Asceticism (or asceticism) is a way of life that can be characterized by abstinence from various worldly pleasures and evil deeds. Often they resort to it in order to achieve any religious goals, but attitude to a particular religion is not a necessary condition. Many spiritual traditions (for example, Buddhism, Jainism, Christian desertification) include practices that impose restrictions on the actions of the body, speech and mind. The founders and adherents of these religious teachings led a very simple lifestyle, refraining from sensual pleasures and the accumulation of worldly goods. Asceticism is a mode of action and thinking that is practiced not as a rejection of the joys of life, but also not because it is virtuous in itself, but for the sake of physical and spiritual health.
Sociology and psychology about asceticism
The German sociologist Max Weber made a distinction between asceticism “outside the world” and “in the world”, which was translated into English as “renounced” and “worldly” asceticism, respectively. Complete asceticism is practiced by people who leave society in order to concentrate on their spirituality (this applies to both community monks and lonely ascetics). The author calls “worldly” ascetics those who practice restraint in actions without leaving their usual place. In the 20th century, American theoretical psychologist David McClelland suggested that under ordinary conditions, austerity is a way of life directed against pleasures that distract a person from his calling, but allowing those pleasures that do not interfere with him.
Religious and temporal motivation
The practice of restraint is characteristic of both religious and secular people. For example, from the point of view of spiritual motivation, a person can starve, give up sexual activity and resort to other forms of self-denial in order to achieve awareness or find a closer connection with the object of devotion. Worldly asceticism is a way of life that can be practiced for many other tangible or intangible purposes: a striking example is the Spartans, who observe strict discipline in preparing for battle.
Examples of secular asceticism
- A person minimizes his living expenses in order to devote more time to creativity.
- Many professional athletes refrain from sexual activity, fatty foods and other pleasures before important competitions in order to prepare for them mentally and physically.
- The abandonment of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and promiscuous sexual relations is part of the ideology of some subcultures.
- An individual may lead an ascetic lifestyle throughout the day, month, or any other period as a test of willpower.
- Some types of meditation practices for the laity suggest abstinence in the actions of the body, speech and mind.
- An ascetic lifestyle for a certain period of time can be a tribute to tradition, for example, to accompany the commemoration of the ancestors and their difficult fate.
- Refusing food and essentials is part of a hunger strike.
- Female asceticism, which involves maintaining a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle, can be undertaken in preparation for pregnancy.