பிறரால் தனக்குச் செய்யப்படும் துன்பங்களைப் பொறுத்துக் கொள்வது, துன்பம் செய்தவர்க்கும் துன்பம் செய்யாதிருப்பது என்னும் இவ்வளவுதான், தவம் என்பதன் இலக்கணம்.

எதையும் தாங்கும் இதயத்தைப் பெற்றிருப்பதும், எந்த உயிருக்கும் தீங்கு செய்யாமல் இருப்பதும்தான் ``தவம்'' என்று கூறப்படும்

தனக்கு உற்ற துன்பத்தை பொறுத்தலும் மற்ற உயிர்க்குத் துன்பம் செய்யாதிருத்தலும் ஆகிய அவ்வளவே தவத்திற்கு வடிவமாகும்

The nature of religious discipline consists, in the endurance (by the ascetic) of the sufferings which it brings on himself, and in abstaining from giving pain to others

Kural 261 provides a distinct definition of the nature of religious discipline or asceticism. It posits that the two fundamental pillars of asceticism are: enduring personal hardships and refraining from inflicting any harm or pain on others. The first part highlights the ability to endure personal afflictions and hardships with patience and fortitude. This is often an integral part of spiritual and religious discipline. The idea is to learn acceptance, perseverance, and to cultivate a spirit of detachment from physical discomforts. The second part emphasizes on the ethic of non-harming or 'Ahimsa'. It means one must not cause pain, harm, or discomfort to any living being, either through action, speech, or thought. This fosters compassion, empathy, and respect for all life forms, which are crucial virtues in most spiritual paths. In essence, the verse suggests that true religious discipline or asceticism is not just about personal spiritual practices, but also about how one's actions affect others. It encourages a balance between personal endurance and social responsibility, thus ensuring that spiritual growth does not come at the expense of causing harm to others.