Significance of Self-denial
Self-denial is a significant concept across various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, Purana, Yoga, and Vedanta, focused on the intentional abstention from desires and comforts to achieve spiritual goals. In Buddhism, it involves denying oneself comforts for true understanding. Jainism emphasizes abstaining from desires for spiritual focus. Purana details various figures practicing self-denial for spiritual powers and purity. The overarching theme across these teachings highlights self-denial as a means to attain liberation and higher spiritual consciousness.
Synonyms: Self-restraint, Self-discipline, Self-control, Asceticism, Abstinence, Renunciation, Temperance, Austerity
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Self-denial'
In Buddhism, self-denial signifies the importance of relinquishing personal desires for spiritual growth and the greater good, demonstrated through various practices aimed at achieving enlightenment and fostering discipline, community, and higher principles.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The extreme practice engaged in by Jambuka, demonstrating misguided attempts at spiritual attainment through neglect of basic sustenance.[1] (2) The act of limiting one's own sustenance or comforts for a prolonged period, a key aspect of successfully fulfilling the Saraniya Practice over twelve years.[2] (3) The practice of abstaining from certain comforts, such as lying down, to cultivate a stronger focus on spiritual goals, as illustrated by the lives of certain bhikkhus.[3]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The practice embraced by Kosiya to refrain from indulging in pleasures without sharing with those in need.[4] (2) The condition that the Elder Moggallana seeks to instill in the Lord High Treasurer, emphasizing the importance of foregoing selfish desires for the greater good.[5]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The practice of denying oneself comforts, which the Tathagata argues does not lead to true understanding.[6] (2) A discipline Buddha practiced for the purpose of achieving enlightenment and leaving a legacy.[7]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The act of foregoing personal desires for the sake of others or a higher principle.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Self-denial'
Self-denial in Hinduism signifies the intentional abstention from bodily pleasures and desires to foster spiritual growth, moral integrity, and purity. It encompasses practices like fasting, renunciation of possessions, and prioritizing spiritual commitments over personal indulgences.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The practice of abstaining from personal desires as a means to achieve true purity.[9] (2) The act of Garuda choosing not to drink the Amrita, illustrating his strength of character and dedication.[10] (3) The practice of withholding personal desires in service to others, exemplified by Savitri's conduct in the household.[11] (4) The practice of abstaining from indulgence in worldly pleasures for spiritual growth.[12] (5) The act of denying oneself basic needs or pleasures for spiritual or moral reasons.[13]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A lifestyle requirement emphasized for anyone who would possess the Syamantaka jewel.[14] (2) The renunciation of worldly pleasures and desires in the pursuit of spiritual liberation.[15] (3) The practice of abstaining from indulgences for spiritual growth or purification.[16]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The practice demonstrated by Sukra through abstinence, contributing to his weakened physical state but heightened spiritual focus.[17] (2) The practice of refraining from indulgences, highlighted as a way to achieve liberation, akin to the Stoic philosophy.[18]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A practice adopted by Tripura during his penance, indicating his refusal of basic sustenance to gain supernatural powers.[19]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A state that distinguishes a man from others, implying a rejection of bodily pleasures for higher spiritual attainment.[20]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The act of rejecting worldly possessions and desires as advocated by the Renunciate.[21] (2) The concept of voluntarily limiting oneself in order to more closely follow the rules during the invitation process.[22]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) Self-denial involves the intentional abstention from certain pleasures and desires, often practiced through fasting and rituals as part of ascetic disciplines.[23]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The practice of withholding personal desires to maintain focus on spiritual commitments.[24]
Jain concept of 'Self-denial'
Self-denial in Jainism involves abstaining from desires and needs, allowing individuals to concentrate on achieving spiritual goals. This practice emphasizes discipline and detachment for personal spiritual development.
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The practice of abstaining from desires and needs in order to focus on spiritual goals.[25]
The concept of Self-denial in local and regional sources
Self-denial emphasizes personal sacrifice for the greater good, as advocated by leaders like Gandhi, while also highlighting the conflict between rejecting desires for higher goals and the potential for inhuman experiences, as argued by Bhattacharya.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The act of rejecting personal desires or pleasures in order to live a life aligned with spiritual values or commitments.[26] (2) The act of rejecting personal desires, which Bhattacharya argues against, contending that it leads to inhuman experiences rather than true happiness.[27] (3) The act of denying oneself personal pleasures or gains for the sake of a greater purpose.[28] (4) A principle emphasized by leaders like Gandhi, focusing on personal sacrifice and discipline for the greater good of the nation.[29]