Develop Self-Discipline & The Power of 'Tapas'

Discipline 'For the Self' has to be nurtured 'By the Self'! Can there be any other alternative?

Starting with a personal anecdote, I have been a late riser since my childhood. Regardless of how much I sleep, I always crave a few extra minutes, which often turn into hours. Being thin, underweight, and lacking muscle strength, I used to experience blackouts and cold sweats frequently. However, after diligently practicing Yoga for five years and disciplining both my body and mind, I have now cultivated the habit of waking up at 4:30 am daily and can engage in uninterrupted yoga asana practice for 90-120 minutes. This exemplifies the power of discipline!

But does discipline happen so easily? The seed of it lies in the realisation of living a conscious life and also acknowledging that this in the long run will gift me a healthy soul embraced by my healthy body. It is important to understand that discipline doesn't simply materialize on its own, even if we understand its importance. It requires constant nurturing, lifting ourselves up during low moments, and acknowledging our accomplishments along the way! The crucial step is to step out of our comfort zone, both physically and mentally.

And here comes 'Tapas'

When it comes to cultivating Discipline, this powerful tool of Yoga called 'Tapas' is an unfailing catalyst and support. The Sanskrit word 'Tapas' has come from the root word of 'Tapah' or 'Tapa' which means Heat or To Burn. In its true essence of generating Heat or Burning, this practice symbolizes a process of Transformation and Purification.

So how is Discipline related to Tapas?

Dissecting the concept of Tapas, often it is indicated as Austerity, which is understood to be even harder regimen than normal Discipline. However, in Yoga Practice everything is done with a sense of Balance and Devotion towards the journey of Self- Purification.

Yoga preachers give a very common example of cooking food, which is very relevant in this case. When we cook a raw food, we transform its property from a vegetable to food, which is edible. Similarly, to cause any transformation in our life, we need to burn the impurities stored in our body & mind in order to cleanse ourselves and make us ready to embrace the dream future.

Tapas thus is not only about Discipline but also depicts an entire process of transforming us inside out- It is a journey of growth and evolution. But remember, Tapas needs an intention setting and a clear path. Also, we should keep in mind, that the transformation needs to occur holistically from every dimension of our character. Anybody growing in their intellectual dimension has the highest potential to turn out to be a cynic with a lot of dryness, whereas anyone with a heightened emotional quality may succumb to a sudden storm without recognizing the necessity for it. Thereby, transformation should always be an all-round process. Typically, a Yoga Teacher who has a holistic approach to teaching can provide assistance in this situation! See some guidelines for successfully following a 'Tapas' below.

Samskara Story

Is it not true that all of us want a sea-change in our life? We want to experience better days in terms of our health! So why do we struggle to maintain the habits we initiate?

Well, it is something hidden deep down in our subconscious state called Samskaras. Samskara, by definition, is a deeply rooted habit or pattern which has the ability to guide our thoughts and actions even when we are not mindful enough. Samskaras are said to have its source from our past experiences, thought patterns, past actions and even emotional & intellectual behaviour. These samskaras operate our mind and actions continuously for everything we do and think. Though there are advanced yogic techniques to evolve beyond the captivation of the samskaras, but for beginners like us, even if we identify with any single pattern & intend to work on it, that itself can be a life-altering episode for us.

Starting now, whenever you experience a food craving or struggle to wake up early in the morning, recall the childhood story shared at the beginning and recognize it as your Samskara prompting you. Don't answer that call!

Benefits of Tapas

Since we are talking of Self- Discipline here, it is needless to say that the journey of Tapas helps us inculcate Self-discipline in our life. Other benefits are listed down here.

• Kindle Self-love: Acknowledging your samskaras will make you realise that you are unique. Also, all your past endeavours have a major impact on how you have shaped up your life today. This realisation undoubtedly ignites a feeling of self-love and a sense of responsibility towards oneself.

• Epitome of Patience: Prepare to be recognized as the ultimate example of patience by those around you! This transformation will undoubtedly occur. The discipline it instills in us and the ability to maintain it elevate our patience to new heights. We develop a deeper appreciation for our own hard work, which, in turn, fosters respect for the efforts of others. As a result, we not only exhibit patience towards ourselves but also towards others.

• Ignite the Fire of Willpower: This is an unprecedented occurrence! Our willpower symbolizes the Fire element present in our body. When this element is in harmony, it fuels our willpower, guiding it towards our destiny and aspirations. According to Yoga Philosophy, willpower involves not only our desires but also the equilibrium between our intentions and responsibilities. We comprehend a deep understanding of the true nature of determination through the challenging times.

• Expedition into your Inner-Self: The more you detach from your samskaras, more the inner light will be revealed to you. The entire process of 'Tapas' is in fact centered on witnessing this ever-shining light within us. In Yoga Philosophy, our Soul or 'Atman' is only a witness and is without any qualities (Nirguna). During the process of Tapas, we do experience moments of touching that changeless witness of Nirguna Atman.

Some Useful Tips of Self-Discipline through Tapas

We understand by now, that self-discipline is about consistency, self-motivation while keeping the flame of 'Tapas' along with it by setting an intention, being balanced in our approach, bringing rigour in daily life and respecting ourselves in all ways possible.

Let's see some of the useful tips that might help us to keep up with our journey.

• Take care of your Food: What goes inside our stomach has a large impact on the entire mind functioning. Foods can make us lethargic or energetic, sleepy or active, creative or brain fogged. So, choose your food wisely. Here's a video series to guide you on the kind of food-intake one should have according to their Doshas!

• Set your Morning Routine right: The morning shows the day! We all know it. Try to spend some time on mindfulness, even a short meditation or Yoga asana practice, even journaling is fine. Reflect on your mental state and establish your intentions for the day ahead.

• Small Wins matter: Celebrating whatever we achieve, no matter how small the task is, can shoot up the self-confidence and reinvigorate us for the challenges ahead. It can make daunting tasks appear more manageable and reduce our reliance on others.

• Journal & Keep Track: By monitoring our emotions, thoughts, and internal changes, we can effectively confront reality and take appropriate actions when we veer off course.
  

The exploration of 'Tapas' is an endlessly fascinating subject, as it offers a sense of liberation, inspiration, and rejuvenation! Ultimately, it's important to bear in mind that we engage in this journey to develop self-discipline for our own benefit, turning what may seem like a challenging path into a beautiful story of overcoming obstacles, all while smiling brightly!