The first of Patanjali's Kriya Yoga and one of the Niyamas, Tapah translates as "to burn, to purify". It speaks of the practice of discipline and the friction this creates when applied, with the potential to purify.
It also speaks to notions of consistency and continuous practice. To apply discipline is in other words to be a disciple. A disciple of truth and a disciple of our own true nature.
I like the image of fire and the notions of purification I have attached to it - that to apply discipline is to purify. I've read somewhere that tapah is to "cook ourselves in the fire of discipline" so that we may transform ourselves into something new, purer and more refined - an alchemical process.
Interestingly, if I was to bring honesty into it, the times that I should probably practice tapah the most are during those times which I care for it the least, or I find excuses for myself as to why it's ok not to, whether that's a decision to eat that other piece of chocolate or not, come back to my mat every morning, or continue to hold someone with kindness in my heart in the very moment I also want to barricade doors and windows and cast them out forever.
Tapah = Discipline.
The discipline to stay true to my own self.
To let go and "burn" what no longer serves.
The discipline to do what I say and to say what I think - keeping my thoughts, words and actions in alignment.
What is tapah to you?
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