Tapas has a few different translations — I’ve usually heard “heat.” But I’ve also heard “pain,” “suffering” and “austerities.”
Why do I want to be hot?
Heat purifies. Boiling water makes it potable. Smelting metals removes impurities. Ironing clothes removes wrinkles.
Now think about the last time someone said something hurtful to you. Something that really … made your blood boil. It’s no accident that we use that fire imagery for anger. That little angry emoji. Yosemite Sam.
When you’re hurt, sick or uncomfortable, it burns.
You have two choices: will you spread the fire, or will it stop with you?
Well… if heat purifies us, then we should welcome the pain. Metal that has been smelted and formed into beams is stronger and more resilient than the impure ore that first comes from the ground.
Similarly, feeling pain is not pleasurable, but because we recognize that the burning will make us stronger, we welcome it as a blessing.
Contemplation
Here are some images (mostly from pixabay.com) that I think might help with some reflection.
Meditation
In our meditation practice, I share a story from the Sutras.
A saint was traveling from village to village when a man ran up and started hurling insults. The saint just smiled peacefully. So the man ramped up his insults getting more personal and angrier all the time.
Suppose you brought me some fruit and I refused it. What would you do?
I would have to take it back.
Yes. In the same way, I don’t enjoy all these things you have brought me. So you can just take them back.
Satchidananda
Practice.
In our asana practice, we build a little bit of extra Tapas by holding some postures for a little longer than we normally would. Living in the potential discomfort and calming our breath and going inside. I’ll never encourage you to work into pain, but being a little uncomfortable, in my opinion, can provide anchor for concentration.
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