Asceticism is found in both non-theistic and theistic traditions within Indian religions. The origins of the practice are ancient and a heritage shared by major Indian religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.

What is an example of asceticism?

The definition of asceticism is a practice in which one gets rid of worldly pleasures and focuses on thinking, particularly for religious or spiritual purposes. A Buddhist monk is an example of someone practicing asceticism. ... The principles and practices of an ascetic; extreme self-denial and austerity.

What is the purpose of asceticism?

Asceticism, or self-denial, is a common spiritual practice in monastic settings. In attempting to transcend desire, asceticism may promote a sense of separation from material phenomena eliciting, in response, a clinging to the concept of detachment itself which forms a major obstacle to spiritual evolution.