Those of us in the northern hemisphere are experiencing the predominance of the fire element this summer. The physical heat of summer generally promotes growth and fruition (plants and trees), but many people are suffering from its intensity this year. On a subtler, spiritual level, there is an internal fire that promotes spiritual growth by burning off the psychic toxins that diminish our clarity and awareness of the truth. For this reason and season, we choose to practice the Yoga principle of Tapas.
Tapas literally means to burn and is often translated either as austerity or acceptance of pain. This teaching implies that when we accept pain in any form, we can learn and grow in important ways, but let’s look at some examples to clarify what this means for us.
There are many examples of the cleansing and healing effects of heat, like the use of saunas and hot compresses; even a fever is the body’s way of fighting infection. But physical pain that comes to us uninvited can be a very difficult teacher, showing us the limitations of the physical body as a dependable source of happiness.
Physical pain forces us to pay attention, teaches us how to care for the body, and expands our ability to be at peace with the inevitable challenges of life. Chronic pain can ultimately inspire us to search for and dwell in the unchanging awareness behind such experiences.
Emotional pain has much the same effect, compelling us to look deeply into the cause of our disturbance instead of ignoring or repressing the grief or anxiety we feel. If we accept painful emotions and allow the energy they generate to release, we can often find the unhealthy desire or expectation that gave rise to it. For example, we all like compliments and it can be insightful to see how easily we become angry or hurt when we are criticized.
Yet another form of pain is the mental discomfort of self-discipline, helping us build will power, focus and the ability to override our habits to choose healthier behavior and positive thoughts. Self-discipline requires making mindful goals that build will power gradually without undue force.
For example, we can make a commitment to daily morning meditation which requires exercising the will to get to bed on time, get up as planned and make a steady effort to focus the mind. Fasting, whether it is for 3 days or skipping a meal, is another form of self-discipline that strengthens the mind and exposes our attachment to eating. Self-discipline can take many other forms such as practicing silence, giving up some little pleasure, or committing ourselves to regular spiritual study, all of which can be painful initially but will bring great benefit over time.
The spiritual teachers from many traditions cite pain as a necessary element for spiritual development. It is how we purge karma from the past and learn which behaviors are not in harmony with our true nature. It is often how our unconscious egoism is exposed, giving us the opportunity to choose love and compassion, and be free of the prison of selfish desire. It’s a hard truth to swallow, but if we are sincere about our spiritual growth, we should welcome pain for the opportunity it presents.
