“While attempting to create world peace through the internal transformation of individuals may be difficult, it is the only way.” With this statement, His Holiness the Dalai Lama challenges us to become what it is that we wish to see in our world. He teaches that it is only through our evolution into more peaceful and compassionate beings that our planet can be free from suffering. To help others, we must first be free ourselves, and freedom requires discipline.

    One of the most fundamental principles of yoga philosophy is tapas, which means self-discipline, practice or austerity. Tapas is burning enthusiasm, ardor and intensity. All these words communicate the focused commitment it takes to change ourselves. The Sanskrit root of the word tapas literally means “to burn.” In yoga, the fire of enthusiastic practice is a purification, transforming our lives and our consciousness so that we can establish ourselves in a state of peace and spiritual fulfillment. As B.K.S. Iyengar translates in Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, “Self-discipline burns away impurities and kindles the sparks of divinity.”

   In our culture, the word 'discipline' has some negative connotations, as it can be associated with punishment or the imposition of rules by an outside authority. Yogic discipline is self-imposed. It is the means of bringing our thoughts, words and actions into accord with our goals and values. It involves both actions to be cultivated and those to be avoided. Discipline is a paradox. It can feel like a rigid set of rules and restraints or an oasis of serenity giving us permission to nurture ourselves. Recognizing the value of doing yoga postures each day, we prioritize the practice and get on the mat. Some other activities and habits may have to be given up in order to create the time and energy needed for practice. As we notice the positive feelings of health and contentment that come from our practice, the discipline becomes easier.

   Spring is the perfect season to deepen or begin a yoga practice. Our inner growth and transformation is supported as new life springs forth all around us. Those who have been away from the practice may see that this is the ideal time to return to the mat for renewal. And anyone who has been thinking about taking a yoga class will find that this is a good time to give it a try. The practice of yoga postures brings physical health and vitality, mental focus and clarity, and emotional poise and serenity. Through yoga we can begin to develop our inner qualities of patience, tolerance, generosity, kindness and compassion. These are powerful tools for creating a more peaceful and happy world.

Karen Allgire, MFA, RYT, is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor. She has been teaching dance and movement since 1983 and yoga since 1998. Karen is co-director of Green Tara Yoga & Healing Arts in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. You can reach her at info@greentarayoga.com or (216) 382-0592.