That fame which is kindled to consume the impurities of the body and the organs of actions, is called physical penance. To kindle this fame, one has to worship God, learned men, one’s own teachers and one must continue to practise purity, straightforwardness, continence and non-violence.
Once the fame is kindled, the impurities of this life vanish. The fame that is kindled for purifying speech is called the penance of speech. The first condition of kindling this fame is that we should not be restless. We should speak true and agreeable things and study scriptures.
When this fame is kindled, all the impurities are consumed. Cheerfulness of the mind, goodness, silence, self-control and pure ideals are the attributes of mental penance. The performance of all these acts is the wider meaning of penance. This penance consumes the dross of life.