asceticism

Asceticism is a lifestyle characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from various types of indulgence, often for spiritual or religious reasons. Practitioners, known as ascetics, may renounce physical pleasures, material possessions, and social interactions to achieve greater spiritual insight or closeness to the divine. This practice is found in many traditions, including Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism, where it is believed that inner peace and enlightenment come through self-control and minimalism. Essentially, asceticism emphasizes the importance of inner fulfillment over external gratification.