Significance of Ascetic
Synonyms: austere, Self-denying, Abstinent, Austere, Self-disciplined, Spartan, Frugal
In Dutch: Asceet; In Finnish: Askeettinen; In Spanish: Ascético; In German: Asket; In Swedish: Asket; In Malay: Bertapa; In French: Ascétique
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: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A person who was once an elder and built a hut of leaves in a mango orchard on the outskirts of Jetavana.[1] (2) An ascetic is someone who chooses the ascetic's life, abandoning royal pomp, to become an ascetic, and lives on leaves, taking vows and following rules.[2] (3) The ascetic is a person who is visited by Honour, and is the one who grants her the ambrosial food, which is then later discussed by Sakka and Matali.[3] (4) This is the term used to describe the Bodhisatta when he was living the hermit’s life and the holy man that the king wished to see in the pleasaunce.[4] (5) The ascetic was the merchant's son, who abandoned his worldly life and became an ascetic, and who was the central figure in the story's resolution.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Therefore, a monk desiring to attain detachment–Nibbana–should shun craving. This demonstrates the path towards liberation from suffering through the cessation of desire.[6] (2) The ascetics spread the news about the disappearance of Paribbajika Sundari, and they falsely accused the followers of Gotama.[7] (3) Individuals who give up worldly pleasures in pursuit of spiritual depth, often embodying the teachings and ideals of the Buddha.[8] (4) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, mentioned as attempting to dissuade Mendaka from visiting the Buddha.[9]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A lifestyle chosen by Kaliadevila after seeking permission from King Suddhodana, involving renunciation and meditation.[10] (2) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from indulgence, signifying the life Sujata embraced.[11] (3) An individual who has renounced worldly pleasures in pursuit of spiritual goals.[12]
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.[13] (2) A person practicing severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, particularly in regards to spiritual goals.[14]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from indulgence, typically for spiritual reasons.[15]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures for spiritual goals.[16]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The ascetic is a person who practices the apramanas and is reborn in the two higher realms, according to the provided text.[17] (2) A practitioner who engages in intense meditation or spiritual exercises, particularly in the context of dhyana.[18] (3) A practitioner who abstains from worldly pleasures and strives for spiritual advancement, as highlighted in the text.[19] (4) A practitioner who meditates on suffering and impermanence, striving for self-control and detachment.[20] (5) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from all forms of indulgence, often for religious reasons.[21]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, often living in hermitages.[22]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) One who had been a disciple of sgam po pa took lho la yag pa byang chub dngos grub to sgam po.[23] (2) A figure he met who held the pebbles he threw during his previous visit around a lake.[24] (3) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention to pursue spiritual goals, referenced in the context of being guided by dung tsho ras pa.[25] (4) An individual who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures for spiritual reasons.[26] (5) The lifestyle Dharmasvamin adopted after serving as an abbot, indicating a commitment to spiritual practices.[27]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A practitioner who renounces worldly life for spiritual pursuits; Bhagineyyupali's chosen path after abandoning household life.[28] (2) A person who practices severe self-discipline and avoidance of indulgence, which Mogharaja became after renouncing the worldly life.[29] (3) A practitioner of self-discipline, usually living a simple life devoid of physical pleasures to focus on spiritual goals.[30] (4) A person, like Sataramsi, who renounces physical pleasures and leads a life of simplicity and self-discipline.[31] (5) A practitioner who renounces worldly pleasures for spiritual pursuits.[32]
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) Ten thousands of these, with vital seed drawn up, daily ate from golden plates, demonstrating their spiritual practices.[33] (2) The great individual left the Pandavas and went to the place whence he had come, marking the end of their interaction.[34] (3) The ascetic is a learned individual with high intelligence and illumination, who discoursed on the infinite merits of Ganga, highlighting his spiritual insight.[35] (4) A person practicing severe self-discipline and abstinence from worldly pleasures, often engaged in spiritual pursuits.[36] (5) Spiritual practitioners who were protected by Rama from the threats posed by Rakshasas, highlighting Rama’s role as a guardian.[37]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The ascetics are the ones who speak to Kakutstha and explain the cause of their fears, and they seek a protector from the terror of Lavana and the weapon he possesses.[38] (2) Ascetics are those who undergo austerities, as mentioned in the context of scriptural injunctions, and are part of the doctrine of sacrifice and renunciation.[39] (3) These are the individuals who sought protection from Rama, highlighting their vulnerability and their reliance on his aid.[40] (4) The ascetic, possessing great power, assisted the monkeys, showcasing her importance and the narrative's reliance on her abilities.[41] (5) This individual, given to fasting, was seen by the monkeys in the subterranean chamber.[42]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The ascetics are the individuals who were engaged in the superintendence of righteousness, and who declared the occupation for the king's son.[43] (2) 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.[44] (3) The ascetics are the people who are engaged in the austerities of an ascetic, and it is mentioned that Dama should safeguard the ascetics.[45] (4) A person in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment often through severe self-discipline, referenced in the context of Vishvamitra's character.[46] (5) A practitioner who renounces worldly pleasures, engaging in rigorous self-discipline and meditation to attain spiritual growth.[47]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) 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.[48] (2) This is the Supreme Place of these, along with the Danavas and the Siddhas, and is comparable to the Yoga of the Yogins.[49] (3) 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.[50] (4) This phrase refers to the Tapasya and the fruit thereof of the ascetics, emphasizing the spiritual practices and their results associated with this group.[51] (5) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstain from worldly pleasures in pursuit of spiritual goals.[52]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Prakriti is the refuge for ascetics, as well as Sankhya Yogins.[53] (2) Spiritual practitioners who seek enlightenment, indicative of the mountain's serene and sacred qualities.[54] (3) Individuals highly regarded for their spiritual practices and disciplines, often mentioned throughout various narratives.[55] (4) People who practice severe self-discipline and abstain from worldly pleasures, seeking a deeper spiritual connection.[56]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures, significant in the context of the transformative events described.[57] (2) A person dedicated to spiritual practice and self-discipline, seeking higher knowledge and liberation.[58] (3) Religious individuals dedicated to spiritual practice, whom Devasharman served and honored.[59]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) An individual who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures as a way to attain spiritual goals.[60] (2) A practitioner of severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, with principles addressed in the Anugita.[61]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from indulgence, focused on spiritual goals and inner peace.[62]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) A person, like Kritabodha, who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from all forms of indulgence for spiritual advancement.[63]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The text references ascetics, suggesting they are individuals who dwell in the forest, and the giant questions how they can live there.[64]
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.[65]
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.[66]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The demon, perpetually haunting the forests in the shape of a bull, was destroying these, adding to its malevolent nature.[67]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Individuals who renounce worldly pleasures for spiritual pursuits and do not pay taxes, included in the list of those under the protection of the King.[68] (2) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention, often for spiritual or religious reasons.[69] (3) Individuals who practice self-discipline and renounce material comforts, often leading a simple life centered around spiritual practice.[70] (4) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention, generally considered competent, but excluded from being a witness in certain texts.[71] (5) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention, exempt from any tax requirements as distinguished in the commentary.[72]
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.[73] (2) The fourth order, representing an individual who practices strict self-discipline and abstains from indulgence.[74] (3) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures for spiritual reasons.[75]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures, often in pursuit of spiritual goals.[76] (2) An individual who renounces worldly possessions and pleasures for spiritual advancement.[77]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) An individual practicing severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, often for religious reasons.[78]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) 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.[79] (2) A person practicing severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, often for spiritual reasons.[80] (3) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from all forms of indulgence, often for religious reasons; Harasvamin is noted as such.[81] (4) One of the three Brahmans who renounces worldly possessions and seeks spiritual growth.[82] (5) A person who leads a life of strict self-discipline and abstention, which the husband becomes after being freed by Kali.[83]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) Refers to Vidyaranya's lifestyle, indicating his spiritual renouncement, which is relevant to his identity in the commentary.[84]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) People who practice strict self-discipline and abstain from worldly pleasures in pursuit of spiritual goals.[85] (2) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstain from indulgence for spiritual growth.[86] (3) People who practice severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures.[87]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) A person who renounces worldly pleasures and lives a life of intense spiritual practice and discipline.[88]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A person who practices strict self-discipline and abstention from indulgence for spiritual reasons.[89]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Refers to individuals who practice self-discipline and spiritual austerity, which may relate to the followers of Lord Shiva.[90]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) 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.[91] (2) Individuals who practice austerity and may be used to gain trust and gather intelligence.[92] (3) A person who renounces worldly pleasures for spiritual pursuits, often involving travel or relocation of resources.[93] (4) Individuals who practice severe discipline and abstain from worldly pleasures, permitted to reside in certain places if reliable.[94] (5) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline for spiritual purposes, utilized as a facade by spies.[95]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A practitioner of strict self-discipline, renouncing worldly pleasures for spiritual advancement.[96] (2) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures to pursue spiritual goals.[97]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) 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.[98]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) Individuals with pure minds who seek to ascertain reality through practices rooted in Vedanta and sannyasa, emphasizing spiritual dedication.[99]
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.[100]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention for spiritual goals, addressed as 'blessed one' (sadho).[101]
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) Ascetics are individuals who wear crowns of matted hair, carry rosaries, and focus their glances, and Ravana and his brothers emulated their appearance.[102] (2) The ascetics are individuals who bowed to Master Gautama and wished to be his disciples, later going to the Master, the Supreme Lord.[103] (3) The text mentions flying ascetics, indicating that the mountain is visited by individuals with spiritual practices.[104] (4) This refers to a religious figure, who demanded that a hot dish of rice-pudding be placed on Jinadharma's back, representing a test.[105] (5) Individuals who practiced severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, who the king aimed to assist.[106]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Debasing the conduct of these individuals leads to the influx of passions-feeling kashayavedaniya–karmas, as stated in the text.[107] (2) Ascetic makes his abode in lonely places, to maintain celibacy, study, and meditation without disturbance, as part of the viviktashayyasana practice.[108] (3) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, often in pursuit of spiritual goals.[109] (4) A person who engages in severe self-discipline and abstains from indulgence, often to attain spiritual goals.[110] (5) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures, who is not supposed to experience cruel meditation.[111]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) A practitioner of severe self-discipline and abstention, who refrains from accumulating material possessions.[112] (2) A person who refrains from worldly pleasures and focuses on self-restraint and sinlessness after hearing the Law.[113] (3) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, exemplified by Bala.[114]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstain from indulgences for spiritual growth, often living as mendicants.[115] (2) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from indulgences, focusing on spiritual growth rather than familial ties.[116]
From: Naladiyar
(1) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, to whom wealth can be given.[117] (2) People who practice severe self-discipline and abstain from indulgences to achieve spiritual goals.[118]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) A person who practices self-denial and austerity to achieve spiritual goals, often refraining from worldly pleasures.[119]
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: Triveni Journal
(1) 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.[120] (2) The type of man who is not the type of man, as the spirit without mind, spirit without body is not the type of man, and a human spirituality must not belittle the mind, life, or body.[121] (3) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, often in pursuit of spiritual goals, depicted in the context of Mareecha.[122] (4) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstain from all forms of indulgence, often for religious reasons.[123] (5) A character who has renounced worldly pleasures to pursue a deeper understanding of the self and spiritual truth.[124]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Shiva is supreme among ascetics, illustrating a point of comparison for Tulsidas's position.[125] (2) The ascetics were a group that Santoba Powar was a great pillar of, according to the provided information.[126] (3) These are the bairagis, who brought the elephant to the city and are involved in the events surrounding the king's desire to obtain it.[127] (4) A practitioner of severe self-discipline, often depicted in contrast to divine beings.[128] (5) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, whom the king's daughter collects and dances before.[129]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) An extremely old individual who happened to be traveling near the location of the animal, and the animal initiated a conversation with this person.[130] (2) A spiritual figure who begs for the chank shell from the Prince in exchange for a wallet.[131] (3) The three men the Prince discovered, who practiced austerities.[132]