What is Tapasya?

To develop detachment, tapasya (austerity) and knowledge are necessary.

“Tapasya (denial of material activities) is the first principle of spiritual life.” (SB 6.4.46)

“If we purify our existence by tapasya, we can also do wonderful things by the grace of the Lord. Indeed, nothing is possible without tapasya. The more we engage in austerity the more we become powerful by the grace of the Lord.” (SB 6.4.50)

“Tapasya means voluntary austerities performed for spiritual perfection.” (SB 3.12.4)

“No one can become an advanced devotee without developing detachment, and to develop detachment, training in austerity is required. Voluntarily we have to accept things which may not be very comfortable for the body, but are conducive for self-realization. The smriti-sästra defines tapasya as ‘complete control of the mind and senses for their complete concentration on one kind of activity.’” (SB 6.1.13-14)