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Significance of Ascetic

The keyphrase "Ascetic" refers to individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstain from worldly pleasures for spiritual purposes. This practice is prominent in various religious traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism, where ascetics renounce physical indulgences to focus on spiritual growth and enlightenment. These practitioners often lead simple lives dedicated to meditation and moral conduct, embodying a commitment to spiritual insight and discipline. Asceticism represents a path towards achieving higher states of consciousness and understanding the self.1
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Synonyms: austere, Self-denying, Austere, Self-disciplined, Spartan, Frugal

In Dutch: Asceet; In Finnish: Askeettinen; In Spanish: 础蝉肠茅迟颈肠辞; In German: Asket; In Swedish: Asket; In Malay: Bertapa; In French: 础蝉肠茅迟颈辩耻别

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'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Ascetic" refers to practitioners who renounce worldly pleasures, engage in strict self-discipline, and meditate rigorously to achieve spiritual perfection and enlightenment, embodying the Bodhisatta鈥檚 commitment to a disciplined, austere life.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, often for spiritual reasons.[1] (2) Individuals who live a life of strict self-discipline and religious observance, such as Bodhisatta and his followers, who guided Ajatasattu.[2] (3) Individuals who practice strict self-discipline and abstain from world pleasures to pursue spiritual goals.[3] (4) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention, often for spiritual reasons, who becomes a central character in the story.[4] (5) Individuals who renounce worldly pleasures and live a life of strict self-discipline, exemplified by the seven brothers.[5]

From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) A lifestyle chosen by Kaliadevila after seeking permission from King Suddhodana, involving renunciation and meditation.[6] (2) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from indulgence, signifying the life Sujata embraced.[7] (3) An individual who has renounced worldly pleasures in pursuit of spiritual goals.[8]

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) Individuals who give up worldly pleasures in pursuit of spiritual depth, often embodying the teachings and ideals of the Buddha.[9] (2) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, mentioned as attempting to dissuade Mendaka from visiting the Buddha.[10]

From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)

(1) A practitioner of severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, represented by both Devadatta and Bodisat in various instances.[11] (2) A person practicing severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, particularly in regards to spiritual goals.[12]

From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga

(1) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from indulgence, typically for spiritual reasons.[13]

From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada

(1) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures for spiritual goals.[14]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) A practitioner who engages in intense meditation or spiritual exercises, particularly in the context of dhyana.[15] (2) A practitioner who abstains from worldly pleasures and strives for spiritual advancement, as highlighted in the text.[16] (3) A practitioner who meditates on suffering and impermanence, striving for self-control and detachment.[17] (4) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from all forms of indulgence, often for religious reasons.[18] (5) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, often for spiritual reasons.[19]

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, often living in hermitages.[20]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)

(1) A figure he met who held the pebbles he threw during his previous visit around a lake.[21] (2) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention to pursue spiritual goals, referenced in the context of being guided by dung tsho ras pa.[22] (3) An individual who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures for spiritual reasons.[23] (4) The lifestyle Dharmasvamin adopted after serving as an abbot, indicating a commitment to spiritual practices.[24] (5) A practitioner who renounces worldly pleasures for a life dedicated to spiritual pursuits and meditation.[25]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha鈥檚 words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)

(1) A practitioner who renounces worldly life for spiritual pursuits; Bhagineyyupali's chosen path after abandoning household life.[26] (2) A person who practices severe self-discipline and avoidance of indulgence, which Mogharaja became after renouncing the worldly life.[27] (3) A practitioner of self-discipline, usually living a simple life devoid of physical pleasures to focus on spiritual goals.[28] (4) A person, like Sataramsi, who renounces physical pleasures and leads a life of simplicity and self-discipline.[29] (5) A practitioner who renounces worldly pleasures for spiritual pursuits.[30]

Hindu concept of 'Ascetic'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, an ascetic is an individual who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures to achieve spiritual goals, often engaging in rigorous spiritual practices and meditation for personal growth and insight.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) A person practicing severe self-discipline and abstinence from worldly pleasures, often engaged in spiritual pursuits.[31] (2) Spiritual practitioners who were protected by Rama from the threats posed by Rakshasas, highlighting Rama鈥檚 role as a guardian.[32] (3) A hermit or spiritual practitioner, who is associated with the birth of Bhangasvana's children after his transformation.[33] (4) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence.[34] (5) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstain from worldly pleasures, often seeking spiritual advancement.[35]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) A person engaged in severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence; the sages were described as emaciated from austerities.[36] (2) A person who practices severe self-discipline, often for spiritual purposes, which applies to Shri Rama.[37] (3) Spiritual practitioners who also listened to the rendition of the sacred classic by the princes.[38] (4) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstain from indulgence for religious reasons.[39] (5) Spiritual practitioners who have renounced worldly pleasures, residing in solitude.[40]

From: Markandeya Purana

(1) A person in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment often through severe self-discipline, referenced in the context of Vishvamitra's character.[41] (2) A practitioner who renounces worldly pleasures, engaging in rigorous self-discipline and meditation to attain spiritual growth.[42] (3) A person who practices severe self-discipline for spiritual purposes, warning Marutta of the disorganization in his rule.[43] (4) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, potentially someone the brahman is seeking for guidance.[44] (5) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from indulgences, which Cakshusha embraced after revealing the fraud of his birth.[45]

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstain from worldly pleasures in pursuit of spiritual goals.[46] (2) Individuals devoted to spiritual practices, often marked by self-discipline and meditation.[47] (3) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline, often renouncing worldly pleasures, but face challenges from divine beings like Indra.[48]

From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya

(1) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures, significant in the context of the transformative events described.[49] (2) A person dedicated to spiritual practice and self-discipline, seeking higher knowledge and liberation.[50] (3) Religious individuals dedicated to spiritual practice, whom Devasharman served and honored.[51]

From: Harivamsha Purana

(1) Spiritual practitioners who seek enlightenment, indicative of the mountain's serene and sacred qualities.[52] (2) Individuals highly regarded for their spiritual practices and disciplines, often mentioned throughout various narratives.[53] (3) People who practice severe self-discipline and abstain from worldly pleasures, seeking a deeper spiritual connection.[54]

From: Anugita (English translation)

(1) An individual who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures as a way to attain spiritual goals.[55] (2) A practitioner of severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, with principles addressed in the Anugita.[56]

From: Bhagavadgita

(1) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from indulgence, focused on spiritual goals and inner peace.[57]

From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)

(1) A person, like Kritabodha, who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from all forms of indulgence for spiritual advancement.[58]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)

(1) The text references ascetics, suggesting they are individuals who dwell in the forest, and the giant questions how they can live there.[59]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Individuals who renounce worldly pleasures for spiritual pursuits and do not pay taxes, included in the list of those under the protection of the King.[60] (2) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention, often for spiritual or religious reasons.[61] (3) Individuals who practice self-discipline and renounce material comforts, often leading a simple life centered around spiritual practice.[62] (4) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention, generally considered competent, but excluded from being a witness in certain texts.[63] (5) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention, exempt from any tax requirements as distinguished in the commentary.[64]

From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra

(1) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures, often in pursuit of spiritual goals.[65] (2) An individual who renounces worldly possessions and pleasures for spiritual advancement.[66]

From: Vasistha Dharmasutra

(1) The fourth order, representing an individual who practices strict self-discipline and abstains from indulgence.[67] (2) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures for spiritual reasons.[68]

From: Gautama Dharmasutra

(1) An individual practicing severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, often for religious reasons.[69]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) People who practice strict self-discipline and abstain from worldly pleasures in pursuit of spiritual goals.[70] (2) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstain from indulgence for spiritual growth.[71] (3) People who practice severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures.[72]

From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya

(1) A person who renounces worldly pleasures and lives a life of intense spiritual practice and discipline.[73]

From: Bhajana-Rahasya

(1) A person who practices strict self-discipline and abstention from indulgence for spiritual reasons.[74]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) Refers to individuals who practice self-discipline and spiritual austerity, which may relate to the followers of Lord Shiva.[75]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) A person practicing severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, often for spiritual reasons.[76] (2) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from all forms of indulgence, often for religious reasons; Harasvamin is noted as such.[77] (3) One of the three Brahmans who renounces worldly possessions and seeks spiritual growth.[78] (4) A person who leads a life of strict self-discipline and abstention, which the husband becomes after being freed by Kali.[79] (5) A character who embodies a life of self-denial; plays a role in the tale involving the snake-king and the theme of accountability and truth.[80]

From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha

(1) Refers to Vidyaranya's lifestyle, indicating his spiritual renouncement, which is relevant to his identity in the commentary.[81]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or 鈥榚pic poetry鈥� and natya, or 鈥榙ramatic poetry鈥�.

Significance in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

From: Kautilya Arthashastra

(1) Individuals who practice austerity and may be used to gain trust and gather intelligence.[82] (2) A person who renounces worldly pleasures for spiritual pursuits, often involving travel or relocation of resources.[83] (3) Individuals who practice severe discipline and abstain from worldly pleasures, permitted to reside in certain places if reliable.[84] (4) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline for spiritual purposes, utilized as a facade by spies.[85] (5) Spiritual practitioners who may be involved in the king's interactions or receive his audience.[86]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Thirty minor Upanishads

(1) A practitioner of strict self-discipline, renouncing worldly pleasures for spiritual advancement.[87] (2) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures to pursue spiritual goals.[88]

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstinence, for whom concentration of mind and senses is defined as the best tapas for knowledge of Brahman.[89]

From: Kaivalya Upanishad

(1) Individuals with pure minds who seek to ascertain reality through practices rooted in Vedanta and sannyasa, emphasizing spiritual dedication.[90]

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) This term describes an individual who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures, often for religious or spiritual purposes.[91]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy):
Natyashastra Books

From: Natyashastra (English)

(1) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention for spiritual goals, addressed as 'blessed one' (sadho).[92]

Natyashastra refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya鈥攖heatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

Jain concept of 'Ascetic'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, the term "Ascetic" refers to individuals who practice extreme self-discipline and abstain from worldly pleasures, often as mendicants, to achieve spiritual growth and enlightenment through rigorous religious disciplines.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Individuals who practiced severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, who the king aimed to assist.[93] (2) A person devoted to a life of austerity and spiritual discipline, represented by the god in disguise who brings the king a gift.[94] (3) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, often for religious reasons.[95] (4) A person who practices sever self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures, often for spiritual reasons.[96] (5) Defined in the text as 'sannyasta', pointing to a person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention.[97]

From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)

(1) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, often in pursuit of spiritual goals.[98] (2) A person who engages in severe self-discipline and abstains from indulgence, often to attain spiritual goals.[99] (3) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures, who is not supposed to experience cruel meditation.[100] (4) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from worldly pleasures, particularly in the pursuit of spiritual goals.[101] (5) A practitioner on a spiritual path who may experience varying degrees of the causes of bondage based on their progression.[102]

From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra

(1) A practitioner of severe self-discipline and abstention, who refrains from accumulating material possessions.[103] (2) A person who refrains from worldly pleasures and focuses on self-restraint and sinlessness after hearing the Law.[104] (3) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, exemplified by Bala.[105]

From: Acaranga-sutra

(1) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstain from indulgences for spiritual growth, often living as mendicants.[106] (2) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from indulgences, focusing on spiritual growth rather than familial ties.[107]

From: Naladiyar

(1) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, to whom wealth can be given.[108] (2) People who practice severe self-discipline and abstain from indulgences to achieve spiritual goals.[109]

From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)

(1) A person who practices self-denial and austerity to achieve spiritual goals, often refraining from worldly pleasures.[110]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, 鈥榮elf-reliance鈥�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Ascetic in local and regional sources

History Books

Ascetic denotes individuals who renounce worldly pleasures and engage in severe self-discipline to achieve spiritual goals. This term highlights their pursuit of deeper self-understanding and spiritual truth, contrasting their lifestyle with indulgence.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, often in pursuit of spiritual goals, depicted in the context of Mareecha.[111] (2) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstain from all forms of indulgence, often for religious reasons.[112] (3) A character who has renounced worldly pleasures to pursue a deeper understanding of the self and spiritual truth.[113] (4) Individuals who practiced severe self-discipline and abstention from various pleasures, often as a part of their spiritual pursuits.[114] (5) A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from indulgence, often for spiritual reasons.[115]

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) A practitioner of severe self-discipline, often depicted in contrast to divine beings.[116] (2) Individuals who practice severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, whom the king's daughter collects and dances before.[117]

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3

(1) A spiritual figure who begs for the chank shell from the Prince in exchange for a wallet.[118] (2) The three men the Prince discovered, who practiced austerities.[119]

Plural form: Ascetics.