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Tapas or austerity is of three types. One of them is for the acquisition of supremacy over all and for indulgence in unabated pleasures. If a person resorts to tapas through self-mortification such as sitting amidst fires etc., it is called tamasic or asura Tapas. Ravana., Kumbhakarna, Hiranyakasha and others have resorted to such Tapas. Rising to a high position through shortcut, corrupt and risky means in the modern days is indeed Tamasic tapas. The success and rise they gain thereby are neither noble nor lasting.
Rajasic tapas it is, when we follow the righteous path of devotion and methodical means of dharma for recognition, renown, laurels and wealth etc., Dhruva did tapas to win kingdom which was rightfully his. Both the path and the goal are lawful and noble. Hardworking students, businessmen and industrialists following the legal ways of ascent are all people of rajasic tapas. Their fruits are righteous and glory too is lasting.
For the welfare of others, there are some, who are engaged in the tapas of equipping themselves with strength, skill and wealth. They have never an axe to grind while putting forth their best of efforts. Sri Anjaneya has kept all the fruits of his austerities at the disposal of others. The hard work of monks and social workers, devotees and teachers is but satvic Tapas. They are the benefactors of society.
May we all, for the benefit of all, put in our best. Service to man is service to God. And it is the tapas needed now. Blessed is the society which has the largest number of Satwik Tapaswins, unselfish people of ennobling endeavour.
"Are you unselfish? That is the question. If you are, you will be perfect without reading a single religious book, without going into a single church or temple."--- Swami Vivekananada
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