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Namah Vol. 32, Issue 4, 15th January 2025

Numerous ideas and impulses arise, remain
briefly, and then dissipate without the surface
personality being aware of their origins,
rendering it utterly incapable of maintaining
sustained focus over extended periods.

Two Pillars of Tapasya: Faith and Aspiration

The conscious mind of the waking state and its
ego-personality possesses a limited capacity
for action. However, it can tap into a greater
power that resides within the depths of one’s upward ascent, akin to a flame or a sapling
heart. These two allies are known as faith and growing towards the light. Aspiration is a
aspiration in the context of yogic psychology. profound yearning of the innermost being,
the soul, to attain the Divine. It is an inner
Faith (sraddha) is not merely a mental belief fire that propels the individual forward on
but a profound inner conviction deeply rooted the path, propelling them to seek higher
in the heart, guiding individuals towards the knowledge, experience, and transformation.
necessary actions and potential outcomes. It is the divine will, instinctively known by the
It precedes knowledge and emerges from soul, guiding them towards their destination
an intuitive conviction originating from the above. This is the Agni of the Vedic seers,
soul within. Unlike the external nature and a universal force that manifests uniquely
its desires, cravings, and impulses, which within each individual, inspiring them to
often manifest as dramatic and compulsive progress. However, this flame of aspiration
yet fleeting waves, faith exudes a calm and is often intertwined with the outer nature’s
steadfast tranquillity. This inner faith serves confusions, mental chatter, desires, impulses,
as a firm anchor, often obscured by the mental cravings, and inertia. Consequently, the
chatter, desires, impulses, and cravings of seeker must cultivate the ability to silence the
the vital nature or the inertia of the physical outer nature to purify the aspiration and discern
body. Recognising the presence of faith within its pure longing to surrender to the Divine. This
oneself is a pivotal step in the spiritual force brings purity, the right direction, and a
journey, enabling individuals to persevere steadfast drive to the tapas of the outer being.
on the path despite doubts and challenges.
Faith acts as a steadfast foundation, fostering The Role of Surrender in Yogic Trans-
a dynamic trust that empowers individuals formation
to overcome apparent obstacles and continue
their pursuit of self-realisation. It serves as The most advanced faculty within the outer
a solid base upon which the active power of ego personality is its rational intellect
tapas can be cultivated. and intelligent will (buddhi). However, as
previously discussed, it is unable to integrate
If faith serves as the foundation, aspiration all aspects of its being independently or
provides the direction and force for an discern the larger forces of the subconscious,

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