Asceticism

Asceticism (Greek, askesis, “exercise”), practice of self-denial and renunciation of worldly pleasures in order to attain a higher degree of spirituality, intellectuality, or self-awareness. Among the ancient Greeks, the term originally denoted the training practised by athletes and soldiers. In Greek philosophy, the adherents of Cynicism and Stoicism adopted the practice of mastering desire and passion. Asceticism is practised to some extent by the adherents of every religion. It often requires abstinence from food, drink, or sexual activity, as in fasting or celibacy, and may also require physical pain or discomfort, such as endurance of extreme heat or cold or self-punishment, as in sufism or as practised by the flagellants. Asceticism may require withdrawal from the material world to a life of meditation. See also Buddhism; Hinduism; Monasticism; Penance.