That austerity which is practised out of a foolish notion, with self-torture, or for the purpose of destroying another, is declared to be of the Tamasic nature.

Swami Sivananda

That austerity which is undertaken with a foolish intent, causing pain to oneself or for the destruction of others, is said to be born of tamas.

Swami Gambirananda

Follows the commentary of Shankara (Advaita).

That austerity which is practised from deluded notions by means of self-torture or to injure another is said to be Tamasika.

Swami Adidevananda

Follows the commentary of Ramanuja (Vishishtadvaita).

What austerity is practised with foolish obstinacy and self-torture only in order to destroy others—that is declared to be of the Tamas.

Dr. S. Sankaranarayan

Follows the commentary of Abhinavagupta (Kashmir Shaivism).

Austerity done under delusion, and accompanied with sorcery or the infliction of pain upon oneself or another, may be assumed to spring from ignorance.

Shri Purohit Swami

जो तप मूढ़तापूर्वक हठसे अपनेको पीड़ा देकर अथवा दूसरोंको कष्ट देनेके लिये किया जाता है, वह तप तामस कहा गया है।

Swami Ramsukhdas

जो तप मूढ़तापूर्वक स्वयं को पीड़ित करते हुए अथवा अन्य लोगों के नाश के लिए किया जाता है, वह तप तामस कहा गया है।

Swami Tejomayananda