asceticism

Scope Note

Practices reflecting tendencies of self-abasement or self-torture; mortification of the flesh (e.g., flagellation, hookswinging, bed of spikes); fasting; sexual renunciation (e.g.. continence); renunciation of comforts (e.g., vows of poverty, wearing sackcloth); abandonment of worldly affairs (e.g., becoming a beggar or hermit); etc.

Identifier

Broader Term

• 780 religious practices

Related Terms

• 150 behavior processes and personality
• 261 gratification and control of hunger
• 304 body alterations
• 762 suicide
• 792 prophets and ascetics
• 831 sexuality