In Jain Dharma, tapasya (tapa, austerity) is of two kinds: external (bahya) and internal (abhyantara). Each has six types. Together they purify karmas only when done with right faith, non‑violence, and inner detachment.

External (Bahya) Tapas – 6 1) Anashana – fasting (skipping meals for a set time with vigilance and non‑attachment). 2) Unodari (Avamodarya) – eating less than one’s hunger. 3) Vritti‑parisankhyana (Vritti‑saṅkṣepa) – limiting the number of food items, places, or times from which one accepts food. 4) Rasa‑parityaga – giving up stimulating tastes (like sweets, fried or rich items) to reduce attachment. 5) Kaya‑klesha – willingly bearing bodily hardships for self‑discipline (e.g., simple posture, tolerating heat/cold without anger). 6) Sanlinata (Saṁlinatā; also expressed as Vivikta‑śayyāsana in some texts) – seclusion and restraint of bodily movements; staying in a quiet place, minimizing activity.

Internal (Abhyantara) Tapas – 6 1) Prāyaścitta – atonement; sincere repentance and correction of faults. 2) Vinaya – humility and reverence toward teachers, scriptures, and the path. 3) Vaiyāvṛttya (Vaiyāvṛtya) – selfless service to ascetics, elders, the sick, and co‑seekers. 4) Svādhyāya – scriptural study and reflection with the aim of right understanding. 5) Vyutsarga (Kāyotsarga) – abandonment of attachment to the body; standing/sitting still with awareness, letting go of passions. 6) Dhyāna – pure meditation leading the mind away from passions toward the Self.

Notes on traditions

• The list and meanings are the same in essence in both Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions; some names vary slightly (e.g., Unodari/Avamodarya; Vritti‑parisankhyana/Vritti‑saṅkṣepa; Sanlinata/Vivikta‑śayyāsana).
• External tapas without internal purity does not lead to real spiritual progress; inner tapas is considered higher.

Essence True tapas is gentle, non‑violent, and guided by right view. Its aim is not body‑torture but thinning of passions (kaṣāyas) and shedding of karmas, preparing the soul for samyag‑charitra and ultimately liberation.