Answer

In Jain Dharma, tapa means austerity or penance done to purify the soul and reduce karmic bondage.

The main types of tapa are:

• Bahya Tapa — external austerities
• Abhyantara Tapa — internal austerities

Explanation

Jain tradition explains 12 types of tapa, divided into two groups:

1) Bahya Tapa (External Austerities)

• Anashan — fasting
• Unodari — eating less than hunger
• Vritti-sanksep — reducing possessions or food choices
• Rasa-tyag — giving up tasty foods
• Kaya-klesha — accepting bodily discomfort for spiritual growth
• Sanstalinata / Samlinata — remaining disciplined and detached in conduct

2) Abhyantara Tapa (Internal Austerities)

• Prayashchitta — repentance for mistakes
• Vinaya — humility and respect
• Vaiyavachcha — सेवा, selfless service
• Svadhyaya — study of scriptures
• Dhyana — meditation
• Kayotsarga — giving up attachment to the body

Spiritual Understanding

Tapa is not about harming the body. In Jain Dharma, its purpose is:

• to weaken passions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed
• to purify thoughts and conduct
• to help the soul move toward liberation

The real value of tapa is in inner purity, self-control, and detachment.

Takeaway

The two main types of tapa are:

• Bahya tapa — external discipline
• Abhyantara tapa — internal purification

Both are important in Jain practice, but internal tapa is considered especially powerful for soul purification.