Significance of Ascetic
Synonyms: austere, Self-denying, Abstinent, Austere, Self-disciplined, Spartan, Frugal
In Dutch: Asceet; In Finnish: Askeettinen; In Spanish: Ascético; In Portugese: Ascético; In German: Asket; In Swedish: Asket; In Malay: Bertapa; In French: Ascétique; In Polish: Ascetyczny; In Italian: Ascetico
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Ascetic'
In Buddhism, an ascetic is an individual who embraces severe self-discipline and renounces worldly pleasures, typically for spiritual or religious reasons. This lifestyle often involves abstaining from indulgences to pursue enlightenment, detachment, and a higher state of being.
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) An ascetic is a person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention, often for religious reasons, and the denial that such individuals can speak of this world and the other is a false view.[1] (2) The bodhisatta saw the ascetic and renounced the world in search of the ageless and the deathless Dhamma.[2] (3) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures for spiritual goals.[3]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) This rendering is considered not particularly suitable because the importance of asceticism, as understood in the West involving bodily mortifications, is not emphasized in Pali literature regarding these individuals.[4]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) This is the spiritual path Darimukha decided to pursue instead of remaining in the secular world, choosing to depart and conceal himself without informing his close companion.[5] (2) An individual with supernatural faculties and attainments, residing near the Himalayas, who used divine vision to perceive and assist a grieving monarch.[6] (3) The ascetic was served fish by a wealthy man who claimed the food was prepared specifically for him, prompting a discussion about sin and defilement.[7] (4) Kassapa adopted the religious life and became an ascetic, eventually being nicknamed Lomasakassapa due to his appearance.[8] (5) The ascetic, also known as the Bodhisatta, lived in the Himalaya region and had cultivated the Faculties and the Attainments.[9]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The householder, even if he be a Universal Monarch, the top of the former kind, is to pay homage with the fivefold veneration to the newly ordained novice of today. Therefore the ascetic treasure is more praiseworthy.[10] (2) It is the term used to describe the Bodhisatta after renouncing his royal life.[11] (3) A person who renounces worldly pleasures and practices self-discipline, as exemplified by Nanda, who led forty-four thousand youths in ascetic practices at the foot of the mountain named Nisabha.[12] (4) The text describes Sumedha as intending to become an "ascetic", which means he is someone who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures in pursuit of spiritual goals.[13] (5) A lifestyle chosen by Kaliadevila after seeking permission from King Suddhodana, involving renunciation and meditation.[14]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) The king asked if the garden was fitting for ascetics, indicating his understanding of the theras' lifestyle and his concern for their well-being and comfort in their chosen environment.[15]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) This describes the lifestyle of self-discipline and renunciation, as exemplified by the Buddha and emulated by Rahula.[16] (2) Therefore, a monk desiring to attain detachment–Nibbana–should shun craving. This demonstrates the path towards liberation from suffering through the cessation of desire.[17] (3) The ascetics spread the news about the disappearance of Paribbajika Sundari, and they falsely accused the followers of Gotama.[18] (4) Individuals who give up worldly pleasures in pursuit of spiritual depth, often embodying the teachings and ideals of the Buddha.[19] (5) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, mentioned as attempting to dissuade Mendaka from visiting the Buddha.[20]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A practitioner of severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, represented by both Devadatta and Bodisat in various instances.[21] (2) A person practicing severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, particularly in regards to spiritual goals.[22]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from indulgence, typically for spiritual reasons.[23]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) An individual who, under specific temporal conditions or following a minor event, leaves their home to achieve enlightenment, becoming a pratyekabuddha.[24] (2) This refers to someone who uses visualization to make the Buddhas visible, seeing it not as an appearance but as a representation.[25] (3) The ascetic enters into the pure and the stainless dhyana, as they have meditated and analyzed the disadvantages.[26] (4) A person practicing self-discipline, but even such a person is considered no different from animals if without morality.[27] (5) In a single moment of mind, it simultaneously acquires the five pure faculties, requiring distinction and description of their characteristics.[28]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Ascetics, are referenced as sramanas, in the text. Cunda believes they would not respect the Tathagata if he were to be placed on the same level as a created being.[29]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) It is a sanskrit word, it means to strike up your spirits and go forward with vigor.[30]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) A role that the two young princes wanted to become.[31]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The life that Queen Padumavati took up once more, after being reunited with King Brahmadatta, clad in red garments, returning to the hermitage of Mandavya the seer.[32] (2) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, often living in hermitages.[33]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The Dharmasvamin was prophesied to become a good ascetic and the best among ascetics, indicating a life of spiritual discipline and renunciation.[34] (2) One who had been a disciple of sgam po pa took lho la yag pa byang chub dngos grub to sgam po.[35] (3) A figure he met who held the pebbles he threw during his previous visit around a lake.[36] (4) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention to pursue spiritual goals, referenced in the context of being guided by dung tsho ras pa.[37] (5) An individual who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures for spiritual reasons.[38]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) It is referred to as mahaisiam amongst who accordingly penetrated into buddhahood by themselves only. They are without teachers and becoming by themselves only.[39] (2) Sakacintaniya renounced the world as one of these at the time of parinibbana and lived in Himavanta.[40] (3) A practitioner who renounces worldly life for spiritual pursuits; Bhagineyyupali's chosen path after abandoning household life.[41] (4) A person who practices severe self-discipline and avoidance of indulgence, which Mogharaja became after renouncing the worldly life.[42] (5) A practitioner of self-discipline, usually living a simple life devoid of physical pleasures to focus on spiritual goals.[43]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) It refers to the lifestyle the prince might abandon due to the birth of his son, leading him to devote himself to the practice of virtue instead.[44]
Hindu concept of 'Ascetic'
In Hinduism, an ascetic is a person dedicated to severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures. This practice, often involving renunciation, fasting, and seclusion, is undertaken to achieve spiritual goals, enlightenment, or inner peace, aligning with religious or spiritual objectives.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Individuals dedicated to spiritual practices and self-discipline who reside near sacred waters and are known for their piety.[45] (2) Many ascetics surrounded Bhishma on his bed of arrows, suggesting a gathering of wise individuals to witness or pay homage to the dying hero.[46] (3) These are individuals dwelling in the forest who, along with the king, showed respect to Rama.[47] (4) This ascetic, conversant with the gradual order of the successive processes of Yoga, is described as sitting upon a level spot and retiring from the haunts of other creatures.[48] (5) This spiritual practitioner, possessing great energy, slept soundly for a significant period, then requested an oil rub and a bath, showing no sign of being satisfied with the services rendered.[49]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A description of Dama's father, who was weaponless and practising austerities when he was slaughtered by Vapushmat.[50] (2) Dama's father was an ascetic, which is why any other man can practise great austerities fearlessly, as stated in the text.[51] (3) The ascetics are the individuals who were engaged in the superintendence of righteousness, and who declared the occupation for the king's son.[52] (4) Ascetics are the religious figures who were present at Aurva's hermitage, where the king sought blessings and made obeisance, indicating a place of spiritual significance.[53] (5) The ascetics are the people who are engaged in the austerities of an ascetic, and it is mentioned that Dama should safeguard the ascetics.[54]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The great sacrifice was adorned by ascetics who were effulgent like the sun and moon, having already mastered both the Vedas and their auxiliary subjects thoroughly.[55] (2) It is Vishvamitra, who found his wife and children looked after by Satyavrata and conferred a boon on Trishankhu, demonstrating gratitude.[56] (3) The ascetics began to recite Mantras for the benefit of the world during the intense battle, indicating their role in maintaining cosmic order.[57] (4) Prakriti is the refuge for ascetics, as well as Sankhya Yogins.[58] (5) Spiritual practitioners who seek enlightenment, indicative of the mountain's serene and sacred qualities.[59]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The ascetics, terrified by the mountain being riven by great Beings, fled away, reflecting upon the destructive power being unleashed during Hanuman's preparations for departure.[60] (2) Ascetics are individuals like Sutikshna, who possess a mine of asceticism and whose blessings, acquired through their practices, were offered by the sage to Rama and his consort.[61] (3) A person who was not seen and who used to be visited many times, emphasizing a sense of loss and a longing for past interactions.[62] (4) They are attired in robes of bark and deerskin, and bathe at stated seasons in the river Mandakini.[63] (5) The story involves prominent ascetics like Vasishtha and Gautama, whose roles and actions significantly impact the events and outcomes of the narrative.[64]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The ascetic is a person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from indulgence, symbolizing the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment through rigorous self-denial and devotion.[65] (2) The text references ascetics, suggesting they are individuals who dwell in the forest, and the giant questions how they can live there.[66]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The ascetic, Shuka Deva, was believed to be a Yogi even in his mother’s womb, creating a doubt about his birth from the Homa sacrifice.[67] (2) The ascetic is the Muni, the one who is old, blind, and to whom the King's daughter is eventually given in order to satisfy him.[68] (3) This is the Supreme Place of these, along with the Danavas and the Siddhas, and is comparable to the Yoga of the Yogins.[69] (4) An ascetic is a person who can cause another’s death, injure others, cure diseases and kill all, highlighting the power that comes with asceticism.[70] (5) This phrase refers to the Tapasya and the fruit thereof of the ascetics, emphasizing the spiritual practices and their results associated with this group.[71]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) This is one of the people that should be fed at ancestral ceremonies, along with a maternal uncle, a father-in-law, a son-in-law, and others.[72] (2) The demon, perpetually haunting the forests in the shape of a bull, was destroying these, adding to its malevolent nature.[73]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) These are the ones in whose company the Suta had gone to the hermitage of Vadarika, and saw Vyasa meditating, and are the ones who are mentioned in the text.[74]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) Ascetics are individuals who are devoid of all egoism, and who are free from all abhimana, as stated in the text describing Rama's qualities.[75]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) An individual who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures as a way to attain spiritual goals.[76] (2) A practitioner of severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, with principles addressed in the Anugita.[77]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) An individual belonging to the fourth order of life, characterized by a life of self-discipline and austerity.[78] (2) Ascetics, according to historical remarks, engaged in worldly pursuits such as advising people and teaching, and this verse addresses the means by which they should not obtain alms.[79] (3) Vashishtha advises that one shall feed ascetics, among other groups, indicating that renunciates are appropriate recipients for offerings made during appropriate religious observances.[80] (4) Ascetics can easily overcome great trouble, such as illness or attack by a powerful enemy, as what is hard to traverse is easily met by ascetics.[81] (5) If the father becomes this, it implies that the rule regarding division of property holds good, suggesting a change in status affects inheritance timelines.[82]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) An individual whose meal consists of eight mouthfuls of food.[83]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) An individual who departs from their home and pledges to cause no harm to any living entity, and this person is the subject of various guidelines.[84] (2) The fourth order, representing an individual who practices strict self-discipline and abstains from indulgence.[85] (3) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures for spiritual reasons.[86]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) An individual practicing severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, often for religious reasons.[87]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures, often in pursuit of spiritual goals.[88] (2) An individual who renounces worldly possessions and pleasures for spiritual advancement.[89]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The villainous practitioner who planned to use the king as a victim in a ritual, demanding a specific prostration before carrying out his malicious intent.[90] (2) The old Pashupata who, longing to be young again, abandoned his own body, and at once entered by magic power that young Brahman’s body.[91] (3) A person practicing severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, often for spiritual reasons.[92] (4) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from all forms of indulgence, often for religious reasons; Harasvamin is noted as such.[93] (5) One of the three Brahmans who renounces worldly possessions and seeks spiritual growth.[94]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) Individuals who possess the ability to achieve anything through their dedicated practice of self-discipline and rigorous spiritual exercises.[95] (2) Refers to Vidyaranya's lifestyle, indicating his spiritual renouncement, which is relevant to his identity in the commentary.[96]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) An ascetic is a person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention, and Kalanemi, Ravana’s demon uncle, was described as being dressed as one.[97] (2) Ascetics are individuals who will be imitated in their outward appearance by Shudras, who will accept charity while dressed as such.[98] (3) Ascetics, along with sannyasis, jnanis, and yogis, will face destruction if they do not engage in kirtana, according to the information contained in the text.[99] (4) People present in Navadvipa who do not explain the scriptures to glorify Krishna.[100] (5) People who practice strict self-discipline and abstain from worldly pleasures in pursuit of spiritual goals.[101]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The ascetics are fully renounced and devoted to the pursuit of spiritual knowledge, which allows them to attain liberation instantaneously at the time of death.[102] (2) Refers to individuals who practice self-discipline and spiritual austerity, which may relate to the followers of Lord Shiva.[103]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Individuals encountered by the daughter who would then exclaim with devotion about a great savior who sustained the sprawling worlds.[104]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A person who practices strict self-discipline and abstention from indulgence for spiritual reasons.[105]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) A person who renounces worldly pleasures and lives a life of intense spiritual practice and discipline.[106]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) Ascetics, also known as pravrajita, are granted free passes by the superintendent for river crossings, recognizing their spiritual path.[107] (2) The guise of an ascetic is the disguise adopted by the woman-spy who gains high esteem within the royal harem to facilitate her attempts to allure the prime minister through romantic and material promises.[108] (3) Ascetics are among the disguises used by spies, indicating the diverse roles assumed to gather information and uncover wrongdoing.[109] (4) They are used as a disguise for spies to gather information on the proceedings of cultivators, cowherds, merchants, and heads of government departments.[110] (5) Or having on some night set up a god or an altar, or having opened a sacred place of ascetics, or having pointed out an evil omen, the king may collect subsistence under the pretence of holding processions and congregations.[111]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A person whose mind is completely turned away from what is opposed to the real, and who fulfills the conditions of eligibility for Brahmanknowledge.[112] (2) An individual who is desirous of moksha and should engage in contemplation and self-inquiry.[113] (3) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstinence, for whom concentration of mind and senses is defined as the best tapas for knowledge of Brahman.[114]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This term describes an individual who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures, often for religious or spiritual purposes.[115]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A practitioner of strict self-discipline, renouncing worldly pleasures for spiritual advancement.[116] (2) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures to pursue spiritual goals.[117]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) Individuals with pure minds who seek to ascertain reality through practices rooted in Vedanta and sannyasa, emphasizing spiritual dedication.[118]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention for spiritual goals, addressed as 'blessed one' (sadho).[119]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) These will suffer if Saturn's course lies through Uttaraphalguni.[120] (2) The presence of these individuals in a place makes it not a good place, indicating an unfavorable location.[121]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Once true devotion to the divine entity is established within a wise person, regardless of their current placement or status in the world, that individual gives up all worldly attachments and transitions into becoming an ascetic.[122]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) An ascetic, when observing the beautiful woman, experiences disgust, illustrating that the resulting feeling stems from the observer's internal state rather than an inherent quality of the object itself.[123]
Jain concept of 'Ascetic'
In Jainism, an ascetic is someone who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures. This renunciation is undertaken to achieve spiritual goals, focusing on self-restraint, sinlessness, and spiritual growth, often involving practices like celibacy, meditation, and living on alms.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Eighty-four hundred ascetics, possessing clairvoyant knowledge, accompanied the Lord on his wanderings.[124] (2) Ascetics who engage in meditation are capable of instantly destroying substantial amounts of karma that has been accumulated over a long period.[125] (3) Ascetics are individuals devoted to spiritual discipline; slander of ascetics leads to right-belief-deluding karma, and service to sadhus is an asrava of bodymaking karma of Tirthakrits.[126] (4) An ascetic is exemplified by Lord Vimala, who wandered for two years in this state, signifying a life of self-discipline and spiritual practice.[127] (5) The Lord of the World wandered for four months as this. This involved enduring trials and being free from affection and worldly interest.[128]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The ascetic is a young nobleman who has entered the order and exerts himself as a Shramana, prompting King Shrenika to inquire about his motivations.[129] (2) An ascetic is someone who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures, as exemplified by the monk in the Kesara-park who is intent on sacred study.[130] (3) A practitioner of severe self-discipline and abstention, who refrains from accumulating material possessions.[131] (4) A person who refrains from worldly pleasures and focuses on self-restraint and sinlessness after hearing the Law.[132] (5) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, exemplified by Bala.[133]
From: Naladiyar
(1) Individuals who practice self-discipline and abstain from worldly pleasures.[134] (2) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, to whom wealth can be given.[135] (3) People who practice severe self-discipline and abstain from indulgences to achieve spiritual goals.[136]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) An ascetic with the first kind of physical structure has the possibility of salvation, a concept related to the discussion of physical structures and meditation.[137] (2) The ascetic has practised several observances such as control to purify the mind and to free himself from transmigration, and meditates on the material or thought, according to the text.[138] (3) Debasing the conduct of these individuals leads to the influx of passions-feeling kashayavedaniya–karmas, as stated in the text.[139] (4) Ascetic makes his abode in lonely places, to maintain celibacy, study, and meditation without disturbance, as part of the viviktashayyasana practice.[140] (5) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, often in pursuit of spiritual goals.[141]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) A person who, when experiencing pain or cold, should not attempt to avoid these trials, but remain steadfast.[142] (2) The life one should lead with a steady mind, without attachment, unmoved by passion, restless in wandering, and free from worldly desires.[143] (3) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstain from indulgences for spiritual growth, often living as mendicants.[144] (4) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from indulgences, focusing on spiritual growth rather than familial ties.[145]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) A person who practices self-denial and austerity to achieve spiritual goals, often refraining from worldly pleasures.[146]
The concept of Ascetic in local and regional sources
Ascetic is a recurring theme, representing individuals practicing self-discipline and renunciation for spiritual pursuits. These individuals, including Sabari, Shiva, and various groups, are depicted engaging in austerities and abstaining from worldly pleasures to achieve higher spiritual understanding.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) The ascetic figure might be interpreted as a medicine-man whose therapeutic intentions were deeply interconnected with a specific theory involving presence and transcendence in early Buddhist thought.[147]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The term ascetic is used interchangeably with bairagi, and this individual sought to test Surdas by asking him to hold onto his shoes while he went to worship at the temple.[148] (2) The ascetic, named Rampuribawa, tested Visoba's impartiality by presenting himself in a filthy state, and Visoba treated him with great respect.[149] (3) Individuals who reside in Mathura, Gokul, and Vrindavan, engaged in worldly affairs yet indifferent to worldly things and devote themselves to worship.[150] (4) An ascetic is someone who gives up family life for spiritual pursuits, and the husband threatens to become one, causing his wife to seek advice from Santoba.[151] (5) Shiva is supreme among ascetics, illustrating a point of comparison for Tulsidas's position.[152]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A person dedicated to a life of severe self-discipline and restraint, primarily focused on spiritual austerity, who possessed a humble demeanor and extended goodwill toward all humanity.[153] (2) A person who is not moved by honour or dishonour and does not experience affection or renunciation, embodying a state of detachment from worldly concerns and emotions.[154] (3) It describes the life of the Buddha, who renounced his princely existence to realize truth through meditation.[155] (4) A person in saffron robe who entered Pataliputra to chide King Ajatsatru for his overweening pride, delivering a message about the fleeting nature of the world.[156] (5) This group of people, including Kushika, Svethakethu, Gautama, Bharadwaja, Kara, Uddalaka, Kouna-kuthsa, Arshinisena and Swasthyathraya and Shankhamedha, tried to comfort Ruru after the death of his love.[157]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) It is what many of Paramhansa Ramakrishna's hearers and pupils became after his death, due to his impressive teachings.[158]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Ascetics are individuals who practice self-discipline and self-denial, and many dozens of them engage in a rite on a high column hoping to escape birth and death.[159]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) An ascetic person practising austerity in the forest jungle helped the Princess when she was alone with her child.[160] (2) An extremely old individual who happened to be traveling near the location of the animal, and the animal initiated a conversation with this person.[161] (3) A spiritual figure who begs for the chank shell from the Prince in exchange for a wallet.[162] (4) The three men the Prince discovered, who practiced austerities.[163]
The concept of Ascetic in scientific sources
Asceticism, in this context, emphasizes divine transcendence by viewing the world as a distraction. Ascetics focus on spiritual pursuits over worldly concerns.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) These are revered individuals within the religious structure who serve as models of renunciation and the path toward spiritual liberation, and they are also frequently sought out for their extensive learning and guidance on personal dilemmas.[164] (2) People seek out with questions and petitions, asking for advice, prayer, and blessings, relying on them as spiritual guides for their problems.[165] (3) The ascetics, or sadhus, are identified as ritual specialists and interlocutors who admitted the author and subjected them to tests and scrutiny to assess their suitability for Tantra sadhana.[166]