Asceticism

A voluntary renunciation of all sensuous gratification, sometimes in an attempt to train the will to endure enforced deprivation of pleasure. Asceticism is usually associated with the fulfilment of the ideal way of life postulated by some religious and even political systems; or as the preparation for some initiation. Christian asceticism, for instance, is concerned with distancing the soul from sin and wrong inclinations, to advance in the cultivation of virtues and to rest in loving union with God, spiritual perfection only being possible with the renunciation of the things of this life. Such renunciation is likened to the strict training of an athlete, as it is also in Greek philosophy where asceticism is synonymous with training of the mind, mental culture and ethics. It may also be seen as a preparation for death, either as a confrontation with the mortal condition by dying to the world or as death to one's self preparatory to experience of the divine.

True asceticism is said to occur naturally, since one's desires have to be curbed in order to dedicate one's behaviour to the needs of others; it should not be used as a defence against unacceptable feelings or as a therapy. The dangers of over-asceticism are mentioned in many religions, the chief danger being that of pride in one's ability to do without. Other criticisms demonstrate the duality of the approach which attempts to free man from the "defilement" of the body and its desires in order to progress spiritually, although this is hardly an argument against asceticism as such. Marxism rejects asceticism as contrary to the total and harmonious development of man.