The ascetic ideals initially established by Confucius are moderate and rational. ... Ascetic virtuosos stemming from the tradition of " inner-worldly " asceticism closed a gap between a rationalized system of behavior-regulating practices and interventionist practice with reference to transcendence.

What religions practice asceticism?

Asceticism has been historically observed in many religious traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Pythagoreanism and contemporary practices continue amongst some religious followers.

Was Confucius ascetic?

While Confucius had been brought up in poverty, by the time he was 40 he had become a learned man. He was not a solitary ascetic: he was a man of the world, who enjoyed a good dinner, fine wine, a song, a joke, and stimulating conversation.