Tapas - Yogic Will Power
The
yogic practice of self-discipline is called Tapas and is one of
Patanjali’s five niyamas, the personal observances that create the
foundation of yoga. Basically, Tapas is doing something you do not
want to do or not doing something you want to do and will have a
positive effect on one’s life. Tapas should be something simple
and small enough to become successful at but should also be
difficult and challenging enough to engage the will.
When our will conflicts with the desire of our mind an internal
“fire” is created which illuminates and burns up our mental and
physical impurities. This inner fire can also be used as a source
of spiritual energy; the yogis say the sole practice of Tapas can
lead to the release of kundalini and attainment of enlightenment.
The practice of Tapas in the Bhagavad-Gita (17:14) is broken down
into three realms: body, speech and mind. In the body, the
practice of Tapas involves creating purity, chastity, honesty,
non-violence and worship. Using speech involves using kind,
truthful and beneficial words. Practicing Tapas in our minds
involves using gentleness, silence, compassion and self-restraint.
Tapas is practiced as an act of devotion and must be selfless and
ego less. Tapas transforms and purifies us and enables the
conscious awareness and control over unconscious impulses and poor
behavior. Tapas builds will power and personal strength that helps
us become more dedicated to our practice of yoga.
Tapas is a tool for transformation and should be approached with
an attitude of passion and zeal rather than of self-denial and
chastisement. “Genuine Tapas makes us shine like the sun,” says
Georg Feuerstein. “Then we can be a source of warmth and strength
for others”.
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