\uh-SET-ik\, noun: One who renounces material comforts and practices extreme self-denial, especially as an act of religious devotion
An ascetic person has a way of life that is simple and strict, usually because of their religious beliefs. An ascetic is someone who is ascetic. living without any physical pleasures or comforts, especially for religious reasons (asketikos, from asketes , from askein )
(Gr "one who practices [spiritual] exercises") Monks who have accepted a monastic life and intensively practice self discipline, meditation, and self-denial, motivated by love of God
something for no other reason than that you would rather not do it"- William James; "a desert nomad's austere life"; "a spartan diet"; "a spartan existence"
practicing great self-denial; "Be systematically ascetic do something for no other reason than that you would rather not do it"- William James; "a desert nomad's austere life"; "a spartan diet"; "a spartan existence"
In the early church, one who devoted himself to a solitary and contemplative life, characterized by devotion, extreme self-denial, and self-mortification; a hermit; a recluse; hence, one who practices extreme rigor and self-denial in religious things
pertaining to or characteristic of an ascetic or the practice of rigorous self-discipline; "ascetic practices
Of or relating to the Ascetics, or to the practice of rigorous self-discipline. Usually involving a withholding of most physical pleasures
ascetic: practicing great self-denial; "Be systematically ascetic do something for no other reason than that you would rather not do it"- William James; "a desert nomad's austere life"; "a spartan diet"; "a spartan existence"
Genus: Ethical System Differentia: Holds that true meaning and beauty can only be non-physical, and therefore one should refrain from all physical pleasures
the ethical view that holiness or purity is achieved by mandatory abstinence from bodily comforts and material pleasures (e g , food, alcohol, sleep, sex, money)
rigorous self-denial and active self-restraint the doctrine that through renunciation of worldly pleasures it is possible to achieve a high spiritual or intellectual state
the idea that self-denial and abstention from self-indulgence lead to higher religious, emotional, or intellectual states Ascetics often engage in disciplined behavior (such as contemplation and fasting) for spiritual, moral or intellectual benefits
The theory that the only means open to man for attaining complete quietude, contentment and happiness is to renounce all earthly concerns and worldly things in preparation for eternal bliss Only an ascetic may reproach liberalism for advancing the outward material welfare of men FC 4-5; HA 178-79
the general name given to the spiritual efforts and exercises at purification and growth in Christian perfection, and toward a closer following of Christ
From the Greek for "exercise, practice, training," rigorous physical practices of abstention (e g , fasting, vegetarianism, celibacy), bodily afflictions (hair shirts, chains), or physical withdrawal from society (cave-dwellers, stylites [people who sit on pillars]), with the intent of ethical or spiritual purification Ascetic behavior represents a range of responses to social, political, and physical worlds often perceived as oppressive or unfriendly, or as stumbling blocks to (heroic) personal or communal goals, lifestyles and commitments The locus classicus for Christian asceticism is 1 Cor 7
The belief that a conflict exists between one's body and spirit By renouncing the needs and desires of the body, one can attain a higher spirituality This is concept is found in many religions and faith groups, from Christianity to Native American spirituality
The practice of self discipline, especially the renunciation of certain bodily pleasures Asceticism usually involves an unscriptural elevation of the spiritual over the physical
Asceticism is a simple, strict way of life with no luxuries or physical pleasures. Practice of the denial of physical or psychological desires in order to attain a spiritual ideal or goal. Most religions have some features of asceticism. The desire for ritual purity in order to come in contact with the divine, the need for atonement, and the wish to earn merit or gain access to supernatural powers all are reasons for ascetic practice. Christian hermits and monks, wandering Hindu ascetics, and Buddhist monks all reject worldly goods and practice various forms of self-denial, including celibacy, abstinence, and fasting. Members of the Digambara sect of Jainism practice an extreme form of asceticism that includes the rejection of wearing clothes. Though monasticism is rejected in the Qurn, ascetic movements such as zuhd have arisen in Islam. Zoroastrianism forbids fasting and mortification
A term used to refer to the wide variety of forms of self-discipline used by Christians to deepen their knowledge of and commitment to God The terms derives from the Greek term askesis ("discipline")