Answer

In Jain Dharma, the 12 Tapas means the twelve forms of austerity practiced for purification of the soul and reduction of karmas.

They are divided into two groups:

• 6 Bahya Tapas — external austerities
• 6 Abhyantar Tapas — internal austerities

6 Bahya Tapas — External Austerities

• 1. Anshan — Fasting
• 2. Unodari / Avamodarya — Eating less than one’s hunger
• 3. Vritti-Sankshep — Limiting the variety or manner of food
• 4. Ras-Parityag — Giving up tasty foods or attachments to taste
• 5. Kaya-Klesh — Enduring physical hardships with equanimity
• 6. Sanlinata / Vivikta-Shayyasan — Solitude and withdrawal from worldly disturbance

6 Abhyantar Tapas — Internal Austerities

• 7. Prayaschitta — Repentance and atonement for faults
• 8. Vinay — Humility and reverence
• 9. Vaiyavrutya / Veyavachcham — Selfless service to monks, nuns, and worthy beings
• 10. Swadhyay — Study of scriptures and spiritual reflection
• 11. Vyutsarga / Kayotsarga — Giving up attachment to the body
• 12. Dhyan — Meditation

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose of the 12 Tapas is not merely physical hardship. In Jain Dharma, Tap is meant to reduce passions such as anger, ego, deceit, greed, and attachment. True Tap purifies the soul and helps in shedding karmas.

Takeaway

The 12 Tapas teach that real austerity is both outer discipline and inner purification. Fasting is important, but humility, repentance, service, study, detachment, and meditation are equally essential in Jain spiritual practice.