तपस्
Tapas
(tapas)Austerity; disciplined effort that generates inner heat and purifies the practitioner
Full Meaning
Tapas literally means "heat" — from the same root as "tepid." It is the heat generated by disciplined spiritual effort: fasting, silence, difficult postures, cold exposure, sustained meditation. This heat burns away karma and purifies the practitioner. Tapas is the third niyama (personal observance) in Patañjali's yoga.
Etymology
From the root tap (तप्) — to burn, to heat, to glow. Same root as "tapestry" and Latin "tepor" (warmth).
Usage in Sanskrit Texts
The great rishis and yogis of India performed tapas for years or decades to gain knowledge and spiritual power. Pārvatī performed tapas to win Shiva as her husband. Arjuna performed tapas to receive divine weapons.
तपः स्वाध्यायेश्वरप्रणिधानानि क्रियायोगः — Tapas, self-study, and surrender to God constitute the yoga of action. (Yoga Sūtras 2.1)
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