According to Osho, true austerity is essential—but it means inner purification and emptiness of body, thought, and feeling: upavasa, dwelling near the soul. It is not bodily torture, forced fasting, or poverty. External mortification keeps you body-bound; authentic austerity dissolves bodily fixation so nourishment becomes natural. When basic needs are fulfilled, the authentic longing for the soul awakens and real tapas begins.
Real austerity means calmly cleaning and quieting your body, mind, and feelings to be close to your inner self—not hurting yourself or going hungry.