Significance of Tapa
In Dutch: Tapas; In Finnish: Tapa; In Spanish: Tapa
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Tapa'
Tapa in Buddhism signifies disciplined practice or asceticism aimed at eliminating negative qualities. It embodies the process of ‘burning away’ detrimental traits to achieve spiritual growth and purification.
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A term for disciplined practice or asceticism, where negative qualities are to be burned away.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Tapa'
In Hinduism, Tapa denotes austerity and self-discipline essential for spiritual growth and purification. It encompasses ascetic practices aimed at achieving divine connection and insight, supporting the development of purity, knowledge, and higher states of consciousness.
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) Austerity or self-discipline practiced to cultivate spiritual insights and knowledge.[2] (2) Spiritual austerities or practices aimed at self-discipline and inner purification.[3] (3) Religious austerities or spiritual practices aimed at achieving spiritual insight and liberation.[4] (4) Austerities or penances performed for spiritual growth and the attainment of higher knowledge.[5] (5) Tapas represents asceticism or disciplined practices aimed at spiritual purification and attainment of higher states of consciousness.[6]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A form of deep meditation or penance that both Tulasi and Shankhacuda undertook to attain spiritual goals.[7] (2) Austerities or spiritual practices that lead to the appearance of the Devi before Manu.[8] (3) Austerities or spiritual practices that Cyavana performed, which bestowed him with great power and led to the creation of the Demon Mada.[9] (4) Spiritual austerity or practice that generates inner power and discipline for achieving spiritual goals.[10] (5) Spiritual austerities performed by Mahadeva, indicating his devotion and commitment to self-discipline.[11]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Spiritual practice or asceticism, often involving penance to purify the mind and body.[12] (2) Austerity or spiritual practice that Kapila deemed to be of utmost importance.[13] (3) Penance; spiritual discipline aimed at achieving purification and self-control.[14] (4) Austerity practices aimed at spiritual growth, which are advocated for performance at Cakratirtha.[15] (5) The practice of piety that includes rigorous spiritual rites and self-restraint.[16]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Practice of religious penances aimed at self-discipline and spiritual growth.[17] (2) The practice of religious penances through meditation, fasting, and discipline as a means of purification and spiritual progress.[18]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Austerity or spiritual discipline, signifying the power of the Brahman and its role in the manifestation of the universe.[19] (2) Austerity or self-discipline undertaken in spiritual practice.[20]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Devotion that includes self-denial and self-mortification, as mentioned in Niyama.[21]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A rite involving the burning of the body with sectarian marks, signifying dedication to spiritual practice.[22]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) Austerities or disciplined practices associated with niyama that help in developing self-control and focus.[23]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Spiritual austerities performed for purification and mastery over the self.[24]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The sixth world, characterized by austerities and spiritual achievements.[25]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The rigorous spiritual practice and austerities undertaken by ascetics.[26]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Tapas refers to penance, which includes practices such as celibacy, silence, fasting, and other forms of self-discipline.[27]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Austerity or penance aimed at spiritual purification and growth.[28]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Spiritual discipline and austerity that leads to the acquisition of Sattva and a pure mind.[29] (2) The practice of austerity that involves body emancipation through penances according to specific rules.[30] (3) A practice of self-discipline aimed at burning away ignorance and revealing the truth of Brahman.[31] (4) The practice of asceticism and self-discipline aimed at gaining spiritual knowledge and liberation.[32] (5) Ascetic practices or austerities performed for spiritual advancement.[33]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Devotion or austerity that is considered the most effective means to the perception of Brahman.[34] (2) Austerity or self-discipline referenced as a means to purify the mind and overcome sin.[35]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A term that signifies austerity or deep meditation, which is an essential component of the vow followed by righteous individuals.[36]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) Austerities or severe penances practiced by Parvatiji in her commitment to winning the affection of Lord Shiva.[37]
From: Kena Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A form of spiritual discipline or austerity mentioned as important for acquiring knowledge of Brahman.[38]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A term indicating ascetic practices or disciplines linked with spirituality, often denoting the same essence as Brahman.[39]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Spiritual discipline or reflection leading to creation and manifestation in the material universe.[40]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Austerities or disciplined practices aimed at spiritual advancement in Hinduism.[41]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) A practice of austerity that leads to perfection of body and senses, contributing to the attainment of siddhis.[42] (2) A practice involving austerity or self-discipline, such as fasting or observing vows, essential for purification and control of the body.[43] (3) Spiritual austerities or practices that involve intense devotion, meditation, and self-discipline, believed to bestow powers or qualities upon practitioners.[44] (4) A spiritual practice involving austerities that purify the body and create channels for energy, aiding in spiritual growth and concentration.[45]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Purificatory actions or spiritual austerities that lead to the achievement of desires and spiritual growth.[46] (2) Spiritual disciplines or austerities that are performed for purification and achievement of higher states of being.[47]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The Sanskrit term used by Patanjali representing the practice of conserving energy and directing it towards the goal of yoga.[48]
From: Paduka-panchaka (the five-fold footstool)
(1) Laborious endeavour or ascetic practices that yield merit and contribute to spiritual advancement across lifetimes.[49]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The duties of a Religious Student, which include acts of self-discipline and study related to the Veda.[50] (2) Refers to acts of austerity or penance that involve self-discipline and can cause pain, contributing to spiritual purification.[51] (3) A form of austerity that brings about discomfort, related to the self-discipline of the twice-born individual.[52]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Tapas refers to spiritual energy or heat that is essential in Vedic rituals, signifying effort and vitality.[53]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Used here as 'tapas', referring to a disciplined spiritual practice or asceticism.[54] (2) A term synonymous with austerities, representing self-discipline, penance, and rigorous spiritual practices in the pursuit of spiritual knowledge.[55] (3) Austerity or spiritual discipline practiced by Radha in her devotion.[56]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A term meaning austerity or disciplined spiritual practices associated with achieving purity and enlightenment.[57]
From: Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice)
(1) Ascetic practices that emphasize endurance of discomforts and challenges for spiritual aspirants.[58]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) Austerities or self-discipline practices aimed at acquiring God knowledge or Pati Jnana.[59]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Tapas refers to ascetic practices and austerities performed to achieve spiritual discipline and purification.[60] (2) Austerity or spiritual practice undertaken by figures like Matanga Muni and Vasudeva, significant in the context of the text.[61]
Jain concept of 'Tapa'
Tapa in Jainism is interpreted as a form of austerity and self-discipline that encompasses both external and internal practices aimed at achieving spiritual growth and pure knowledge, often reflecting voluntary bodily affliction.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) External and internal austerities pursued by seekers aiming for pure and perfect knowledge.[62] (2) Agony; the feeling of distress owing to disgrace.[63] (3) Practicing austerities in line with one’s abilities, representing voluntary affliction of the body.[64]
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) Austerity, which refers to various forms of self-disciplined practice aimed at spiritual growth.[65]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Austerity or self-discipline practiced for spiritual growth.[66]
The concept of Tapa in local and regional sources
Tapa embodies intensive penance, spiritual discipline, and self-discipline, focused on personal growth through meditation, study, and creative effort. It signifies the pursuit of knowledge, power, and profound personal transformation.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The practice of deep austerities or meditation, significant in achieving spiritual power and enlightenment, as demonstrated by both Viswamitra and Ahalya.[67] (2) Austerity and intense meditation practiced by sages to gain spiritual insight, power, or liberation.[68] (3) Intense spiritual practice or austerity that Ganapati Sastri engaged in for personal growth and realization.[69] (4) A practice of self-discipline, often associated with withdrawal and meditation, relating more to the inward-directed focus of the narcissistic type.[70] (5) An intensive penance or austerity performed by Yavakri to attain knowledge and power, indicative of his extreme efforts and desires.[71]
From: Formal Education System in Ancient India
(1) Spiritual austerity or discipline, in which Svadhyaya is recognized as a method of acquiring knowledge and proficiency in religious and philosophical texts.[72]