Tapas

Abstract This essay is the first of four introductory pieces for the Common Knowledge symposium “The Satisfactions of Asceticism.” A problem for any discussion of this topic, if it explores more than one culture and more than one period of time, is that the participants’ definitions of the subject will not coincide. The four introductory pieces are thus focused not on defining the subject but on the problems facing those who would make the attempt. Certainly the overtones of the word asceticism do not accurately represent ancient Indian concepts of the intricate relationship between mind and body and between individuals and society. The texts speak of tapas — the generating of internal heat — or the renouncing of worldly connections, rather than practices of severity, self-denial, or austerity. The god Shiva is indeed an erotic ascetic who restrains his seed in order, paradoxically, to generate a great son.