Tapa (India)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tapa (or tapasya) is a term in various Indian languages that roughly means "penance." It is often used to describe austerities practiced by monks (yogis) in India, generally in isolation (in a forest or on a hill). However, its practice is not limited to monks.

Tapa is accompanied by meditation.

The term "tapa' is also used for fasting or other forms of self control by ordinary individuals (grihasthas).

[edit] See also

• Javanese beliefs
• Shiva