In Jainism, the "20 Sthanak Tap" (also called "Bees Sthanak Tap") refers to a list of twenty important types or places (Sthanak) of austerities (Tapas/Tap), which are prescribed for spiritual purification and progress on the path of liberation (Moksha). These practices are discussed in Jain scriptures, especially in the texts of the Shwetambar tradition.

The 20 Sthanak Tap are divided into two broad categories: External (Bahirang) Tapas and Internal (Antarang) Tapas.

1. Bahirang Tap (External Austerities) – 6 Types

1. Anashan: Fasting (complete abstinence from food for a set period)
2. Unodari: Eating less than one’s hunger
3. Vritti Sankshep: Limiting the number of food items or accepting food from a limited number of sources
4. Rasa Parityag: Renunciation of tasty or stimulating foods (like sweets, spices, etc.)
5. Vivikta-shayyasan: Choosing lonely or less comfortable places for sitting and sleeping
6. Kaya-klesha: Physical endurance of hardships and discomforts (e.g., tolerating heat, cold, etc.)

2. Antarang Tap (Internal Austerities) – 6 Types

1. Prayaschitta: Repentance or atonement for one’s wrongdoings
2. Vinay: Humility and respect towards others, especially elders and teachers
3. Vaiyavritya: Rendering selfless service to ascetics and the needy
4. Swadhyay: Study of scriptures and reflection on religious teachings
5. Vyutsarga: Renunciation of attachment to body and worldly objects; meditation on the soul
6. Dhyan: Meditation and concentration on the true nature of the soul

The 20 Sthanak Tap (Extended List)

While the above are the main twelve (6 external + 6 internal), certain Jain texts elaborate the list to 20 by including further subtypes or by adding allied austerities and places of penance. These are sometimes described as:

1. Samayik: Practicing equanimity and meditation at set times
2. Chhedopasthapana: Confession and atonement for faults
3. Tapasya: Engaging in various forms of austerity
4. Upavasa: Fasting on special days
5. Aayambil: Taking plain, tasteless food once a day
6. Pachakkhan: Taking vows or resolutions for specific periods
7. Paushadha: Living like a monk for a day
8. Sallekhana: Voluntary peaceful death by gradually giving up food and water, undertaken with full consciousness and detachment (this is the ultimate tap)

Purpose of 20 Sthanak Tap

These austerities are designed to:

• Purify the soul by burning off karmas
• Develop self-control, detachment, and spiritual discipline
• Lead to inner peace and ultimately liberation (Moksha)

Note: The names and order may vary slightly between texts and traditions, but the spirit of discipline and renunciation is central to all formulations.

If you would like more detail on any particular Tap or its method of practice, please let me know!