Tapas is commonly translated as "austerity". Shari offers two alternative meanings of this term. Austerity can also mean discipline, which comes from the root word disciple. As a "disciple" of yoga, tapas is the depth of the commitment and love you have for the practice. It also represents the inner radiance you carry throughout your day as a result of having done your practice. Practice clears away the dust that covers that radiance.