20th October
Austerity is very good.
It is very useful in developing good health, but only that much which can assist in doing sadhana.
Thoce is a sutra from Dasahavaikalik sutra which is guiding in this matter:
Balam thamam ch sadwamarogamshpano khetham kalam ch vinanaya, tahapanam nijunjaye
In long term tapa (penance) austerity is easily practised.
In long term tapa, long term austerity is not accepted.
Whatever be the experience of spiritual practice, the relative viewpoint should not be forgotten.