By Divya Munjal

Yoga can be defined as a set of physical, mental and spiritual disciplines or practices. Kriya yoga is one of the several schools of yoga. According to scriptures, kriya yoga involves three main steps:

• Tapasya (austerity)
• Swadhyay (self-study)
• Ishwar praanidhan (devotion to God)

To attain moksha (salvation), the first step is to follow all the steps of kriya yoga with full devotion. In this article, we will learn about tapsaya (austerity).

Introduction to tapasya (austerity)

Tapasya or austerity is bearing the heat generated by friction or dilemma. Consider a passenger who is on a certain journey. For this journey, there are two paths. One of the paths may be easy, but it may not be the right path. The other path may be difficult, but it is the right path. Now, choosing the difficult path to reach the destination can be considered as tapasya or austerity. In this case the passenger is aware that there will be several hurdles and a lot of friction on this path.

Types of austerity

There are three types of austerity:

• Physical
• Mental
• Verbal

Physical austerity

You know that doing exercise is good for health, but due to some reason, you are not following it. For a person on the path of austerity, the best approach would be to get up early in the morning and do some physical exercise, although it may seem quite difficult in the beginning. In this case, you went against your will to remain in the bed and chose to exercise for your physical goodness.

Other forms of physical austerity include practicing non-violence, worship of God, restraint from sexual discourses and refraining from the use of alcohol, drugs, etc.

Mental austerity

Let us understand it by means of an example. You are in a gathering where people are involved in some nonsense discussion and gossip. At that time, withdrawing your mind from such things and maintaining self-restraint can be considered as mental austerity. If it is not possible to take yourself away from such gathering, even then not involving your mind in this talk is considered as mental austerity.

Verbal austerity

Verbal austerity involves speaking sweetly and respectfully. When you speak to someone, make sure that no one is hurt due to your speech.

Summary

All the three types of austerity are linked together. Physical austerity helps in increasing our mental strength, thereby leading to mental austerity. Mental austerity helps in development of verbal austerity.