#Asceticism
Quotes about asceticism
Asceticism, a concept deeply rooted in various religious and philosophical traditions, represents the practice of self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, often for spiritual or personal growth. This lifestyle choice is characterized by simplicity, restraint, and a focus on inner development rather than material possessions or sensory pleasures. People are drawn to asceticism for its promise of clarity, peace, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. In a society often driven by consumerism and instant gratification, the principles of asceticism offer a refreshing counterbalance, encouraging individuals to seek fulfillment beyond the physical and superficial.
Quotes about asceticism resonate with many because they encapsulate the essence of living with intention and purpose. They inspire reflection on what truly matters and challenge us to consider the value of moderation and mindfulness in our daily lives. Whether one is seeking spiritual enlightenment, personal discipline, or simply a more meaningful existence, the wisdom found in ascetic teachings provides guidance and motivation. These quotes serve as reminders of the power of simplicity and the profound impact that a life of intentional restraint can have on our overall well-being and sense of fulfillment.
Asceticism is not that you should not own anything, but that nothing should own you.
I never did calligraphy... But handwriting is an entirely different kind of thing. It's part of the syndrome of modernism... It's part of that asceticism.
If a hermit lives in a state of ecstasy, his lack of comfort becomes the height of comfort. He must relinquish it.
To deny oneself is to be aware only of Christ and no more of self, to see only Him who goes before and no more the road which is too hard for us. Once more, all that self-denial can say is, 'He leads the way, keep close to Him.'
The cacophony of contemporary popular culture makes it hard to discern the call of truth and wisdom. There is no area in which practicing asceticism is more important.
This is why humility was so important. It was the soul's way of short-circuiting the damage that could be done by the constant need to know where one stood with respect to others.The point of humility was not to think ill of oneself but to protect oneself from this craving for status. This, in turn, would free the spirit to see life in a new way.
[T]he new interest in asceticism came at a time when many Christians were reassessing their relationship to the institutional Church. Whether by becoming an ascetic or by showing support for the ascetic movement, ordinary Christians could take a stand against the greed and corruption that threatened to erode the values of the Church in its new, privileged, circumstances.
A story is told of one of the most revered abbots of fourth-century Egypt, Pachomius the Great, who refused to see his sister Maria when she came to visit him. The explanation was his own urgent need to avoid someone who might entangle him in the bonds of family feeling, and he was even praised for his self-control in being able to forgo the pleasure of her visit. It is not surprising that women sometimes found the self-involvement of male ascetics irritating.
The ancients used to go to jungle to do Sadhana i.e. to face hardships, danger and uncertainly with nothing but faith. Now people want to escape to jungle for peace. If you want to do Sadhana, society is the new jungle. All kinds of animals are roaming here in human clothes.