December Gītā: 17.16

manaḥ-prasādaḥ saumyatvaṁ
maunam ātma-vinigrahaḥ
bhāva-sanśhuddhir ity etat
tapo mānasam uchyate

Serenity of thought, gentleness, silence, self-control, and purity of purpose – all these are declared as austerity of the mind.

Bhagavad Gītā 17.16

Tapas means heating: purifying the body, the speech and the mind so we can reconnect with our true nature. Tapas of the mind is the highest form of tapas because, once it’s perfected, tapas of the body and speech will naturally follow. 

Actions based on desires, likes and dislikes cause us to become agitated and ruled by our ego. Cultivating a good nature, exercising self-control and being kind and generous help to calm our mind. Talking less also helps to pacify the mind because it allows our thoughts to turn inwards and reflect on our true nature (the purpose of silent meditation retreats). Being pure in purpose means cultivating an attitude of understanding towards others and a generosity of spirit. Again, by doing so, our mind becomes focussed and free from distractions.

– Lauren Munday