Tapas: Honoring the Old and Embracing the New

Tapas or discipline is a central aspect of daily practice that each yogi must struggle to embrace and make peace with. In this podcast I discuss the value of older, harsher ideas of tapas and the evolving new paradigm of tapas. I argue that some of the old ways of interpreting or living the spiritual discipline, though too severe or extreme, must not be forgotten, and must serve to remind new yogis of the seriousness of the obstacles that can obstruct the path of yoga. To maximize your ability to give and receive love during your brief time here in this world your discipline needs to be both strong and loving in equal measure.


I locked the doors and windows.
I grabbed the breath thief
and yelled for help.

I tied him up in an inside closet
and threatened him with OM, OM, OM.

I shut the body openings
and found out what steals
the even-breath, the truth of
Who we are.
—Lalla