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Tapas or austerities may be performed in body, speech or mind. Tapas of body consist in conduct marked by rectitude, reverence, continence and compassion. Tapas of utterance consist in truthful, gentle and kindly speech, in the study and recital of scriptures. The cultivation of mental equilibrium and purity of thought is Tapas of mind. Tapas should be practised without desire for any selfish objects and as being good in itself. When done with the object of just gaining the respect of men or for ostentation, it is worthless, and when done in order to hurt others or in a spirit of mere obstinacy, it is wicked.
Worship rendered to the gods, to the twice born, to the teachers and to the enlightened, clean life, rectitude, continence and nonviolence are said to constitute Austerity of the body.
XVII-14
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