Tapas

Definition: Austerity; self-discipline; inner heat.

Insights: Tapas is the practice of cultivating inner fire and austerity. It involves self-discipline, perseverance, and the burning away of impurities. In yoga, tapas is essential for purifying the body and mind, preparing them for higher realization.

Related Sutras

2.32

śaucasantoṣatapaḥsvādhyāyeśvarapraṇidhānāni niyamāḥ

Importance: 9/10

Cleanliness (śauca), contentment (santoṣa), austerity (tapas), self-study (svādhyāya), and devotion to Īśvara (Īśvara praṇidhāna) are the niyamas.

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2.43

kāyendriyasiddhiraśuddhikṣayāttapasaḥ

Importance: 7/10

From austerity (tapas), due to the destruction of impurities, comes perfection of the body and senses.

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