“Om Namah Siddibehyo”
Seventh day (02-Sep-2017) of Dashalakshna Mahaparva: Uttama Tapa dharma (Penance or Austerities) - Practice austerities to check the worldly allurements (attraction/arousing) both inside & outside.
a) Thapa does not mean only fasting but also includes our food habits like not to eat any form of Non veg food in any circumstance throughout the life, then restrict certain food/drink - Madhu(Honey), Madya(Alcohol), Mamsa(Meat), rooted vegetables if possible, avoiding strong flavour & spicy foods. The purpose of penance is to keep desires and passions in control. Over-indulgence inevitably leads to misery. Penance leads to an influx of Punya karmas(positive energy).
b) Meditation & yoga check the desires and passions that binding to soul. In a deep state of meditation(dhayna) the desire to intake food will not arise, will power gets stronger, feel confident & healthy.
Tirthankara Adinath Bhagwan was in such a meditative (Tapasya) state for six months, during which he observed Nischay Uttam Tapa. The only food he consumed during these six months was the happiness from inside.
The practice of both Upavas (Fasting-outside) and Dhanya (meditation-inside) together is Nischay Uttam Tapa Dharma.