What Does Tapasya Mean?
Tapasya is a Sanskrit word that literally means “generation of heat and energy.” It is a practical spiritual discipline that involves deep meditation, austerity/moderation, self-discipline, and efforts to reach Self-realization. Monks and gurus in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism practice tapasya in order to reach moksha, or spiritual liberation.
There are three types of tapasya: tapasya of the body, tapasya of the speech, and tapasya of the mind.
Tapasya is very closely connected to yoga. Disciplined and concentrated practice of yoga is a form of tapsaya. Tapasya may also be practiced through meditation and/or fasting.