the Bhagavat Gita it states “Offer all actions to me.” That means all of our life and thoughts are to become a Divine instrument. “Oh Lord use me until I can not be used any more.” Then all conflicts and all joys become a means towards returning to the source.
When we endeavor to practice anything on a regular basis we immediately reprimand ourselves if we skip a day or two. When we do that, we remove our power. Accept it, and just move on and start the practice again. Do not give up. Look at the six tendencies of the mind and know it is not your weakness but just a mental tendency. This attitude will give us the power to accomplish what we have set out to do. Tapas or discipline is bitter in the beginning, but sweet at the end.
