How many tap are there in Jainism
There are 12 types of tapa (austerities) in Jainism.
Six external (bahya tapa):
- Anashana: fasting.
- Unodari: eating less than one’s need.
- Vritti-parisankhyana (also called Vritti-sankshipa): limiting the number/type of food and places from where it is taken.
- Rasa-parityaga (Rasa-tyaga): giving up tasty/stimulating items.
- Kaya-klesha: willingly bearing physical hardships for self-discipline.
- Vivikta-shayyasana (also called Sanlinata): living/seating in seclusion; sense-restraint.
Six internal (abhyantara tapa):
- Prayaschitta: repentance/atonement.
- Vinaya: humility and reverence.
- Vaiyavritya: selfless service (to teachers, monks/nuns, the sick, etc.).
- Svadhyaya: scriptural study.
- Vyutsarga (Kayotsarga): letting go of body-attachment; posture of stillness.
- Dhyana: meditation.
Note: Both Digambara and Shvetambara traditions accept these twelve. Some terms vary slightly (e.g., Vritti-parisankhyana vs. Vritti-sankshipa; Vivikta-shayyasana vs. Sanlinata), but the meanings are the same.