Buddhism vs. Asceticism

Buddhism is a spiritual tradition focused on understanding suffering and achieving enlightenment through practices like meditation, ethical conduct, and wisdom. Asceticism involves strict self-discipline and denying worldly pleasures to purify the mind and body, often to attain spiritual goals. While both seek spiritual growth, Buddhism emphasizes balanced moderation (the Middle Way) and compassionate awareness, whereas asceticism tends to favor extreme self-denial. Buddhism values mental insight over physical austerity, and ascetic practices are one approach among many within spiritual paths aiming for liberation or enlightenment.