The Yoga of the Threefold Faith

Krishna completes the description of three kinds of austerity with tamasic austerity. 'Mūḍha-grāheṇātmano yat pīḍayā kriyate tapaḥ'—that austerity (tapas) which is performed (kriyate) with foolish understanding (mūḍha-grāheṇa), tormenting the self (ātmanaḥ pīḍayā). 'Parasyotsādanārthaṁ vā'—or for the purpose of destroying others (parasya utsādanārtham). 'Tat tāmasam udāhṛtam'—that is declared (udāhṛtam) to be tamasic (tāmasam). Tamasic austerity is performed with ignorance, tormenting yourself or others, or for the purpose of harm. It's not about growth or duty—it's about ignorance and destruction. Understanding this helps you recognize and avoid tamasic austerity.