Tapas is of three types. It may relate to the body (kāyika),

Yoga is the method by which the restless mind is calmed and the energy directed into constructive channels. As a mighty river which when properly harnessed by dams and canals, creates a vast reservoir of water, prevents famine and provides abundant power for industry; so also the mind, when controlled, provides a reservoir of peace and generates

In the second aphorism of the first chapter of the Yoga Sutras, Patañjali describes Yoga as ‘chitta vṛtti nirodhah’. This may be translated as the restraint (nirodhah) of mental (chitta) modifications (vṛtti) or as suppression (nirodhah) of the fluctuations (vṛtti) of consciousness (chitta). The word chitta denotes the mind in its total or

Tapas is derived from the root ‘tap’ meaning to blaze, burn, shine, suffer pain or consume by heat. It therefore means a burning effort under all circumstances to achieve a definite goal in life. It involves purification, self-discipline and austerity. The whole science of character building may be regarded as a practice of tapas. Tapas is the

Differences create discord and there arise conscious or unconscious conflicts which distract and perplex one.

Prāṇa means breath, respiration, life, vitality, wind, energy or strength.

‘So’ham’ (Saḥ = He: Aham = I – He, the Immortal Spirit, am I) with each inward breath. So also with each outgoing breath each creature prays ‘Hamsaḥ’ (I am He).

‘Undoubtedly, the mind is restless and hard to control. But it can be trained by constant practice (abhyāsa) and by freedom from desire (vairāgya). A man who cannot control his mind will find it difficult to attain this divine communion; but the self-controlled man can attain it if he tries hard and directs his energy by the right means.’

Āyāma means length, expansion, stretching or restraint. Prāṇāyāma thus connotes extension of breath and its control.