Significance of Ascetic life
Ascetic life is described across various traditions, emphasizing a lifestyle marked by simplicity, self-discipline, and renunciation of worldly pleasures. In Buddhism, it reflects the Bodhisattva’s path and spiritual pursuit. Jainism highlights Mahavira’s rigorous moral practices, and Tibetan Buddhism underscores severe self-discipline for spiritual purposes. Vaishnavism and Puranic contexts also emphasize abstention from indulgence. Overall, ascetic life promotes self-denial and spiritual growth, aiming for higher spiritual knowledge and liberation from material attachments across diverse philosophical perspectives.
Synonyms: Austere lifestyle, Monastic life, Simple life, Disciplined life, Spartan life, Frugal life, Austere life
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 life'
Ascetic life in Buddhism emphasizes severe self-discipline and renunciation of worldly pleasures, allowing individuals, like the Bodhisatta and various characters, to pursue spiritual growth and enlightenment through simplicity and focused spiritual practices.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A lifestyle characterized by self-discipline and abstention from sensual pleasures to attain spiritual goals.[1] (2) A lifestyle characterized by severe self-discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence, often for spiritual purposes.[2] (3) A lifestyle characterized by self-discipline and spiritual practices aimed at attaining higher states of consciousness.[3] (4) The lifestyle that Sutasoma desired to embrace as a result of discontentment with domestic life.[4] (5) A lifestyle characterized by self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, adopted by the character in the Himalaya region.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A lifestyle free from material attachments and focused on spiritual development.[6] (2) The lifestyle adopted by the future Buddha to achieve enlightenment, characterized by renunciation and meditation practices.[7] (3) A lifestyle characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures.[8] (4) A disciplined lifestyle characterized by severe self-denial and meditation, adopted by Upasena to realize higher spiritual goals.[9] (5) A life committed to spiritual practices, characterized by austerity, meditation, and the abandoning of worldly pleasures.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A life dedicated to renunciation of worldly pleasures to foster spiritual development.[11]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A lifestyle that the Dharmasvamin embraced, particularly notable during his years of strict seclusion and meditation.[12] (2) A lifestyle characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, which Precious Dharmasvamin adopted after appointing dbon rin po che to the abbot's chair.[13] (3) A lifestyle of simplicity and self-denial that blo bzang grags pa was encouraged to pursue for spiritual growth.[14] (4) A lifestyle characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures for spiritual purposes.[15] (5) The lifestyle pursued by glang thang rin po che after entrusting the abbotship, focusing on renunciation and spiritual practice.[16]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The lifestyle adopted by Bhagineyyupali after renouncing worldly life, seeking spiritual development and higher knowledge.[17]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A lifestyle characterized by simplicity, self-discipline, and renunciation of worldly pleasures, as adopted by the Bodhisattva.[18]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) The lifestyle Siddhartha adopts after leaving the palace, involving renunciation of worldly pleasures in search of spiritual enlightenment.[19]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A lifestyle characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, often practiced by seers and sages.[20]
Hindu concept of 'Ascetic life'
Ascetic life in Hinduism is characterized by self-denial, austerity, and severe self-discipline, aimed at spiritual growth and liberation, often contrasting with worldly pleasures and pursuits, as seen in the practices of various figures within the tradition.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A lifestyle characterized by self-denial and renunciation, often taken on by those who retire from worldly affairs, as referenced in the context of duties.[21] (2) A lifestyle characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence for spiritual growth.[22] (3) A life of rigorous self-discipline and abstention, adopted by Marica due to past events involving Rama.[23]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A lifestyle characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, often for spiritual gain.[24] (2) A way of life characterized by self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, which Saubhari and his wives adopted.[25] (3) A lifestyle of severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, which Renuka willingly shared with her husband, Jamadagni.[26]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A lifestyle characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures for spiritual pursuit.[27] (2) A lifestyle characterized by the renunciation of material possessions and worldly pleasures for spiritual growth.[28]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The lifestyle that Ramacandra decides to pursue in the forest, which includes living simply and away from royal duties.[29] (2) A mode of living characterized by renunciation of worldly pleasures, which Rama and Sita aim to adopt during their time in the forest.[30]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The striving ascetic is recognized as a sadhu upon achieving yogic power and discipline.[31] (2) A lifestyle characterized by the renunciation of worldly pleasures for spiritual pursuits, aimed at attaining liberation.[32]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The strict and disciplined lifestyle Sikhidvaja has chosen, marked by renouncement of worldly pleasures and engagement in austerities.[33]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) A lifestyle characterized by self-denial and austerity, often pursued for spiritual purposes.[34]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A lifestyle characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures and pursuits, often for spiritual reasons.[35] (2) The austere and disciplined lifestyle adopted by Mandaravati while waiting in the hermitage.[36]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) A lifestyle marked by severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, often associated with spiritual practice.[37] (2) A lifestyle characterized by austere practices and renunciation of worldly pleasures, pursued in the Sannyasa-ashrama.[38]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) A lifestyle focused on self-denial, austerity, and spiritual detachment.[39]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A lifestyle characterized by severe self-discipline and avoidance of indulgence, typically for spiritual reasons.[40]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A lifestyle characterized by self-discipline and simplicity, undertaken for spiritual enhancement, often in contrast to worldly pleasures.[41]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) Umapati Shivam transitioned from being a householder to an ascetic after receiving diksha and realizing the value of spiritual practices.[42]
From: Tiruvacakam Part I
(1) A lifestyle characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures, adopted by the poet in his quest for spiritual fulfillment.[43]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) A lifestyle characterized by renunciation of worldly pleasures for spiritual pursuits, commonly found in many Indian religious traditions.[44]
Jain concept of 'Ascetic life'
Ascetic life in Jainism, exemplified by Mahavira, encompasses rigorous self-discipline, moral practices, and spiritual austerity. It involves self-denial and meditation, guiding practitioners towards spiritual truths and deeper adherence to Jain beliefs.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) The lifestyle adopted by Mahavira that involved rigorous moral practices and self-discipline, heavily influencing Jain beliefs.[45] (2) A lifestyle characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, often for religious or spiritual reasons.[46] (3) The phase of Mahavira’s life characterized by self-denial, meditation, and the seeking of spiritual truths.[47]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) A lifestyle characterized by self-denial, austerity, and spiritual discipline as practiced by monks.[48]
The concept of Ascetic life in local and regional sources
Ascetic life signifies a lifestyle marked by abstaining from worldly pleasures, simplicity, and self-discipline. It connects to Padmavathi's poetry, reflecting themes of spirituality and humanitarianism while supporting social services through self-denial.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A lifestyle characterized by simplicity and self-denial that resonates in the themes of Padmavathi’s poetry.[49] (2) A lifestyle characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures, often associated with spiritual or humanitarian pursuits.[50]
From: Formal Education System in Ancient India
(1) A lifestyle characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, which was not opposed to social services.[51]