What is Tapa

 In Prakrut, it called Tapa

To cease to have desire is called Tapa. Tapa means hardship on one’s body, senses and mind, practiced to develop adequate spiritual abilities for reducing passions. Bodily activities are dominant in the external austerities, and mental activities are dominant in the internal austerities.

There are twelve types -

six external tapa:

1) Anasan - complete abstinence of eating and drinking
2) Unodari or Alpähära - reduction in the quantity of food one normally eats
3) Vrutti-Samkespa or Ichhänirodha - control of desire for food and material things
4) Rasatyäga - complete abstinence of eating or drinking juicy and tasty foods such as honey, alcohol, butter, milk, tea, sweets, juice etc. (no attachments to the taste of the foods)
5) Käyäklesa – to train the body to be tolerant
6) Samlinatä – control of the pleasures of five senses.

Six internal tapa:
1) Präyaschita - repentance for the breach of vows
2) Vinaya - appropriate behavior towards a teacher
3) Vaiyävrata - selfless service to the suffering and deserving
4) Svädhyäya - studying/listening of religious scriptures
5) Dhyäna - religious meditation
6) Utsarga (käyotasarga) - non-attachment to the body.