Tapas – discipline

«From austerity arises the destruction of impurity and the perfection of the body and the senses» (Yoga-sūtra, 2.43).

The word tapas comes from the Sanskrit root tap which means to burn, to flare up, to shine and also to suffer for a pain and to consume with fire. Fire, while consuming and therefore causing pain, removes all dirt, sterilizes, and gives a new shape, as in the case of gold or metal. The meaning of the term, in fact, probably derives from the heating process at high temperatures of the auriferous material in order to burn all waste and obtain pure gold. With tapas the dirt of the body and mind is removed, to create a new individual, a purer individual. In fact, tapas is translated with austerity and self-discipline. Discipline without discrimination and measure, however, is likely to burn out and that’s why you need the wisdom of hatha-yoga to get good results.

If you learn to manage your energy, without wasting it or venting it badly, you can get a lot this month, Leo. You want to live, to learn, to move, to travel, and with the coming of your birthday there will be opportunities and proposals to implement your ideas. Optimism reigns and you don’t let yourself be too much touched by any unexpected events. At the end of this month this positivity will repay you in the affections too.

Learn to control and direct your energy with these exercises:

Makara-āsana, crocodile pose. Stop and think before acting, so that you won’t end in crocodile tears! Relax your whole body and calm your mind. It helps you calm down and clear your mind. // 2 – 4 min.

Mālā-āsana, garland pose. Stop a moment. Be patient. Think. // 1-2 min.

Concentration. Relax in a meditative position. Take some time to relax all the muscles. Observe your breath, observe the state of your mind. Try to be aware of all the sensations of your body, especially those related to touch: the pressure of your legs and buttocks on the ground; the touching of your clothes on your shoulders and on your abdomen, the warmth of your hands touching each other and the legs; the coolness of bare skin touched by the air; etc. Go on seeking for tactile sensations. // From 5 to 15 min.

TOTAL TIME: from 8 to 21 minutes.

MANTRA of the MONTH: «I manage my energies wisely».