The three fires (Tapas) are well known to us; they are the fire of self−created suffering; the fire of suffering through higher powers; and the fire of suffering that is caused by other beings. Nobody can eliminate from this world the influences that create such sufferings. What we can and should do is to prepare the physical−mental−spiritual soil in such a way that the seed of impressions cannot sprout into suffering. Sufferings are unfulfilled desires. The realization of these desires depends not only on ourselves, but is subject primarily to external influences. If I want something, I have to try to reach it. For this I am dependent on my own power as against the opposing forces. And we always desire something, even if it is the desire for the happiness of a desireless state.
Now we are on the track of our idea: to be desirelessly happy means to want nothing, to have no needs, to be happy with oneself and the given conditions. But yoga does not mean to learn self−satisfaction. Rather, it means to strive for such a state of perfection that some day it will be our nature to be desirelessly happy−−and to have good reason for it.
This is by no means a state of apathy, devoid of the dynamics of natural activities. On the contrary, our endeavors will no longer be whipped by passions toward a goal where, with open eyes, we uselessly invest our most precious forces in senseless intoxication. We will learn to evaluate our wishes, to know our own forces as well as the opposing powers. And if we have to renounce, we will then do so with clear understanding, not with a painful sensation of loss.
As to the symbolism of the tortoise, this is a meaningful legend which we will encounter later and which will accompany us throughout the whole book.
The book says that, A Yogî desirous of success should keep the knowledge of Haṭha Yoga secret; as it becomes potent by concealing, and impotent by exposing. He should practise Haṭha Yoga in a small room, situated in a solitary place, and free from stones, fire, water, disturbances of all kinds. Having seated in such a room and free from all anxieties, he should practise Yoga, as instructed by his guru. Yoga is destroyed by the following six causes:—Over-eating, exertion, talkativeness, adhering to rules, i.e., cold bath in the morning, eating at night, or eating fruits only, company of men, and unsteadiness.
The following six bring speedy success:—Courage, daring, perseverance, discriminative knowledge, faith, aloofness. from company. The ten rules of conduct are: ahiṃsâ (non-injuring), truth, non-stealing, continence, forgiveness, endurance, compassion, meekness, sparing diet and cleanliness. The ten niyamas mentioned by those proficient in the knowledge of yoga are: Tapa, patience, belief in God, charity, adoration of God, hearing discourses on the principles of religion, shame, intellect, Tapa and Yajña.
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