Karma, Tapas, Prana: Yoga’s Raw Material
It is hard to define yoga; and like I’m known to acknowledge, it really depends. Part of this is because yoga means different things to different people, depending on the context. Formally, yoga is a school of Indian Philosophy called a "darshana." However, viewing yoga solely within the context of philosophy doesn't completely answer the question.
Change is real. So is struggle. Both create heat, making it difficult to pinpoint when "yoga" begins. However, we can identify specific concepts from which the practice of yoga emerged.
The first would be karma. Early notions of karma include a depiction of karma as a sticky substance that accumulates through life, weighing us down and holding us back. Over time, it hardens into a layer that binds us, comprising our tendencies, habits, and patterns. This is known as the "poison of Samsara." It restricts our freedom to evolve, inhibiting change in our bodies and lives.
The second concept is Tapas, recognizing that change, whether mental or physical, generates heat or fire that drives transformation. Tapas encompasses austerity, determination, fortitude, and the strength needed to endure difficulties. It is understood that genuine change occurs when we confront struggle and challenging times, with outcomes that can be either positive or negative, depending on the situation.
The third concept is prāṇa, the life force or vital energy that permeates everything in the universe. Prāṇa flows through the body, nourishing and vitalizing it. It is considered the subtle energy that sustains and animates all aspects of existence. Practices such as pranayama (breathing exercises) and certain yogic postures aim to regulate and enhance the prāṇic energy within the body. Understanding and working with prāṇa is crucial in yoga, as it influences various aspects of our being, promoting vitality, clarity, and a deeper connection with oneself and the universe.
Understanding the nature of these concepts allows us to deepen our experience to be one expansion and vitality. As we deepen our capacity through practice (tapas,”) and become more aware of the subtle features of our breath and vitality (prāṇa) we begin to understand how intricately we are connected to all things and important it is to act mindfully and always with compassion action (karma.) Eventually these concepts will lead to yajna, or ritualized ceremonies that once turned inward become the conceptual framework that will be eventually lead to yoga.
These concepts of karma, Tapas, and prāṇa are part of the raw material that contributes to the complex nature of yoga, offering insights into the intentional nature of early, proto-yogic, methods for building transformative power and connective awareness.
(a bit more on “Yajna”)
Yajna, also known as yagna or yagya, is indeed another significant concept in the practice of yoga. Yajna refers to the act of selfless service or sacrificial offering for the greater good. It involves performing rituals, ceremonies, or acts of devotion with the intention of offering something valuable to the divine, the universe, or humanity.
In the context of yoga, yajna extends beyond external rituals and encompasses the idea of selfless action in everyday life. It emphasizes the importance of acting with compassion, generosity, and a spirit of service towards others. Yajna encourages individuals to go beyond their own self-interests and contribute to the well-being of the community and the world at large.
Practicing yajna in yoga cultivates qualities such as selflessness, humility, and interconnectedness. It is considered a powerful means of purifying the mind, transcending the ego, and nurturing a sense of unity and harmony. By engaging in acts of yajna, individuals not only benefit others but also experience personal growth and spiritual development.
