Tapas is a Sanskrit word meaning to burn, shine, suffer pain or to be consumed by heat.  Tapas can be applied on all levels of our existence, physically – the asana practice, completing a marathon or a tedious physical task.  It can also be the determination of a student over many years, to single pointedly become an expert on his/her topic.  It can also be applied to the Visuddha or purifying of speech and thought.

All of the above processes involves a certain amount of pain and suffering.  It is when the practitioner has a burning effort to achieve his/her goal, that this element of suffering turns from a red blazing flame, to a white purifying flame. Tapas is the basis of character building and turning your own life into a life of Love and dedication with purpose and a goal.  It is the vehicle to Self Realization and then taking the current down to Manifestation again.

A burning commitment is needed to find harmony and balance in both joy and sorrows, this in itself is a practise of Tapas, until the inner flame disappears into a white light.

Tapas gives one the characteristics of being straightforward, courageous, being exquisite in simplicity, having integrity, being trustworthy and wise.

Tapas brings an unshakable will and faith in the Unseen.

Celebrate your mind body and spirit with continued effort towards turning the flame white, from the inside out.