Come on, baby:

Not that kind of fire, y’all. I’m talking about “Tapas,” the Sanskrit term in yogic philosophy that means “heat,” and emphasizes self-discipline and the inner fire required to transform oneself. Transformation, baby — that’s what I’m talkin’ about.

Tapas is one of the five Niyamas, which are personal observances listed in the second limb of Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga in the Yoga Sutras.

Tapas refers to the disciplined effort and austerity that one undertakes to purify the body, mind, and spirit. It involves pushing ourselves beyond comfort zones, enduring hardships, and engaging in practices that build inner strength and resilience. Tapas is seen as a purifying force, burning away impurities and ignorance. This purification can be physical, mental, and spiritual.

Tapas in Practice

1. Physical Discipline: Includes rigorous physical practices such as asanas, fasting, or other form of bodily control and endurance. It also involves maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.

2. Mental Discipline: Practices like meditation, mindfulness, and the cultivation of positive thoughts and attitudes that require the practitioner to overcome mental laziness and distractions.

3. Spiritual Discipline: Involves devotion, prayer, and other spiritual practices that deepen our connection with the divine. It can also mean adhering to moral and ethical codes, such as truthfulness, non-violence, and contentment.

In modern yoga practice, Tapas can be interpreted as maintaining dedication and discipline in one’s practice and lifestyle. It can be as simple as committing to a regular yoga practice, maintaining a balanced diet, or engaging in self-reflective practices.

By practicing Tapas, we can cultivate strength, resilience, and purity, which are essential for achieving higher states of consciousness and well-being.