Bhagvada Gita defines five qualities—tranquility (prasada), kindness (saumyatvam), silence (maunam), self-restraint (atma-vinigraha), and purity of thought (bhava-samshuddhi)—as constituting tapas of the mind.

Krishna emphasizes the importance of cultivating inner virtues for spiritual growth and self-discipline. Peace refers to maintaining a calm and serene mind, unaffected by external disturbances or fluctuations. Kindness entails displaying compassion, empathy, and goodwill towards others, fostering harmonious relationships and social well-being.

Silence, as mentioned in the verse, signifies the practice of restraining unnecessary speech and cultivating inner quietude. By observing silence, individuals can conserve mental energy, enhance introspection, and deepen their spiritual awareness. Self-restraint involves exercising control over one's desires, impulses, and emotions, leading to greater self-mastery and inner strength.

Furthermore, Krishna highlights the significance of purity of thought in spiritual practice. By cultivating noble and virtuous thoughts, individuals purify their consciousness and align themselves with higher principles of truth, goodness, and love. Purity of thought serves as a catalyst for spiritual evolution, leading to clarity of mind and inner transformation.

The verse underscores the holistic approach to tapas, encompassing not only external practices but also inner virtues and qualities of the mind. Krishna emphasizes the importance of aligning one's thoughts, attitudes, and behaviours with spiritual values, thereby purifying the mind and elevating consciousness.

Krishna's teachings in this verse inspire seekers to embark on the inner journey of self-discovery and self-transformation. By cultivating qualities such as peace, kindness, silence, self-restraint, and purity of thought, individuals can overcome inner obstacles, attain mental clarity, and experience inner peace and satisfaction.

In essence, this verse from the Bhagavad Gita underscores the significance of inner austerity (tapas) in spiritual life. It encourages individuals to cultivate virtuous qualities of the mind, leading to inner purification, spiritual growth, and realization of the higher self. By practicing tapas of the mind, one can attain inner harmony, mental clarity, and spiritual enlightenment.