Thus, ascetic practices are not usually regarded as virtuous as such, merely a means towards a mind-body transformation, or a purification of the body which enables connection with the Divine and the cultivation of inner peace. The justification behind Asceticism is usually that spiritual and religious goals are impeded by indulgence in pleasures of the flesh, although it does not necessarily hold that the enjoyment of life is bad in itself. Diametrically opposed to Asceticism is Hedonism, the philosophy that pleasure is the most important pursuit of mankind. In ancient Greek philosophy, the adherents of Cynicism and Stoicism adopted the practice of mastering desire and passion, as to some extent did Epicureanism. By Branch / Doctrine > Ethics > AsceticismĪsceticism describes a life-style characterized by voluntary abstinence from various sorts of worldly pleasures (especially sexual activity, the consumption of alcohol and the accumulation of property and wealth), often with the aim of pursuing religious or spiritual goals.
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