Glossary · Practice
Tapas
तपस्
What does Tapas mean?
Tapas literally means 'heat' — the inner fire kindled by discipline. Chapter 17 divides it into austerity of body (reverence, purity, celibacy, non-violence), of speech (truthful, kind, beneficial words), and of mind (serenity, gentleness, silence, self-control).
Sattvic tapas is done with faith, without desire for reward. Rajasic tapas is performed for show and honor; tamasic tapas is self-torture or harm to others. Only the first purifies.