Modern Day Disciple

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now."-- Goethe

I was inspired by this passage and am using it as a frame work for inviting tapas into the practice for this weeks classes.

“Tapas” is a powerful concept laid out in the Yoga Sutras. The word “tapas” comes from the Sanskrit verb “tap” which means “to burn”. The traditional interpretation of tapas is that it is “fiery discipline”.

When I had brought this up to my class at the beginning of our session today many of the students responded with nervous laughter :) Tapas it seems has quite a reputation! The idea of discipline and especially fiery discipline it seems can trigger certain responses of fear, trepidation, or resistance.

I reminded my students that Tapas really is the invitation into the depth of practice. Tapas is commitment to the practice and to the awakening of our spirit through the work. We know from our time on the mat--even after the first time there, that the "work" and the ritual of practice has far more power than we could ever imagine. The discipline comes into being when we feel the fire of commitment to invoke that magic on a conscious level time and time again.

It's the old saying "you know what's good for you, and you like what's good for you, but sometimes you still choose not to do it anyway". Sometimes we just need the fire of Tapas to bring us back to the practice--to remember what it means to be a disciple ready to learn and burn from the practice.

The word discipline comes from the same Latin root "discere" as discipleship; it means, literally, "to learn." So Tapas really is the burning enthusiasm/desire to learn and to be a student. Yoga is incredible because it is not only the study of the self, but the study of the current of life. You become a conscious student of life--not in an abstract way--but in a deeply relevant way--life as it manifests through you!

Practice then becomes an invitation to immerse oneself in the intensive of life. Every practice becomes a ritual of learning--a dynamic synergy between student, teacher, classmates--a circle of knowledge and learning fueled collectively by those thirsty for knowledge.

The words from Goethe that I feel invoke the potency of Tapas are "Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it" Tapas is boldness. It's the path of learning in which one shifts from just being a receiver of knowledge to one who is pursuing knowledge. One who can not only listen but also simultaneously explore. One who can feel magic and power in ritual and use the ritual as a doorway, a path towards a higher learning.

Tapas then begins to take on a fresh meaning one not laden with fear or hesitancy--but one that requires the seeker, the disciple to awaken to empowerment. You set the intention , and the practice (the teacher) takes steps to light your fire even more, and the practice grows within all involved in the learning process. The more drive you bring to learn the more your practice will illuminate and brighten your path of self discovery.

May we all remember what it means to be a disciple--ready to learn--ready to burn!