Asceticism (or asceticism) is a way of life that can be characterized by abstention from various worldly pleasures and indiscretions. It is often resorted to in order to achieve any religious goals, but the attitude to a particular religion is not a necessary condition. Many spiritual traditions (eg Buddhism, Jainism, Christian wilderness) 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 way of life, abstaining from sensual pleasures and the accumulation of worldly goods. Penance is a way of acting and thinking that is practiced not as a renunciation of the joys of life, nor because it is virtuous in itself, but for the sake of physical and spiritual he alth.
Sociology and psychology about asceticism
German sociologist Max Weber made a distinction between "outside the world" and "in the world" asceticism, which was translated into English as "renounced" and "worldly" asceticism, respectively. Complete asceticism is practiced by people who leave society,to concentrate on their spirituality (this applies to both community monks and single ascetics). The author calls "worldly" ascetics those who practice restraint in actions without leaving their usual place. In the 20th century, the American theoretical psychologist David McClelland suggested that under normal conditions, asceticism is a way of life directed against pleasures that distract a person from his vocation, but allowing those pleasures that do not interfere with him.
Religious and worldly motivations
The practice of restraint is common to both religious and secular people. For example, in terms of spiritual motivation, a person may fast, abstain from sexual activity, and resort to other forms of self-denial in order to gain awareness or to gain a closer connection with the object of devotion. Worldly austerity is a way of life that can be practiced for a variety of other tangible or intangible purposes: a prime example is the Spartans, who maintain 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 mentally and physically for them.
- Rejection of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and promiscuity is part of the ideology of some subcultures.
- An individual may lead an ascetic life for a day, a month, or any other period as a test of willpower.
- Some types of meditation practices for the laity involve 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 remembrance of ancestors and their difficult fate.
- Withdrawing food and essentials is part of the hunger strike.
- Female austerities involving a physically and mentally he althy lifestyle can be undertaken as preparation for pregnancy.
