Significance of Abstinence
Abstinence, as explored in the text, is a multifaceted practice with varied interpretations across different contexts. In Jainism, it's about refraining from actions causing spiritual bondage. Within Vedanta, it's self-restraint for spiritual seeking. Dharmashastra links it to refraining from meat, sex, and other behaviors. In Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism, it is a moral framework and component of consciousness, while in Science and Psychiatry, it's refraining from drug use. Health Sciences views abstinence as refraining from sexual activity, substance use, smoking, and alcohol, often as a preventive measure or a goal of treatment.
Synonyms: Self-restraint, Forbearance, Temperance, Moderation, Sobriety, Self-denial
In French: Abstinence; In Dutch: Onthouding; In Finnish: Raittius; In Spanish: Abstinencia; In German: Abstinenz; In Swedish: Nykterhet; In Malay: Berpantang; In Portugese: Abstinência; In Italian: Astinenza; In Polish: Abstynencja
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Abstinence'
In Buddhism, Abstinence encompasses refraining from immoral actions, forming a moral framework. It involves three key abstinences related to actions, words, and livelihood, achieved in supra-mundane consciousness. These abstinences function as moral precepts and regulate behavior.
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Here are enumerated three Abstinences pertaining to wrong speech, wrong actions, and wrong livelihood; strictly speaking, these three mental concomitants collectively arise only in the Supra mundane consciousness.[1] (2) The text specifies three of these, which are also factors, arising separately and occasionally, highlighting a specific set of elements.[2] (3) The three Abstinences that are definitively obtained all at once in all places related to Supra mundane types of consciousness.[3] (4) Three moral components found only in Supra mundane consciousness, representing forms of refraining from immoral actions through words, deeds, and means of livelihood.[4] (5) Refers to states of consciousness characterized by the absence of specific actions, notably excluded from certain types of consciousness.[5]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) A set of moral precepts in Buddhism that are counted as one when recognizing their function and application in meditation.[6]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Virtue as abstinence is simply abstention from killing living things, etc.[7]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The actions one refrains from, which constitute the moral framework in practicing Buddhism.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Abstinence'
In Hinduism, Abstinence encompasses refraining from meat, sex, shaving, and dishonesty. It involves Uposhana, curbing indulgences, and self-restraint from pleasures like food. This practice aims to facilitate self-discovery.
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The act of restraining oneself from indulging in something, such as food or pleasure, which is a practice that helps one seek the Self.[9]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This is a practice, along with penance and faith, that enables individuals to seek the Self and attain the northern path, leading to a higher state.[10]
From: Apastamba Yajna-paribhasa-sutras
(1) This involves refraining from meat and sexual intercourse, shaving the beard and head, cutting nails, and speaking the truth.[11]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The text suggests that it alone is not sufficient to control the organs, which are contaminated with objects.[12]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Uposhana, a practice involving refraining from indulgence.[13]
Jain concept of 'Abstinence'
In Jainism, Abstinence (virati) is the practice of refraining from actions that cause spiritual bondage. It involves avoiding specific behaviors for moral and spiritual growth, forming the basis for vows and ultimately, spiritual liberation.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Abstinence (virati) is the practice of refraining from actions that can cause spiritual bondage, acting as the opposite of non-abstinence.[14] (2) The practice of refraining from certain actions, which is foundational for the classifications of minor and great vows, called 'virati' in the text.[15] (3) The practice of refraining from certain behaviors or actions for moral or spiritual reasons.[16]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Abstinence as regards speech should be observed, or one should instruct the opponent in the true faith, according to the teachings presented.[17]
The concept of Abstinence in local and regional sources
Abstinence, as defined by regional sources, is the practice of abstaining from evil deeds and thoughts. This concept was notably emphasized by Marcus Aurelius's mother, highlighting the importance of moral restraint.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The practice of refraining from evil deeds and even evil thoughts, taught by Marcus Aurelius's mother.[18]
The concept of Abstinence in scientific sources
Abstinence, in this context, encompasses refraining from sexual activity, substance use (drugs, alcohol, and smoking). It's presented as a preventative measure for sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, and addiction. It's also a goal in treatment programs and a subject of discussion for religious practices and parents.
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) It is a factor that can be reinforced among offenders in a drug diversion program, using vouchers.[19] (2) Maintaining it requires being mindful and avoiding complacency, as well as adhering to restricted living rather than risking recovery.[20] (3) Drug addiction rehabilitation treatments should not only be focused on achieving mere abstinence, but should also try to recover the quality of life of the patient.[21] (4) Lower rates of tobacco abstinence have been found in smokers with greater psychological addiction and withdrawal symptoms, highlighting the challenges in quitting.[22] (5) It is the practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something.[23]
From: South African Journal of HIV Medicine
(1) This refers to refraining from sexual activity, presented as a key component of the 'safe sex/no sex' prevention strategy, although it is emphasized that it is not the only aspect, and that the strategy encompasses a broader approach.[24] (2) This refers to refraining from substance use, and the goal of abstinence can be considered in the context of opioid withdrawal management, but has high rates of relapse.[25] (3) The text explores this practice from risky sexual activities, and suggests that a period of this, could be a part of interventions to slow the spread of HIV, as well as religious practices.[26] (4) This involves refraining from sexual activity, which is suggested for those who are not yet sexually active, with information about consequences and alternatives.[27] (5) The act of refraining from smoking, a primary outcome measure in the study, assessed through self-reporting and confirmed by measuring carbon monoxide levels in breath.[28]
From: African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine
(1) The practice of refraining from sexual activity, and is one of the subjects parents discuss with adolescents, often in the context of avoiding negative consequences.[29] (2) Abstinence is the practice of refraining from alcohol use, and the success of disulfiram treatment is often measured by the duration of abstinence and is a key goal of the intervention.[30] (3) The practice of refraining from sexual activity, which was mentioned as a method to prevent pregnancy.[31] (4) This is a practice mentioned in conjunction with faithfulness and condom use, forming part of a comparative study that looks at the influence of religious organizations.[32]
From: South African Family Practice
(1) The text suggests that many patients improve within two to four weeks of abstinence from alcohol, making it advisable to assess psychiatric co-morbidity after a period of abstinence.[33] (2) The current FP method that was used the most by the older women in the study.[34] (3) The practice of refraining from sexual activity, which was a popularly used method in the study and is likely to prevent sexual transmission of diseases.[35] (4) The act of refraining from something, such as smoking, and varenicline helps smokers achieve and maintain this, which is the ultimate goal of treatment.[36]
From: Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics
(1) Abstinence is mentioned as a contributing factor to recent declines in adolescent pregnancy in the United States.[37]
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Abstinence is the practice of refraining from sexual activity, often aligned with religious beliefs and serving as a way to accomplish a religious project until marriage.[38] (2) The provided text indicates that chastity can be understood as this from all sexual activity, applying to both men and women.[39] (3) It is a duration correlated with wellbeing and is characteristic of participants who manifested higher levels of spirituality, fewer psychiatric symptoms, and more frequent participation in AA. It leads to better mental health and positive outcomes.[40]
From: South African Journal of Psychiatry
(1) This refers to the practice of refraining from the use of substances, which is often a primary goal of substance rehabilitation programs.[41] (2) This is the state of refraining from drug use, which was a primary outcome of interest in the study, and was compared between different groups of participants.[42]
From: International Journal of Pharmacology
(1) A state of refraining from drug use, emphasized by non-medication therapies like NA, which view methadone as hindering recovery.[43]