asceticism etymology

Etymology:

• Latin: ascesis ("exercise")
• Greek: ἄσκησις (askēsis) ("training, practice")

Meaning:

Asceticism refers to the practice of denying oneself worldly pleasures and comforts in order to achieve spiritual enlightenment or purification. It often involves extreme self-denial, such as fasting, celibacy, or flagellation.

Origin:

The concept of asceticism has been part of religious and philosophical traditions for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to:

• Ancient Greece: Stoic philosophers believed in living a life of virtue, which included self-denial and endurance.
• Judaism: The Essenes, a Jewish sect that flourished in the 1st century BCE, practiced asceticism as a way of preparing for the end times.
• Christianity: Early Christians embraced asceticism as a means of following Jesus' teachings on poverty and self-sacrifice.
• Buddhism: The Buddha's teachings emphasized the renunciation of worldly desires and attachments.
• Hinduism: Practices such as yoga and meditation involve elements of asceticism to achieve spiritual transcendence.

Key Features of Asceticism:

• Self-denial: Abstaining from physical and material pleasures.
• Mortification of the flesh: Inflicting pain or discomfort on oneself as a form of penance.
• Withdrawal from society: Living in isolation or seclusion to avoid worldly temptations.
• Devotion to spiritual practices: Spending time in meditation, prayer, or other spiritual activities.

Critics of Asceticism:

While some traditions value asceticism as a means of spiritual growth, others have criticized it for:

• Excessive self-denial: It can lead to physical and mental health problems.
• Elitism: It can create a sense of superiority among those who practice it.
• Escapism: It can be seen as a way of逃避 the challenges and responsibilities of everyday life.

asceticism relate terms

• ascetic

  Etymology The word ascetic derives from the Greek askētikos meaning pertaining to

• austerity

  Etymology Austerity is derived from the Latin word austerus which means severe or

• abstraction

  Etymology The word abstraction is derived from the Latin word abstractio meaning a

• abstain

  Etymology Middle English abstynen Old French and Anglo Norman abstinence Latin absti

• affliction

  Etymology Middle English affliccioun from Anglo Norman French affliction from Latin

• philosophy

  Etymology The word philosophy is derived from the Greek words philo φίλο meani

• doctrine

  Etymology The word doctrine originates from the Latin word doctrina which means tea

• self denial

  Etymology Self comes from Middle English self from Old English self meaning on

• sanguine

  Etymology Latin sanguis blood Indo European krew blood raw flesh Meaning

• vacuum

  Etymology The word vacuum originates from the Latin word vacuus meaning empty or

• psychology

  Etymology Psycho from Greek psyche meaning mind soul or breath logy from Gree