I know what you might be thinking – Tapas? How does a style of dining make it’s way into Yogic Philosophy?

Well, tapas actually has a very different meaning when applied in a yogic sense. Tapas in Sanskrit literally means “heat” or “glow.” It can also mean “discipline” or “austerity.” It is also one of the five niyamas (observances) outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. An early name for a yogi was tapasvin, which meant “voluntary self-challenge.” It literally comes from the Sanskrit verb “tap” which means “to burn.” As we slide into the between-times (not yet spring but not quite winter), tapas is a great thing to help us stick to those resolutions and rediscover that internal discipline – and keep us warm! Tapas, in plain English terms, is our effort not to identify with the monkey-mind.

So, how can you implement tapas in your life and your practice? Tapas begins with intention. You must intend to overcome whatever challenge you are faced with. You must choose whatever new ground you want to break through. Once that intention is set, you need discipline, heat, drive to keep you on a forward path. You must put forth considerable effort, whether it’s mental, physical or spiritual to burn away the thought processes, habits or any sort of rut you are in that prevents you from living a happier, healthier and more peaceful life. Lastly, you need endurance, the courage to stay the course even when you are shown what may seem insurmountable obstacles, to stay the course.

However, tapas is not measured by the level of difficulty of a particular task. Say we are talking about asanas – you don’t need to achieve the difficult asanas in order to practice tapas. Tapas can be measured by the steady, consistent, subtle practices. Not letting yourself gossip about a friend or turning off the TV before you get sucked in for another hour or two. In the consistency of getting on the mat or meditation cushion every day. In tapas there is no expectation of reward, but you try to move beyond the duality of good/bad and into the unity and joy of the present moment.

Some concrete examples of the application of tapas:

• Body: Things like cleanliness, chastity, non-violence (towards self as well as others), compassion and politeness, as well as devotional activities.
• Mind: Silence, serenity, concentration, avoidance of unkind or negative thoughts.
• Speech: Truthfulness, only speaking when helpful and necessary, trying to make no offense while still speaking the truth.

Practicing pranayama is one of my favorite ways to bring tapas into my asana practice. Focusing intently on keeping the breath smooth and even, while regulating inhales and exhales can bring you directly in contact with your body/mind/spirit and how they all swirl together. Learning and focusing on maintaining Ujjayi breathing can be a great way to bring tapas into your next Asheville Yoga Center class. Pranayama can be a key catalyst to help you burn through the layers of toxic stuff (mental, physical, emotional – all of it) that you have hanging around.

One of my favorite definitions of tapas is the “burning enthusiasm to learn and understand how all facets of life are tools for self-realization.” This implies an attitude of self-discovery in every moment. Everything we do can help us on the road to knowing ourselves and becoming happier people as a result.

So, what are some ways you can practice tapas? Find an activity that you are very much attached to and see if you can give it up for a period of time (21-28 days is ideal). Also, find something that you avoid doing (dishes, housework, organization) and try to replace that thing with the one you are attached to as an experiment. How does that change your perspective on each activity? You may just be surprised at the positive power of the mind!

The author, Anna Ferguson, is a yoga teacher, artist, photographer and writer. She teaches weekly classes at Asheville Yoga Center and other studios in Asheville, NC. Find out more about her at ushasyoga.com.

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