50. Plane of Austerity (Tapa-Loka)

Affirmation:

With devotion and inner strength, I work on my spiritual purification.
I release the illusions of the ego and deeply connect with my true, divine nature.
In the silence of my soul, I discover the immortal power that guides me toward ultimate truth and peace.

Mantra:

Om Atma Shuddhaye Namah

50

Plane of austerity

(tapa- or tapar-loka)

As knowledge was the main concern of the fifth chakra, hard work on the self — penance — characterizes the player who vibrates on the plane of austerity, the sixth chakra. Tapa means penance, mortification, burning and the practice of meditation on self-denial.

Tapa-loka is the sixth of the seven major lokas. This region does not perish at the night of Brahma. Air is the element that predominates in this loka, hence all the combinations interpenetrate each other without any difficulty. Although the elements finish with the fifth chakra within the human organism, in certain lokas, special regions situated in space, the elements still exist. Those who evolve by their hard work on themselves go to these lokas, depending upon the state of their consciousness. Those who dwell in this loka called tapa-loka are high ascetics and yogis — those who have gone on the path of no return and who are still engaged in high penances in order to be able to cross this level of consciousness and reach the next, the satya-loka, the plane of reality.

The developing witness-self recognizes the remaining karmas and sets about the arduous tasks necessary to burn them off. Hard penance is demanded. Karmas have become too heavy a burden to carry farther.

The player reaches tapa-loka either directly, through the practice of fourth-chakra sudharma, or gradually as he progresses through the fifth chakra, develops conscience, and masters his sun/moon energy system.

The experience of oneness with all reality strips the phenomenal, sensory world of its attractions. All the elements are now under the players command. His insight into the nature of the space-time continuum enables him to see the beginning and end of creation. Living in this limited body, he becomes unlimited. The player knows he is immortal spirit in a temporal body. Death ceases to inspire terror. Here the player understands the meaning of “I am That” or “That 1 am," known in Sanskrit as tattvamasi, or hamsa. The player now becomes known as paramhansa.

Much is said in the West of the third eye. To understand this phenomenon, the player must undergo the rigors of the plane of austerity. He must do penance. He must get away from the identification with man or woman. His whole understanding of himself must change radically. He must recognize within himself the presence of the Divine. He must feel his own infinite nature. Here the sound Om becomes his mantra. This is the cosmic syllable that creates resonances throughout his system and helps raise his level of energy. Every hour of the day, every minute, he hears his inner sound. The sound grows more and more pervasive until it encompasses all the sounds in his environment, internal and external. Whoever is in his presence becomes calm and starts hearing the same high-frequency sounds generated by his own system.

Each player has a specific effect on other players, depending on the level at which he is vibrating at the time. The presence of the first-chakra man assumes either a terrifying or a pitiable aspect. He aggressively seeks physical survival or laments his inability to attain it. The second-chakra man, concerned with sensual indulgence, seeks to charm and soothe. His voice is seductive, unctuous. The player vibrating in the third chakra issues challenges. He asserts his ego wherever and whenever possible in the search for ever broader identifications and for confirmation of the aspects he has already assumed. The fourth-chakra player inspires those around him. He has found an emotional center and produces no threatening vibrations. The player in the fifth chakra holds up a mirror crafted of his own experience, in which other players can see themselves reflected. The presence of the sixth-chakra man reveals the Divine. The other players lose their identities and inhibitions and try to merge their consciousness with that of the one who has established himself in the plane of austerity.

Art

This artwork offers a close-up portrayal of a meditating woman's face, capturing a moment of profound spiritual connection and inner peace. Focused on her third eye, the symbol of intuition and insight, her expression is serene, reflecting the depth of her meditation.

Behind the woman, a large Om symbol emerges, representing the cosmic vibration and the essence of the universe. This symbol appears as if it's growing, transforming into a colorful and permanent soundtrack of her life. It symbolizes her deep connection with spiritual energy and the omnipresent sound that resonates within and around her.

Additionally, another Om symbol is delicately placed in the area of her heart chakra, suggesting the integration of spiritual energy within her being. This placement signifies the harmony between her heart and mind, aligning her emotional and spiritual centers with the universal energy.

The colors and composition of the artwork create a sense of harmony and tranquility, mirroring the woman's inner peace and spiritual awakening. The piece serves as a visual representation of the profound impact of meditation and spiritual practice, highlighting the transformative power of connecting with the deeper aspects of one's being and the universe.

Song

Tapa-loka

aaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Beyond the mind, a new domain,
Where knowledge fades, and penance reigns.
Tapa's embrace, a burning fire,
To purify the soul's desire.

Austerity's plane, a lofty height,
Where self-denial cuts through night.
Karma's heavy chains, they start to break,
Through arduous toil, for wisdom's sake.

The witness sees, the path unfolds,
Ascetic steps, on stories told.
Fourth chakra's call, or gradual climb,
Through conscience clear, and conquered time.

Oneness with all, a truth revealed,
Sensory hold, forever sealed.
Elements bend, beneath command,
Space-time's expanse, held in his hand.

Mortal form, yet spirit grand,
Death's chilling touch, a grain of sand.
"I am That," the whisper rings,
Paramhansa's song, on soaring wings.

The third eye's sight, a hidden door,
Through penance sought, forevermore.
Man and woman, cast aside,
The Divine within, where secrets hide.

Om's vibration, fills the core,
Raising energy, forevermore.
Inner sounds arise, a symphony,
Uniting all, eternally.

Each chakra's hum, a different tone,
First, terror's grip, on hearts alone.
Second's sweet lure, a siren's call,
Third's challenge rings, to stand up tall.

Fourth's gentle light, a guiding grace,
Fifth's mirror shines, on every face.
Sixth chakra's glow, a radiant spark,
The Divine revealed, in the sacred dark.