Tapas - The Third Niyama of the Eight Limbs of Yoga
Tapas
Sutra II.43, Kāya-indriya-siddih aśuddhi-kśayāt tapasah
The third niyama (personal observances) is tapas, Sutra II.43, Kāya-indriya-siddih aśuddhi-kśayāt tapasah of Patañjali’s Yoga Sutras. When translated, tapas means, “The removal of impurities allows the body to function more efficiently.”
It’s important to note that tapas is also mentioned in the first sutra of chapter two; however, its meaning is different in the third niyama (and the two that follow). When tapas is referenced in the beginning of chapter two, it is discussed as part of Kriya Yoga (Yoga in Action), and it means “make efforts to act intentionally as to oppose patterned or automatic responses.” Tapas in that context is part of a set of attitudes that apply to all activities. Here, in Ashtanga Yoga, when discussed as part of the niyamas, tapas is part of a set of practices that help us discern our Knowing on a consistent basis. Tapas has one meaning in the beginning of chapter two and a different one at the end of the chapter. Context is everything!
In practical terms, tapas as a niyama means we have some sort of daily practice. We do something on a regular basis as a way of maintaining our system. We actually do something (our asana practice, pranayama, dharana, seated practice, mantra practice, etc.) to change our state so we function more spiritually.
Tapas is discipline. Tapas is to work on your system everyday, and this is very important!
The result of tapas is the removal of impure things. From a daily practice, our body, mind, and senses will develop extraordinary capacities. This is how we know tapas is working. When we remove impurities from our system, our capabilities increase immensely: We can breathe more deeply, and digest food more efficiently, our senses are heightened, we can move and operate our body with greater control, and so on.
Tapas is our discipline, our efforts and our dedication to the practice of Yoga to help heal and improve ourselves.
A note for context: My perspective is based in the Viniyoga/Desikachar lineage. Viniyoga is a traditional Indian lineage of Yoga taught by TKV Desikachar, who was the son of Krishnamacharya. My teacher, Chase Bossart, was a 20+ year private student of Mr. Desikachar. I have studied this text with Chase, word for Sanskrit word, for over three years.
Stay tuned to learn more about the niyamas and the rest of the Eight Limbs in my upcoming blog articles.
Namaste,
Kelly