asceticism (or penance) - a way of life, which can be characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures and various neblagonravnyh actions.Often resort to it in order to achieve any religious purposes, but the attitude to a particular religion is not a prerequisite.Many spiritual traditions (eg, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity pustynnichestvo) include the practice of imposing restrictions on the actions of body, speech and mind.The founders and adherents of these religious teachings were very simple lifestyle, refraining from sensual pleasures and the accumulation of worldly goods.Asceticism - a way of thinking and action, which is practiced not as a rejection of the joys of life, and not because it alone is virtuous, but because of the physical and spiritual health.
Sociology and Psychology of asceticism
German sociologist Max Weber made the difference between austerity "outside world" and "the world", which was translated into English as "renunciation" and "worldly" asceticism, respectively.Full asceticism practiced by people who leave the society to focus on their spirituality (this applies both to the community of monks and devotees to the lonely)."Worldly" ascetics author calls those who practice self-restraint in action without leaving their usual place.In the 20th century the American psychologist and theorist David McClelland suggested that under normal conditions of austerity - a way of life, directed against pleasures, distracting man from his vocation, but allowing those pleasures that do not interfere with him.
religious and secular motivation
practice restraint characteristic of both religious and secular people.For example, in terms of spiritual motivation a person can starve to refuse sexual activity and to resort to other forms of self-denial to achieve awareness and gain a closer connection with the object of devotion.Worldly asceticism - it is a lifestyle that can be practiced for a variety of other tangible or intangible goals: a striking example - the Spartans who observe strict discipline in preparation for battle.
Examples of secular asceticism
- person minimizes their living expenses with a view to devote more time to be creative.
- Many professional athletes abstain from sexual activity, greasy food and other pleasures before important competitions to prepare them mentally and physically.
- Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, drugs and promiscuity is part of the ideology of certain subcultures.
- individual can lead an ascetic life for a day, month or any other period as a test of willpower.
- Some types of meditation practice for laypeople assume restraint in the actions of body, speech and mind.
- ascetic life for a certain period of time may be a tribute to the tradition, for example, to accompany the remembrance of ancestors and their difficult fate.
- denial of food and basic necessities is part of hunger strike.
- Women austerity, implying keeping physically and mentally healthy life can be taken in preparation for pregnancy.
