yahooyoga: Great effort (tapas)

Tapas is the third Niyama. Tapas means penance, austerity or a burning effort. Tapas is derived from the root 'Tap' meaning to blaze, burn, shine, suffer pain or consume by heat. It therefore means a burning effort under all circumstances to achieve a definite goal in life. It involves purification, self discipline and austerity. The whole science of character building may be regarded as a practice of Tapas.

There is a story of boy named Dhruva who is remembered for the difficult penance he practiced. Dhruva's father the mighty king named Uttanapada , he had two wives. The name of the elder wife was Suniti, she was modest and kind and Dhruva was her son. The second wife was naughty and ambitious and her name was Surichi, Uttama was her son. Surichi was the King's favorite. She wished to ensure that her son would be the King's successor. She therefore took every opportunity to belittle the elder queen and her innocent son Dhruva. The king believed Surichi's tales and showered all his affection on the younger queen and her son.

One day Dhruva finding his father alone, went and sat on his lap. At that moment Surichi arrived. How dare you sit on the King's lap, she screamed and pulled Dhruva out of his father's lap. Dhruva was hurt and went crying to his mother. Mother, he vowed, I shall practice penance and attain a position higher than that of my father, the king. His mother Suniti tried to dissuade hr son, but the strong willed boy held steadfastly to his promise. Finally Dhruva obtained his mother's blessings and left for the forest. Although he was only a boy, Dhruva wandered alone in the forest in search of a teacher. Whenever Dhruva met wise and holy man he asked them, Please can you show me the path to heaven? Some wisemen admired his courage, others laughed at him and others asked him to return home. None, however could show him the path sought.

The unwavering Dhruva continued his search. He lived on wild fruits, berries and water. Neither heat nor cold, neither wild beasts nor hunger could deter him from the efforts. Then one day Dhruva met the wise sage, Narada. Narada taught Dhruva a prayer. If you wish to reach heaven, said Narada, chant this prayer and meditate on the lord. Dhruva was happy for the guidance. He sat cross legged under a tree and concentrated his thoughts and feelings on Lord Vishnu. For days on end he mediated, prayed and fasted. Greatly impressed by the child's burning efforts and austerities, Lord Vishnu appeared before him. O Lord, the boy prayed Please remove all my mother's sorrows and grant me a place in heaven. Dhruva, said Lord Vishnu your penance has been more severe than that of a great sages. I shall grant your wish. Now return home to your mother. Young Dhruva returned home with a large following. His parents were delighted to see him. Surichi apologized for having mistreated him. When Dhruva came of age, his father crowned him as a King. Dhruva wisely governed his kingdom for many years. When he grew old Vishnu raised him to the heaven and made him a bright star called Dhruva, the Pole star.