You gotta have faith

Faith is having a belief in something greater than yourself. “Kriya yoga”  means “yoga in action” and is described in The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali to include three valuable keys for establishing the skill of surrender.

Yoga is considered to be the ‘science of the mind.’ While studying the science of the mind seems like the last place you would look to help you in terms of cultivating faith, it is quite perfect because through studying the mind, the yogis realize that our mind is intertwined with the ego. The ego associates with the rational, the seen and “the proven.” This science of the mind, or yoga, helps us to see how the mind is the limiting factor to experiencing our true potential and a deeper connection to the Source of life, healing, and possibility.

Sutra 1, Book II of the sutras tells us that to experience “yoga in action” one must practice three things, “tapas, svadhyaya, and ishwara pranidhanani”. Let’s take look at what this means and how these Sanskrit words provide guidelines to developing faith. 

The first part of yoga practice requires ‘tapas’ which can be translated to mean discipline. Tapas can also mean ‘friction.’ Friction is created when we use discipline to resist and change bad habits. Changing our habits can cause discomfort due to the mental strength required to do so. Another way of understanding tapas comes when unexpected, unwelcome events happen in our lives. That can also cause discomfort or even a feeling of pain. Therefore, tapas could be taken to mean that we must be willing to “accept pain” or difficulty in life as an opportunity to evolve. As we accept the idea that life is providing exactly what we need, when we need it, in order to grow, we are practicing tapas. So the first part of acquiring faith through tapas is–acceptance. 

The second part of yoga practice requires “svadhyaya”. This is simply, the study of spiritual books. Svadhyaya asks that we turn our attention to books that enlighten us to the true Self, or the Highest Self. These books can be any spiritual book that you are drawn to such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Bhagavad Gita, Bible, Koran, Torah, and more. I have found my heart connection through the Tantric texts, one of my favorites is the Splendor of Recognition or the Radiance Sutras. The books all are believed to channel the voice of God and elevate the mind and spirit. 

“Ishwara Pranidhanani” is the last part of “yoga in action”. This sanskrit phrase speaks of surrendering to the Supreme Being. Because yoga is considered to be a science and is non-denominational, the God of your own understanding allows for the discovery of the sacred through the personal experience with the Divine. Most importantly, a willingness to acknowledge and offer the fruits of your actions to God. Everything you do. When you give freely what has been given to you, you are never lost. Use the mantra, “May this (action) be dedicated to the Lord of Love” or fill in your own word, like, May this be dedicated to: Her, Nature, The Unifying Force, Love, or whatever comes to your heart that represents what is pure and supreme.

If you need more reasons to let go and let God, recognize that it provides freedom, soothes the nervous system, and produces positive physical and psychological effects like longevity and lowered risk of dimentia.

I will touch on subjects like the physical and psychological effects of yoga in future articles and upcoming workshops.

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