Tapa in Jainism means austerity or self-discipline to burn karma and purify the soul. It is divided into internal and external aspects.

• Internal tapa (antar-tapa)

- Mind and intention discipline: controlling anger, greed, pride, and attachment; cultivating equanimity, forgiveness, and compassion. - Practices: mindful breathing, steady thoughts, right intention (samyak sankalpa), reflection, repentance, continuous self-study, and keeping the senses under check. - Purpose: purify inner motives and reduce mental karmic layers.

• External tapa (bahir-tapa)

- Physical disciplines: fasting (upavasa), limited or simple meals, restraint in speech and actions, discipline of daily routine, standing or sitting in deep meditation, celibacy, and other bodily restraints. - Practices: observing vrata (yama), performing pratikraman (repentance), studying Jain teachings, and following a strict daily routine appropriate to one’s path. - Purpose: support inner purification and lessen impact of external actions on karma.

Key point

• Internal and external tapas are complementary. External practices support the mind, and a disciplined mind makes external practices more meaningful. Without inner restraint, external austerities can become hollow; without external discipline, inner intentions may not translate into transformative action.

Note on tradition

• Both Digambara and Śvetāmbara traditions acknowledge internal and external tapas, though emphasis and specific practices can vary in detail. The spiritual aim remains the same: to reduce karmic bondage and progress toward liberation.