Everyday tapasya

Tapasya is a practical spiritual discipline that involves deep meditation, austerity, self-discipline and penance to achieve Self-realisation. It sounds very arduous for common folk to practice.

Not so, says Krishn in the Bhagwad Geeta 17:14-17. Tapasya is possible by practising three disciplines. The first is Shaariram Tapasya, temporal, that is, to worship the Almighty and our guru by keeping clean in body and simple in mind, and practicing brahmacharya and ahimsa.

Next, Vaangmayam Tapasya, of expression, that means the practice of addressing others so as to not cause them anxiety, to speak the truth, in a friendly and positive manner. And, the third is Maanasam Tapasya, of the mind. This is to keep the mind full of bliss, permeating an aura of elation to others; by strict control over speech and keeping thoughts pure.


This three-part tapasya, performed in total concentration, with selfless devotion, is truly sattvic. In temporal tapasya, the practice of brahmacharya, that is fidelity for a married person and celibacy for others, is important, listed as one of the yamas in Patanjali's Yog Sutras. Our ego is the main hurdle in tapasya of the mind manifesting in expression.

Devoted, selfless karma without 'me' as the doer, or beneficiary, is a sadhana in itself. As one progresses, the bold 'I' gradually fades away into soothing emanation of the Brahmn.

Life is like a steeplechase. But we have a ready instruction manual to follow.