Tapas

Austerity, discipline, “heat.” Third niyama of Ashtanga Yoga.

It literally means “to burn” or “to generate heat.” It is the practice of:

• Maintaining discipline even when uncomfortable
• Tolerating opposites (cold/heat, hunger/satiation)
• Persisting in practice regardless of circumstances

Tapas burns away impurities of body and mind. It is the fire that transforms intention into realization. Without tapas, knowledge remains theoretical.