Austerity (tapas) which is performed by deluded grasping, with torment of the self (ātman), Or for the purpose of destroying another, that is declared to be of darkness (tāmasa).
Performed with deluded perception, self-mortification, or sadism, such penance has dark inertia.
(19) Some mortify themselves following perverted theories, torturing themselves, or to destroy another: this is called [penance] in Darkness' way.
17.19 That austerity which is undertaken with a foolish intent, by causing pain to oneself, or for the destruction of others-that is said to be born of tamas.
17.19 That austerity which is practiced from deluded notions by means of self-torture or in order to injure another is said to be Tamasika.
17.19 That austerity which is practiced out of a foolish notion, with self-torture, or for the purpose of destroying another, is declared to be Tamasic.