The word asceticism is a term derived from the Greek "askesis" which means "practice or exercise. " It is a word that in ancient times was used to refer to the physical exercise of Greek athletes; However, this concept was adapted to the spiritual plane, remaining as a philosophy, which proposes the exercise of the spiritual part of the person.
In common language, asceticism is linked to austerity and in this sense the ascetic person is one who renounces all material possession, focusing only on the spiritual.
Those philosophers who agreed with this doctrine, understood that the human being is a sensitive being who is not exempt from suffering any suffering, therefore and so that this does not affect him too much, it is necessary for the person to exercise mentally and create habits that reinforce your character.
The cynical philosophers lived with a certain asceticism since they only used what was indispensable to survive, in addition to depending on themselves, the purpose of living in measure, was not to depend on, or be subject to anyone.
This philosophy is associated with religion. The supporters of this doctrine, stated that by rejecting material pleasures, his spirit managed to purify itself. This is why their lives were full of sobriety and guided by strict ethical guidelines.
Despite being considered an independent ideology, asceticism (over time) ended up adhering to certain religions such as Islam, Christianity and Buddhism, where the followers of this system resorted to this lifestyle in order to create a bond much stronger with God.
In the Christian religion, many religious communities were moving away from the cities, in order to be able to undertake an ascetic life, living in rural or desert areas; They did this in order to dedicate themselves exclusively to meditation and prayer, without the inclusion of earthly things. Some of the Christians who chose to lead an ascetic life were Saint Anthony the Abbot, Paul of Thebes, among others.
Buddhism has as its fundamental principle the reflection of suffering, until achieving freedom from it, during the execution of "nirvana". To achieve this, it is necessary, certain practices such as indifference and meditation must be accentuated.
