20 Sthanak Tap refers to a set of twenty austerities (Tap) aimed at purifying the soul and helping progress toward liberation. It is a Jain practice described in Jain scriptures, with emphasis often seen in Shwetambar tradition.

Structure (typical understanding)

• Bahirang Tap (External Austerities) – 6 types

- Anshan: fasting or withholding food for a set period - Unodari: eating less than one’s hunger - Vritti Sankshep: limiting number of items or sources of food - Rasa Parityag: renunciation of tasty/刺激 foods - Vivikta-shayyasan: choosing lonely, difficult places for sitting/sleeping - Kaya-klesha: bearing physical discomfort with endurance

• Abhyantar Tap (Internal Austerities) – 6 types

- Prayaschitta: repentance/atonement - Vinay: humility and respectful conduct - Vaiyavritya: selfless service to ascetics and needy - Swadhyay: study and reflection on scriptures - Vyutsarga: renunciation of attachment to body/worldly objects - Dhyan: meditation and inward contemplation

Expansion to 20

• Many texts elaborate the list to 20 by adding further related austerities or practice facets, including others like Samayik (meditation at set times), Chhedopasthapana (confession/at-one-ment), Tapasya (various austerities), Upavas (special fasts), Aayambil (plain food), Pachakkhan (vows for a period), Paushadha (one-day living as a monk), Sallekhana (voluntary peaceful death by gradual fasting) and other similar practices. The core aim remains inner purification and renunciation to advance on the path.

Important note

• The exact names and order can vary between texts and between Digambar and Shwetambar traditions, but the underlying spirit is consistent: discipline, detachment, and purification to progress toward Moksha.

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