Acharya Prashant explains the concept of 'Tapasya' (austerity) through an analogy. He tells the story of a man with microbes on his skin who is advised by a doctor to use sunlight, or heat treatment, to get rid of them. The speaker refers to this heat treatment as 'Tapas'. The germs, overhearing the advice, warn the man that the heat will harm him as much as it harms them, because they live on a tender, unexposed part of his body. They argue that the man's weakness is attached to them, and by trying to eliminate them with heat, he would also be subjecting himself to suffering. They advise him against the treatment, pointing out that both would suffer. The man's reply illustrates the essence of Tapasya. He acknowledges that he will suffer but asserts that he will survive and emerge healthier, brighter, and stronger. In contrast, the germs will not survive the same suffering. The man explains that he has something within him that is related to the sun, which allows him to endure its heat, making it life-giving for him but life-threatening for the germs. Therefore, he is prepared to go through the suffering because it has a higher utility. The speaker defines this willingness to endure suffering for self-purification as Tapasya. Acharya Prashant clarifies that in the process of killing one's 'germs' or weaknesses, one must also suffer. However, one willingly undertakes this suffering knowing that the very thing that kills the germs makes one stronger. He states that it is very difficult to defeat someone who is prepared to give up everything for victory. A person is defeated not by their weaknesses, but by their desire to protect those weaknesses. While it is normal and not a crime to be weak, it is unacceptable to be fond of or protective towards one's weaknesses. The final victory belongs to the one who is prepared to give up their tender spots and endure the suffering required for growth.