श्रद्धया परया तप्तं तपस्तत्त्रिविधं नरै: | अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिर्युक्तै: सात्त्विकं परिचक्षते || 17 || |
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This verse highlights the three types of tapas or austerity that are performed with utmost faith and dedication by individuals who are free from desires for personal gain. Let’s understand each aspect in detail:
Austerity of the mind and body (tapas): This refers to the practice of purifying one’s mind and body through various disciplines. It involves engaging in practices such as self-discipline, self-restraint, and self-purification. This can be achieved through practices like meditation, mindfulness, self-reflection, and cultivating virtuous qualities. The aim is to purify one’s thoughts, emotions, and actions, aligning them with higher principles and values.
Austerity of speech: This involves using speech that is gentle, kind, and non-harming. It means speaking truthfully, in a way that does not cause distress or harm to others. It includes avoiding harsh, abusive, or offensive language and refraining from gossip, slander, or harmful speech. Austerity of speech promotes harmony, understanding, and compassionate communication.
Austerity of study: This refers to the diligent study and contemplation of scriptures and sacred texts, as well as the study of oneself. It involves the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of spiritual teachings, philosophical concepts, and self-inquiry. Austerity of study also includes reflection, introspection, and deepening one’s understanding of the self, the nature of reality, and the divine.
These three types of tapas are considered sattvic, as they are performed with selflessness and a sense of duty, without any desire for personal gain or external rewards. They are motivated by a higher purpose, aimed at purifying one’s mind, speech, and actions, and fostering spiritual growth and inner transformation.
By practicing these forms of austerity with unwavering faith and dedication, individuals develop a deeper connection with their inner self, cultivate virtuous qualities, and attain spiritual upliftment. These practices purify the individual at the physical, mental, and spiritual levels, leading to personal evolution and realization of higher truths.