The Yoga of the Threefold Faith

Krishna describes mental austerity—austerity of mind. 'Manaḥ-prasādaḥ saumyatvaṁ maunam ātma-vinigrahaḥ bhāva-saṁśuddhiḥ'—serenity of mind (manaḥ-prasādaḥ), gentleness (saumyatvam), silence (maunam), self-control (ātma-vinigrahaḥ), and purity of being (bhāva-saṁśuddhiḥ). 'Tapo mānasam ucyate'—this is called (ucyate) mental austerity (mānasam tapas). Mental austerity involves cultivating serenity, gentleness, silence, self-control, and purity of intention. This is discipline of mind—developing inner peace and clarity rather than agitation and confusion. Understanding this helps you recognize and practice mental austerity.