The real tapas or asceticism in life is to observe
disciplines and restrictions as prescribed. The mind is the
foremost of the three inner instruments in human beings. We must
protect the mind so that attachment, passion and excitement do not
enter. These extremes are natural to the mind. The waves
that rise in fury in the mind are lust, anger, greed, attachment,
pride and envy; these six are your inner foes. Lust and
anger bring on the remaining four. To release ourselves from
these inner foes and to proceed in our spiritual path, we must observe
spiritual practices.
- Divine Discourse,
Vidya Vahini.