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SANNYASA DHARMA
CHAPTER IV. TAPASCHARANA.
The destruction of desire with the object of the attainment of the triple jewels of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct is termed tapas or tapascharana. Tapas is of two kinds, namely, (1) the external, and (2) the internal. Fasting and the like are termed external tapas because of their involving the physical body in their operation. The other kind of tapas are concerned with the curbing of the mind, and are termed internal for that reason.
The external tapas are: -
1) fasting;
(2) the avoidance of full meals;
(3) the putting of special restrictions, on specific days, over and above the usual observances, e.g., the vow to accept food only if given by a rājā, or from golden vessels;
(4) refraining from the use of one of the following articles, termed rasas (that make food tasty): (1) clarified butter, (2) milk, (3) dahi (a kind of sour or curdled milk), (4) sugar, (5) salt, and (6) oil;
(5) avoiding the company of others, that is, retiring away from the haunts of men and animals; and (6) kaya-klesa (enduring bodily discomfort), e.g., remaining standing or sitting in one posture, sleeping on one side, and the like.
All these aim at the overthrow of the thraldom of the senses and the bodily longing for comfort and ease.
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