QUOTE : his size, change his shape. He seeks independence from nature. Withdrawing from nature is the first step in this process. Detached from nature, a Tapasvin feels no pain, hears no sound, sees no image, tastes no flavour and smells no odour. In art, Tapasvins are shown as seated in cross-legged positions with creepers around their feet, termite hills over their bodies and serpents slithering around their necks. These men are intellectually, emotionally and physically liberated from all things material. A traditionally decorated Shiva-linga without a mask