Starseed Yoga and Wellness of Montclair, NJ
Tapas is accepting but not creating pain for purification. Yoga is the path to Self, it has a goal of union. The path is hard and long for most of us, but we did something right to be on it. Part of the yogic path is embracing our personal challenges - emotional, physical, spiritual, even karmically. It is seeing suffering as a way to discover our weaknesses and uncover hidden talents, like unconditional love. Under pain, there is love. When we see challenges as opportunities for growth and positive change, rather than obstacles, we can move forward with a relaxed attitude. Challenges become part of the journey, instead of the obstacles that stop us. Accepting this principle allows us to deal with any situation with a peaceful, clear, and one-pointed mind, which then allows us to be fully present.
Tapas is one of the niyamas. Together with the yamas, the niyamas are the ethical precepts for yogis. They are the do's and do not's. The niyamas nurture the self, promote longevity, create zeal and develop courage. They are necessary for any spiritual seeker. The niyamas are: purity of body/mind, contentment, discipline, self-study, and surrender to a higher power. Lets look a little closer at these...
1. Saucha - purity of mind/body
Regulating what comes in and out of the mind/body, cleaning any present toxins from mind/body, seeing the cosmic beauty rather than the cosmetic beauty in all. See the spirit.
2. Santosha - contentment, delight, joy
Live in the present moment without cravings or attachments. Whatever we have right now is enough. What we need will be provided.
3. Tapas - discipline
Accepting but not causing pain as a means of purification and growth. (Remember Ahimsa - Do no harm)
4. Svadhaya - self-study
Recollect, remember, contemplate, study for a complete and harmonious development of a student. Study of scriptures, nature (human, animal, plant), and personal actions. Act in harmony with your goal.
5. Ishwara Prandihana - self-surrender
Accepting a higher power at play, dedicating the benefits of your actions to the welfare of others. Join in the Divine energy and become unified.
Class began with Supta Baddha Konasana (supine bound angle pose) or Supta Virasana (supine hero's pose) - yogi choice. Tune into the breath. Sit up for 3 OM's and Tapas discussion. Student introductions and name of your least favorite pose.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward facing dog), Adho Mukha Vrksasana (downward facing tree pose - handstand) prep or pose, Tadasana (mountain pose), Utthita Hasta Padasana (extended hands and feet pose), Utthita Trikonasana (extended triangle pose) 3x each side, Adho Mukha Svanasana, lunges, Utthita Trikonasana > Ardha Chandrasana (half moon pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana, Adho Mukha Vrksasana prep or pose, Viparita Karani (legs up the wall), Supta Baddha Konasana, Savasana (corpse pose) with guided relaxation. Played the third eye - anja chakra crystal singing bowl coming out of Savasana.
When we see challenges as opportunities for growth and positive change, rather than obstacles, we can move forward with a relaxed attitude. Challenges become part of the journey, instead of the obstacles that stop us. Accepting this principle allows us to deal with any situation with
a peaceful, clear, and one-pointed mind.
Ending Peace Chants
Asaato Maa Sad Gamaya
Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya
Mrityor Maa Amritam Gamaya
Lead us from unreal to Real
Lead us from darkness to the Light
Lead us from the fear of death, to the knowledge of Immortality.
OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Lokaah Samastaah Sukhino Bhavantu
May the entire universe be filled with Peace and Joy, Love and Light.
Namaste
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