contd from previous blog - Niyam-1
Tapa or Endurance: It is practice of spiritual austerities like japa and meditation in intense manner over periods of time. We all know that unless we are serious about something and work for it, we will not attain it. Whether it is obtaining a college degree or building a muscular body – we have to put in regular and intense efforts to get good results. When we seek the Emperor of the Universe, we must be all the more regular and intense in our daily practices or sadhana. We should follow the guidelines and guidance given by the Guru and perform intense tapas in order to keep burning the fires of cleansing and self transformation.
The 17th chapter of the Bhagwad Gita gives three forms of tapas: Satwic, Rajas and Tamas. Tapas done with faith and without hoping for the fruits is Satwic. When we do tapas with expectation of status, felicitation etc is known as Rajas Tapas. The Tapas which arises out of foolishness and which gives trouble to our body and to others and also is done with intention of creating trouble for others is Tamas Tapas.
When Tapas is performed, it generates internal heat or fire which cleanses the inner impurities, vices and negative karma allows the radiance of the soul to shine through our being. The effects of Tapas are seen as love, peace and balance in life and physically, as the luminous glow on the face and body of the person. Tapas also bestows blessings of siddhis.
Swadhyaya or Self Study: We should do regular revision of the teachings of the Guru. It also means following the teachings in daily life in all situations. Doing of japa and dhyana are also part of Swadhyaya. The Guru gives guidance and shows the way. But we have to walk the path ourselves by regular practice and self study. Swadhyaya brings about great grace on the sadhak.
Ishwar Pranidhan or Worship with Complete Faith: Use of normal intelligence and logic tells us with great conviction that there is a Supreme Power which is responsible for the creation, maintenance and destruction of the Universe. This Divine Power manifests itself as love, knowledge and wisdom. This Divine Strength is beyond our human logic and capacity to understand. To surrender ourselves completely to this Mighty Power is Ishwar Pranidhan. It is to worship this power with selfless love and deep abiding faith and without expectations of any returns.
Bhakti or love of God is expressed in nine ways called the Nava Vidha Bhakti : Shravana, Kirtan, Smarana, Padasevana, Archana, Vandana, Dasya, Sakhya, Atma Nivedana They are: Listening to stories/lilas of God; Singing the name of God; Remembering God at all times; Serving the Lotus Feet of God; Offering of fragrant flowers and ritual worship to God; Prostrate before God; Considering self to be a servant of God and serve Him; Complete self surrender to God.
We have right only to efforts and not the fruits of work. We must be regular, constant and sincere in our efforts in spiritual practices and love God selflessly. There are times when we find obstacles at every turn and we feel defeated. At such times, when we persist in our efforts and do not give up, Divine Grace breaks all the obstacles and takes us to unexpected heights in love of God and the problems in our daily lives are also solved.
With Ishwarpranidhan, we live in a state of total surrender and acceptance of whatever happens to us as Divine Grace. We are at peace and content with life. Under such circumstances, the siddhi of samadhi is obtained and we achieve self realization.
Contd in the next blog – Niyam 3
