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The Niyamas - Tapas: Self-Discipline to Evolve

tapas/self discipline the eight limbs of yoga the niyamas

Heat to Evolve

‘Austerity (tapas) destroys impurities, perfects the body and masters sense organs.’ - The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Sutra 2.43

The word ‘Tapas’ means 'heat' and this Niyama teaches us that the discipline of a consistent practice can help us deal with life's challenges with more ease and grace.

In this blog, we'll explore the importance of Tapas and how it can enhance the quality of our lives.

Brief Yoga History: Yoga Sutras + 8 Limbs of Yoga

The true meaning of Yoga is the union of body, mind, soul, and spirit to reduce suffering.

According to the practice, we often suffer because of not knowing our true Self and the illusion of separation of our individual consciousness from Universal Consciousness.

So taking a step back... where do the Niyamas come from?

The five Niyamas are the 2nd Limb of Yoga, within the 8 Limbs of Yoga, which are 30+ concepts that come from the Yoga Sutras. If you'd like to dive deeper into the other Limbs, I have written the additional blogs below so far:

1st Limb of Yoga - The Yamas

2nd Limb of Yoga - The Niyamas

3rd Limb of Yoga - Asana

4th Limb of Yoga - Pranayama

5th Limb of Yoga - Pratyahara

6th Limb of Yoga - Dharana

7th Limb of Yoga - Dhyana

8th Limb of Yoga - Samadhi

The Yoga Sutras contain 196 verses, which discuss the aim of yoga and how you strive for freedom, liberation and self-realization - the 8th Limb of Yoga, also called Samadhi.

The Yoga Sutras were transcribed by a man (and most likely many of his colleagues and students) named Patanjali, presumably from India, estimated to have lived between 2nd century BCE to 4th century CE, and act as a practical guide to assist you on your journey of remembering the ultimate union.

According to the Sutras, beginning the pursuit of self-realization is the most significant step in life – as they make us aware of our pitfalls and how to overcome them.

The Meaning of Tapas

In the bustling tapestry of life, where distractions abound and temptations lurk at every corner, the practice of self-discipline becomes a beacon of light guiding us towards our goals. At its core lies the concept of tapas, a Sanskrit term signifying discipline, austerity, and self-control. Embracing tapas is not merely about denying oneself pleasures; rather, it is a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and personal growth.

Imagine tapas as a sculptor chiseling away at a block of marble to reveal the masterpiece within. Similarly, through disciplined actions and focused effort, we chip away at the layers of distraction and procrastination to uncover our true potential.

Tapas manifests in various aspects of life, whether it's maintaining a healthy lifestyle, pursuing academic or professional excellence, or nurturing meaningful relationships. It's the willingness to endure temporary discomfort for long-term fulfillment and success.

One of the fundamental principles of tapas is consistency. Like water carving through stone over time, consistent efforts, no matter how small, can yield remarkable results. Whether it's committing to a daily exercise routine, dedicating time for skill development, or sticking to a study schedule, consistent practice builds momentum and cultivates discipline.

Moreover, tapas teaches us the value of perseverance in the face of adversity. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable on the path to self-discipline, but it's how we respond to them that defines our journey. Rather than succumbing to defeat, tapas encourages us to embrace difficulties as opportunities for growth, resilience, and self-improvement.

"The discipline of Tapas will mold us into someone of great depth and profoundness if we let it. Can we stand the heat of being dismantled and changed forever by the fire? Can we prepare ourselves daily through our practice, our staying power, and our choices? Can we stay in the burning with integrity? Can we hold on for the blessing?" ~ Deborah Adele, The Yamas & Niyamas

How To Apply Tapas to Your Practice & Life

ON the mat:

Commit to Regular Practice: Make a commitment to practice yoga consistently, whether it's daily, several times a week, or on a specific schedule that works for you. Consistency is key to developing discipline and reaping the benefits of your practice.
Set Intentions: Before beginning each yoga session, take a moment to set an intention for your practice. This intention could be anything from cultivating inner peace and mindfulness to building strength and flexibility. Setting intentions helps focus your mind and infuse your practice with purpose.
Maintain Focus and Presence: Throughout your yoga practice, cultivate mindfulness by staying present in the moment. Focus your attention on your breath, the sensations in your body, and the movements you're making. Avoid getting distracted by external thoughts or distractions, and continuously bring your awareness back to the present moment.
Challenge Yourself: Embrace discomfort and challenge yourself to explore your edge in each yoga pose. Push yourself gently beyond your comfort zone while maintaining mindfulness and breath awareness. This could involve holding poses for longer durations, exploring deeper stretches, or trying more advanced variations of poses.
Practice with Integrity: Approach your yoga practice with integrity by honoring your body's limitations and practicing ahimsa (non-harming). Listen to your body's cues and modify poses as needed to ensure safety and prevent injury. Avoid pushing yourself too far beyond your limits, and instead, practice with compassion and self-awareness.
Stay Committed Through Adversity: Just as in life, challenges may arise during your yoga practice. Whether it's physical discomfort, mental resistance, or external distractions, stay committed to your practice despite obstacles. Use tapas to cultivate resilience and perseverance, knowing that growth often occurs through overcoming difficulties.
Practice Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude towards your body, mind, and the practice of yoga itself. Express gratitude for your abilities, your progress, and the opportunity to practice yoga. This positive mindset fosters a deeper connection to your practice and enhances your overall experience on the mat.
Reflect and Evaluate: After each yoga session, take a moment to reflect on your practice. Notice any areas where you demonstrated discipline, focus, or growth, as well as areas where you may have struggled. Use these reflections to inform your future practice and continue evolving on your yoga journey.

OFF the mat:

Set Clear Goals: Define specific, achievable goals for various areas of your life, such as career, health, relationships, and personal development. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and create a plan to work towards them consistently.
Establish Daily Routines: Create structured daily routines that support your goals and priorities. This could include setting aside time for activities like exercise, meditation, work/study sessions, meal preparation, and relaxation. Stick to your routines even when faced with distractions or disruptions.
Practice Time Management: Manage your time effectively by prioritizing tasks, setting deadlines, and avoiding procrastination. Use tools like to-do lists, calendars, and time-blocking techniques to organize your schedule and allocate time for important activities.
Limit Distractions: Minimize distractions that can derail your focus and productivity. Identify common distractions in your environment, such as social media, emails, or TV, and implement strategies to reduce their impact, such as setting boundaries, using productivity apps, or creating a dedicated workspace.
Embrace Discomfort: Embrace discomfort and challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Step outside your comfort zone by taking on new challenges, learning new skills, or pursuing activities that stretch your abilities. Cultivate resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Practice Self-Control: Develop self-control and impulse management by making conscious choices aligned with your long-term goals and values. Practice delaying gratification and resisting temptations that may hinder your progress. Cultivate mindfulness and self-awareness to better understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Stay Committed: Stay committed to your goals and aspirations, even when faced with obstacles or setbacks. Use setbacks as learning experiences and opportunities to adjust your approach rather than as reasons to give up. Keep your motivation high by reminding yourself of the reasons behind your goals and celebrating your progress along the way.
Seek Accountability: Seek support from friends, family, or mentors who can hold you accountable to your commitments and provide encouragement when needed. Share your goals with others and regularly update them on your progress. Consider joining accountability groups or working with a coach to stay on track.
Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that nourish your body, mind, and spirit. This could include getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, practicing relaxation techniques, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Taking care of yourself enables you to maintain the energy and resilience needed to practice tapas effectively.
Reflect and Adjust: Regularly reflect on your progress and assess what's working well and what could be improved. Adjust your strategies and habits as needed to stay aligned with your goals and values. Celebrate your achievements and use setbacks as opportunities for self-reflection and growth.

Benefits of Practicing Tapas

Achievement of Goals: Self-discipline provides the focus and determination needed to set and achieve goals. Whether it's pursuing a career milestone, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, or mastering a skill, disciplined individuals are better equipped to stay committed and overcome obstacles along the way.
Improved Productivity: By staying focused on tasks and minimizing distractions, disciplined individuals can maximize their productivity. They tend to manage their time more efficiently, prioritize tasks effectively, and maintain consistency in their efforts, leading to greater output and accomplishment.
Enhanced Mental Strength: Tapas strengthens mental resilience and fortitude, enabling individuals to persevere in the face of challenges and setbacks. By cultivating the ability to withstand discomfort and adversity, disciplined individuals develop a resilient mindset that is crucial for success in various domains of life.
Increased Self-Control: Practicing self-discipline fosters greater self-control and impulse management. Rather than succumbing to immediate gratification or succumbing to distractions, disciplined individuals can delay gratification and make decisions aligned with their long-term goals and values.
Enhanced Focus and Concentration: Through disciplined practice, individuals can enhance their ability to maintain focus and concentration on tasks at hand. This heightened focus enables them to delve deeper into their work, leading to improved performance and quality outcomes.
Healthier Lifestyle: Self-discipline plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Whether it's adhering to a regular exercise regimen, following a balanced diet, or getting an adequate amount of sleep, disciplined individuals are more likely to make choices that promote their physical well-being.
Increased Confidence and Self-Efficacy: Consistent practice of tapas fosters a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence. As individuals witness the tangible results of their disciplined efforts, they develop a belief in their abilities and a sense of self-efficacy, empowering them to tackle new challenges with confidence.
Better Decision-Making: Disciplined individuals are more deliberate and thoughtful in their decision-making process. By exercising self-control and considering the long-term implications of their choices, they are better equipped to make informed decisions that align with their values and aspirations.
Enhanced Personal Growth: Tapas serves as a catalyst for personal growth and development. Through disciplined practice, individuals continually push their boundaries, expand their capabilities, and evolve into the best versions of themselves.
Greater Sense of Fulfillment: Ultimately, practicing tapas leads to a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in life. By consistently pursuing their goals with discipline and determination, individuals experience a profound sense of purpose and accomplishment, enriching their lives in meaningful ways.

Mantra and Active Meditation Technique for Tapas

Om Agnaye Namaha

As you chant the mantra for Tapas, draw to mind something that you wish to cultivate, let go of, or transform through heat or fire (Agni Oragnaye).

Options include:

Sit or lay down and say or sing mantra silently or out loud.

Could wear Mala beads and move fingers along beads for each verse.

Conclusion

"In yoga, having a daily disciplined practice is referred to as Sadhana and is much like doing a small controlled burn on ourselves. It is the discipline of putting ourselves in places where the old debris that has collected in us can be removed. We engage in this process when we pay attention to the amount and kind of food we put in our body, when we move and exercise our bodies through walks, yoga, and other activities, when we expand our mentality ability, or study scripture with like-minded people. This process begins to remove unwanted funds, lazy habits, and unexercised heart and body, stale mind and unheard spirit." - Deborah Adele, The Yamas & Niyamas

"Practice and all is coming" - Pattabhi Jois

Would you like to start embodying these amazing concepts to enhance your life and the lives around you?

Check out my 8 Limbs Yoga Tribe!

This is where you get access to weekly virtual classes, videos, discounts on in-person classes, events and retreats, community and support.