Significance of Austerity
Austerity, as defined across various traditions, involves self-discipline, self-control, and renunciation of worldly pleasures for spiritual growth. In Jainism, it reflects disciplined lifestyles and self-control practices. Vaishnavism emphasizes austerity through practices aimed at devotion and simplicity. Purana links austerity to strict self-discipline and moral qualities, while Yoga sees it as a means to mental and physical discipline. Dharmashastra highlights austerity as essential for personal purification. Overall, austerity signifies a disciplined approach towards achieving spiritual advancement and clarity.
Synonyms: Frugality, Austerity measures, Savings, Economy, Moderation, Self-denial, Simplicity
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Austerity'
Austerity in Buddhism involves rigorous self-discipline and the rejection of indulgences, aiming to achieve spiritual growth and enlightenment through minimalism and restraint in one's lifestyle and desires.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The practice of severe self-discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence, often for spiritual reasons.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Austerity'
Austerity in Hinduism embodies practices of self-discipline and renunciation, aimed at spiritual growth and purification. Known as 'tapas,' it involves disciplined sacrifices and strict self-control, facilitating higher spiritual knowledge and insights.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Practices involving self-discipline and abstention from indulgence.[2] (2) Identified as the chief virtue in the Krita age, it is one of the four factors contributing to overall virtue.[3] (3) Referred to as 'tapas', it signifies the disciplined practice that causes inconvenience, forming an essential part of the Prajapatya penance.[4] (4) The principal virtue in the Krita Cycle, associated with the practices of self-discipline and renunciation.[5] (5) Austerity is a practice that enables beings, including those naturally incapable such as insects, to reach heaven through their experiences of suffering, which is considered a form of austerity.[6]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) The practice of self-discipline and restraint, highlighted during the penance rituals.[7] (2) Practices of self-discipline and restraint in order to attain spiritual goals.[8]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Austerity refers to a life of self-discipline and renunciation often practiced to gain spiritual merit.[9] (2) Practices aimed at self-discipline and control that are considered virtuous in spiritual terms.[10] (3) The practice of severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence undertaken by seekers, emphasized through the actions of Sage Mankanaka in the text.[11] (4) The practice of self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, noted as absent in Kaliyuga.[12]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The practice associated with Shatananda's mother, which involved strict self-discipline and self-denial.[13] (2) The severe self-discipline adopted by sages like Paulastya to attain spiritual purity.[14] (3) A practice of strict self-discipline and self-denial in pursuit of spiritual goals, linked with renouncing warfare.[15]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The practice of self-discipline and renunciation in pursuit of spiritual goals and higher truths.[16] (2) A disciplined spiritual practice aimed at achieving discipline, fortitude, and spiritual clarity.[17]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The disciplined lifestyle and practices observed by the princess in serving her husband.[18]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Tapah refers to the practice of austerity, which implies self-discipline and renunciation of worldly pleasures.[19] (2) A practice of self-discipline and self-denial, often involving a lifestyle of simplicity and restraint.[20] (3) A practice performed by Brahma to attain the ability to create the universe.[21] (4) Tapah, which refers to the practice of self-discipline and asceticism, performed for spiritual advancement.[22] (5) Practices of self-discipline and self-denial undertaken for spiritual growth.[23]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A practice encouraged by the text, highlighting the importance of discipline in spiritual pursuits.[24] (2) Practices that promote self-discipline, often including fasting and other forms of self-denial.[25]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A practice involving self-discipline and refraining from indulgence, which is highlighted as being ineffective in controlling the divine compared to true devotional practice.[26]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Practices that the gopis consider to perform in order to gain Krishna's favor and mitigate their suffering.[27]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A practice of self-discipline, often involving rigorous acts of devotion or denial, used by Shri Rama to seek help from the king of the ocean.[28]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) Austerity is often misunderstood as harsh self-discipline or self-torture; however, non-attachment is meant to be liberating and enriching instead.[29]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) A practice of self-discipline and self-control, often associated with spiritual growth, that can lead to happiness and fulfillment.[30]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) The practice of enduring extremes like hunger and thirst; represents mental and physical discipline.[31]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The practice of self-discipline and avoidance of indulgence, regarded as a moral quality.[32]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A practice related to the duties of the Vaikhanasa and wandering mendicants, focusing on mortification and spiritual discipline.[33]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) Spiritual discipline and practices undertaken by sages like Vyasa to attain higher knowledge and insight.[34]
Jain concept of 'Austerity'
In Jainism, Austerity encompasses self-discipline and self-control, linked to 'riddhi', and reflects the disciplined lifestyle of thirty-three followers who later became lax in their practices, highlighting the importance of maintaining strict ethical living.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The practice of self-discipline and self-control, also classified under the divisions of 'riddhi'.[35]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The disciplined lifestyle that the thirty-three followers practiced before they became lax in their behavior.[36]
The concept of Austerity in local and regional sources
Austerity involves implementing strict economic policies to cut government spending, aiming for financial stability. It emphasizes responsible fiscal management typically guided by political leaders to enhance economic performance and address budget deficits.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The practice of strict economic measures aimed at reducing government spending, which should ideally be modeled by political leaders.[37]